Infernal Affairs (Mou gaan dou), is probably one of the best cop film thrillers I’ve ever seen. Set in modern day Hong Kong, we are introduced to a set of characters all interwoven through the ominous Triad gang and the Hong Kong police force. We are firstly introduced to the Triad gang run by the enigmatic Sam (Eric Tsang) who infiltrates one of his own gang members Lau (Andy Lau) into the police force. The police force in turn place a mole Chen (Tony Leung), deep undercover in the Triads.

Problems soon start to arise with Chen starting to question his time deep undercover and Lau trying to protect his cover as well as stay loyal to the Triads. Mayhem ensues when the police soon start to close in on the Triads, but the Triads don’t go down without a fight and lives are lost on both sides.

You must watch this film as it was meant to be seen, with the original soundtrack. This means subtitles are necessary if you don’t speak Cantonese, but don’t let that put you off. This is edge-of-the-seat stuff with plenty of action to satisfy any man, enough will-they-won’t-they for the ladies and very well written by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, definitely two writers to watch.

This is pretty much an all-round great film with the underlying theme of ‘how far will you go to protect your identity?’ Whether loyally, ethically or just for sheer survival. This is well-acted with convincing performances from Leung, Tsang and Lau. I found myself captivated by these characters, hating some, loving others which makes it all part of the fun.

Alice Says:

Me being Chinese and all, this is a film that makes me proud to be Chinese/Hong Kongnese.

The Hong Kong film industry isn’t far out there in Hollywood, and certainly has a long way to go, but this film and it’s successors Infernal Affairs II and Infernal Affairs III, has definitely propelled the Hong Kong film industry right into the midst of Hollywood film-makers attention and blown them away.

The Film Buzz Rating: 8.5/10

Released: 2004

Director’s: Wai-keung Lau & Alan Mak

Writer’s: Alan Mak & Felix Chong

Links: IMDB