Infernal Affairs
Rent/Purchase
Chan Wing Yan, a young police officer, has been sent undercover as a mole in the local mafia. Lau Kin Ming, a young mafia member, infiltrates the police force. Years later, their older counterparts, Chen Wing Yan and Inspector Lau Kin Ming, respectively, race against time to expose the mole within their midst.
What critics thought
Infernal Affairs is widely regarded as a standout of Hong Kong crime cinema, praised for trading the genre's usual action spectacle for psychological tension and genuine emotional complexity. Critics were largely enthusiastic, though the depth of admiration varied — some found it a gripping, unusually layered thriller, while others noted that its densely constructed plot could occasionally pull attention away from its striking visuals.
“The movie pays off in a kind of emotional complexity rarely seen in crime movies. I cannot reveal what happens but will urge you to consider the thoughts of two men who finally confront their own real identities—in the person of the other character.”
Roger Ebert·Roger Ebert
“Infernal Affairs is so beautifully shot that the images occasionally distract you from the condensed policier plot.”
Elvis Mitchell·New York Times
Genres
Crime, Drama, Mystery
Cast & Crew
DirectorAlan Mak Siu-Fai, Andrew Lau Wai-Keung
StarringAndy Lau, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Anthony Wong, Eric Tsang Chi-Wai, Kelly Chen Hui-Lin
ComposerComfort Chan
Infernal Affairs
Chan Wing Yan, a young police officer, has been sent undercover as a mole in the local mafia. Lau Kin Ming, a young mafia member, infiltrates the police force. Years later, their older counterparts, Chen Wing Yan and Inspector Lau Kin Ming, respectively, race against time to expose the mole within their midst.
What critics thought
Infernal Affairs is widely regarded as a standout of Hong Kong crime cinema, praised for trading the genre's usual action spectacle for psychological tension and genuine emotional complexity. Critics were largely enthusiastic, though the depth of admiration varied — some found it a gripping, unusually layered thriller, while others noted that its densely constructed plot could occasionally pull attention away from its striking visuals.
“The movie pays off in a kind of emotional complexity rarely seen in crime movies. I cannot reveal what happens but will urge you to consider the thoughts of two men who finally confront their own real identities—in the person of the other character.”
Roger Ebert·Roger Ebert
“Infernal Affairs is so beautifully shot that the images occasionally distract you from the condensed policier plot.”
Elvis Mitchell·New York Times
Genres
Crime, Drama, Mystery
Cast & Crew
DirectorAlan Mak Siu-Fai, Andrew Lau Wai-Keung
StarringAndy Lau, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Anthony Wong, Eric Tsang Chi-Wai, Kelly Chen Hui-Lin
ComposerComfort Chan
Rent/Purchase