Infernal Affairs (2002)

Le jeu du chat et une souris...

Infernal Affairs me rappelle ces films qu'on ne réalise plus. Ceux à l’image grainée, aux dialogues francs, aux personnages nuancés et intenses. Pas de courses-poursuites démesurées, pas d'explosions toutes les sept secondes, une action précise et millimétrée, mais terriblement efficace.

Tony Leung et Andy Lau livrent des personnages parfaits. Le premier est un flic sous couverture qui, après dix ans d'infiltration, espère retrouver sa liberté. Le second est une taupe dans les rangs de la police qui vit dans un certain confort. Le contraste entre leurs deux vies est immense, chacun servant sa propre cause : la justice ou le crime. La différence est que l'un a des valeurs, l'autre très peu, si ce n'est aucune.

L'intrigue est à la fois claire et rythmée, ne connaissant aucun temps-mort, ou seulement lorsqu'ils ont un rôle à jouer. La tension ne cesse de monter, accompagnée d'une musique exceptionnelle et d'une mise en scène soignée qui n’en fait pas des tonnes, au contraire. Elle reste sobre dans un Hong Kong étouffé par la chaleur.

En bref, Infernal Affairs est un thriller brillant dans son intrigue et ses personnages. La version de Martin Scorsese a son charme, mais rien ne vaut la fascination époustouflante de l'original d'Alan Mak.

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Did you see the multi Oscars’ awards winner “The Departed”? Well, let me tell you this original is way better than the remake.

It’s true that the American version has better visuals because…duh, it was produced four years after Infernal Affairs but the original remains the best. Anyhow, I am not here to compare both versions; let’s talk about this movie.

Infernal Affairs is about the underground world, the triads and the moles. This is probably the best undercover story ever written; the developments created a race against time to reveal the moles within the gang and the police. This is a fast paced rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The suspense element was flawless but the mystery built up was somehow lacking that’s why the storyline didn’t manage to get the perfect score.

Like any other action movie, this one contains violence and brutal killing sometimes but I wouldn’t categorize it as a violent movie. This is basically a thriller-crime mixed up with well-made suspense with the undercover theme as its center.

The acting was quite remarkable, with Tony Leung and Andy Lau as main leads you’re bound to expect something with quality and they surely didn’t disappoint. They were both great in portraying their role and delivering feelings; nothing less from two of the best actors in HKC productions. Other actors like Anthony Wong and Eric Tsang were also quite good and pretty convincing.

This movie’s characterization was the major strength point beside the clever writing of course. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I say that all characters will be able to to get your full intention whether they were the good guys or the villains. The writers succeeded in creating top-notch characters’ development that will make you relate with each and every one of them.

The music was fitting for a suspense thriller movie; I also liked the “Shi Shey” song that was played in the background, it was really calming.

Watch this if:
-You’re looking for good suspense thriller with unexpected twists and turns.
- You’re fond of undercover themed stories.
- You’re in the mood for good screenwriting and compelling storyline.
- You like Andy Lau, Tony Leung or both them. This shouldn’t be missed for both of their fans.

Do not expect:
-Happy ever after ending.
- Romance.

All in all, this movie is wonderfully made since it can draw you into the world of darkness and make you strongly attached to its characters and events. If you like the genres, I can guarantee that this movie will manage to move you one way or another.

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