Infernal Affairs (2002, Lau/Mak)

I can’t remember the last time I was so intrigued at finding out how a film ended. "Infernal Affairs" has more twists than a pretzel, but that isn’t the only thing working for it. The characters are all completely fleshed out, the dramatic pacing electrifying and the outcomes unexpectantly ironic. This is a Hong Kong thriller made with the tenderness and insight of a Michael Mann film.

Laced heavily with ingenuity, and featuring a terrific cat and mouse game played on a chess board of deceits, lies, double crosses and immense intricacy, it is one of the best films of its kind. The story itself is vaguely familiar in how closely portions of it resemble John Woo’s ’Face/Off’ (cop goes undercover within the Triad; Triad member goes undercover within police force, both don’t know about the other but grow weary in their positions and want out). Richly rewarding all the way till the very end. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5