Infernal Affairs: Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s film tells an interesting story of forced duplicity, a dance of two sides using the same tactics to outmaneuver the other, something that can create many exciting moments. It allows for a good look at the characters trying to cope with a situation they can’t really control anymore. However, the film has a penchant for over-explaining at times and reveals an ace in the hole way too soon. Andy Lau and Tony Leung are fine as the infiltrated bandit-as-cop and cop-as-bandit, respectively. Eric Tsang and Anthony Wong are also good as their respective bosses. The film has an efficient look, clearly establishing a visual identity for each of the two factions; the musical score mixes tense overtones with some (exceedingly) romantic moments, which is odd at times.

Read what I wrote before: Infernal Affairs