Infernal Affairs

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Infernal Affairs

R

Released Sep 24, 2004

1h 40m

Crime

Drama

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

68 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Idealistic police cadet Chan Wing-Yan (Tony Leung) is recruited by Police Superintendant Wong (Anthony Wong) to go deep undercover as a member of the criminal Triad society. Into the same cadet class, crime boss Hon Sam (Eric Tsang) installs new Triad member Lau Kin Ming (Andy Lau) to become a long-term mole for the gang. A decade later, both have risen through the ranks in their respective aliases -- but when both of their covers are in danger of being blown, a game of life and death ensues.

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Critics Consensus

Smart and engrossing, this is one of Hong Kong's better cop thrillers.

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Anupama Chopra

Film Companion

Internal Affairs is a deliciously twisted thriller from Hong Kong.

May 18, 2020

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

The pace and plot are dizzying, but the movie also works as a study of fractured identity: the two have led double lives so long they're no longer sure who they are.

Mar 13, 2018

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

Ultimately quiet tepid.

Rated: C+

May 4, 2005

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Rose Ho

The Asian Cut

A brilliant example of the thriller genre.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 2, 2025

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Ian Kane

Epoch Times

“Infernal Affairs” showcases solid craftsmanship, impeccable production values, and stellar performances that effectively synergize without exploring new narrative territories.

Rated: 3.5

Sep 3, 2024

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Joshua Polanski

Boston Hassle

The images of this film carry true staying power.

Jul 9, 2024

Full Review

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Isa B

For many American film fans, this picture will always be compared to Martin Scorsese's The Departed. After all, this was the material from which the screenplay for The Departed was developed. With a shorter runtime, this film is faster paced. Of course, I could be a bit biased because it's Martin Scorsese and I saw The Departed first, but I do believe it to be the better of the two films. Martin Scorsese and his brilliant cast just did it better, plain and simple. Judging Internal Affairs by its own merit, it is absolutely a great film. I most definitely recommend it. 92/100

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/11/25

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S R

Definitely one of the better cop thrillers from Hong Kong. However, Hollywood took this and made "The Departed" that was so much better. This had some odd parts that didn't make sense, but it still was entertaining. However, I don't plan to see it again. I saw it since it was on the NYT 1000 movies list. SLC DVD.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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Leprechaun K

Original and captivating. Well written, well acted, and well directed, with a fantastic score. No complains.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/26/25

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Insomniac X

This slickly produced police thriller is far more stoic than its American counterpart, but just as tightly plotted. The film's subdued emotional pitch ultimately undermines some of its suspense, despite an abundance of clever twists and turns.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/02/25

Full Review

ChrisCSH H

Infernal affairs is a thriller of a Hong Kong cop movie some good espionage mixed in with some old-fashioned noir with a incredible ending scene.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

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Mark C

One of the best HK crime films ever made.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/06/24

Full Review

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Andrew Lau Wai-Keung

Director

Alan Mak

Director

Tony Leung Chiu Wai

Chan Wing Yan

Andy Lau

Inspector Lau Kin Ming

Anthony Chau-Sang Wong

SP Wong Chi Shing

Eric Tsang

Hon Sam

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Synopsis

Idealistic police cadet Chan Wing-Yan (Tony Leung) is recruited by Police Superintendant Wong (Anthony Wong) to go deep undercover as a member of the criminal Triad society. Into the same cadet class, crime boss Hon Sam (Eric Tsang) installs new Triad member Lau Kin Ming (Andy Lau) to become a long-term mole for the gang. A decade later, both have risen through the ranks in their respective aliases -- but when both of their covers are in danger of being blown, a game of life and death ensues.

Director: Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, Alan Mak
Producer: Andy Lau
Screenwriter: Felix Chong, Alan Mak
Distributor: Universal Pictures, Miramax Films
Production Co: Basic Pictures, Media Asia Films Ltd. [hk]
Rating: R (Violence)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 24, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $89.6K
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital

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