Infernal Affairs II

2003

1h 59m

Action

Crime

Drama

List

78%

Tomatometer

9 Reviews

83%

Audience Score

10,000+ Ratings

In this prequel to the original, a rebel policeman sets up the infiltration of Triad gangs and tries bring down a corrupt cop working for the Triad boss.

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Premiered Jun 27

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Ed Gonzalez

Slant Magazine

Less show-offy than Infernal Affairs, its prequel is also considerably over-plotted.

Rated: 2/4

Sep 7, 2004

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Aug 13, 2004

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James Christopher

Times (UK)

I was spellbound by this film. I can't wait to see it again. It is clever on every level: period, music and performance

Aug 5, 2004

Full Review

Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

Directors Alan Mak (who also co-wrote the trilogy) and Andrew Lau orchestrate the whole series with high tension...

Feb 14, 2023

Full Review

Pablo Villaça

Cinema em Cena

Expande a histria dos personagens, evitando a repetio que caracteriza tantas continuaes. O resultado um filme interessante e, como o primeiro, trgico ao seu prprio modo.

Rated: 4/5

May 7, 2006

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

Infernal Affairs II contains strong performances by Anthony Wong and Eric Tsang along with some edgy music by Chan Kwong-wing.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 10, 2004

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Matthew D

Even more shocking and gripping than the first Infernal Affairs amazingly! Directors Andrew Lau and Alan Mak's Hong Kong crime drama Infernal Affairs II (2003) is fascinating. The Hong Kong Handover from Britain to China is so interesting as the backdrop. Seeing a prequel that possibly surpasses the original is amazing enough. We get to see how Triad boss Sam rises to power from the hands of the Ngai Triad crime family, all while moles and rats are already in place. It's all enthralling, exciting, sorrowful, violent, funny, and shocking. Writers Alan Mak and Felix Chong came up with a brilliant script that weaves together Hong Kong Triad power struggles, Hong Kong police surveillance, moles, rats, and the interesting Hong Kong Handover subplot. I loved seeing Hong Kong and Thailand with all these carefully planned killings and betrayals. All the reveals are perhaps even more shocking than in Infernal Affairs. Editors Danny Pang and Curran Pang do swift cuts and hazy flashbacks for a dreamy vibe. Infernal Affairs II's 119 minutes goes by quickly and is easy enough to follow all the intertwining stories thanks to Pangs' steadfast cutting style. Cinematographers Andrew Lau and Ng Man-Ching use striking green and blue lighting for all these stunning wide shots. I like the neo-noir aesthetic of Infernal Affairs II. Edison Chen's young mobster turned mole in the police feels especially sleazy and underhanded already. Shawn Yue's young undercover cop is nearly as sympathetic as Tony Leung's performance in Infernal Affairs. Yue is subtle and mature with expressive eyes. Eric Tsang is hilarious and clever as the Triad mob boss Sam once more as he tricks and ensnares his way to power. Anthony Wong's police chief feels smart and uneasy as he will clearly cross lines to take down Triad bosses. Francis Ng is smart and intimidating as the quiet and nuanced Triad boss Ngai Hau. Carina Lau is beautiful and sympathetic as Sam's wife and an undercover cop herself with her own issues. Art director Bill Lui Cho-Hung shows off fireworks alongside the famous floating restaurant in Hong Kong during the Hong Kong Handover ceremony. Composer Comfort Chan Kwong-Wing crafts gentle piano and string symphonies for the melancholic tone during the shocking kills. Every moment is more romantic or forlorn because of his somber, beautiful film score. Overall, Infernal Affairs II is somehow as engaging and shocking as the first film!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Not as good as the first one. Too confusing to follow.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Liam D

A prequel that doesn't live up to the original this Thriller is still worth watching.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/30/20

Full Review

Audience Member

Full of Loopholes.. kinda questions perfect first part!!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

Audience Member

if I could I would give this movie a 8.25/10. It is certainly a well put movie, but not a masterpiece like its foremovie. Honestly could be a movie by itself and did not need the first movie to be watched before watching this one. Good music.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One if the darkest films I've seen in a long time...delicously twisted. Hidden gem..not comfortable to watch..but I dare you not to see it through to the end.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

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Andrew Lau Wai-Keung

Director

Alan Mak

Director

Anthony Chau-Sang Wong

SP Wong Chi Shing

Eric Tsang

Hon Sam

Carina Lau

Mary Hon

Francis Ng

Ngai Wing Hau

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Synopsis

In this prequel to the original, a rebel policeman sets up the infiltration of Triad gangs and tries bring down a corrupt cop working for the Triad boss.

Director: Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, Alan Mak
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 21, 2017
Runtime: 1h 59m

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