Infernal Affairs II

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Mark C A prequel that existed only due to the success of the first film, a classic. You’d be wise to disregard this instalment as canon as it heavily undermines and ruins the two main characters of the first film. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/12/24 Full Review 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 5/5 Stars •  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 3/5 Stars •  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 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/30/20 Full Review Audience Member Full of Loopholes.. kinda questions perfect first part!! Rated 2/5 Stars •  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 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Infernal Affairs II

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