#1159b: LAU, Andrew and MAK, Alan: Infernal Affairs II (2003)

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LAU, Andrew and MAK, Alan (Hong Kong)
Infernal Affairs II [2003]
Spine #1159b
Blu-ray



The first of two sequels to follow in the wake of the massively successful Infernal Affairs softens the original’s furious pulp punch in favor of something more sweeping, elegiac, and overtly political. Flashing back in time, Infernal Affairs II traces the tangled parallel histories that bind the trilogy’s two pairs of adversaries: the young, dueling moles (here played by Edison Chen Koon-hei and Shawn Yue Man-lok), and the ascendant crime boss (Eric Tsang Chi-wai) and police inspector (Anthony Wong Chau-sang) whose respective rises reveal a shocking hidden connection. Unfolding against the political and psychological upheaval of Hong Kong’s handover from Britain to China, this elegant, character-driven crime drama powerfully connects its themes of split loyalties to the city-state’s own postcolonial identity crisis.

119 minutes
Color
5.1 Surround
Cantonese
2:35:1
Criterion Release 2022


Director/Writers

Screenplay by Felix Chong Man-koeng and Alan Mak.
Andrew Lau was 43 and Mak was 38 when they directed Infernal Affairs II.

The Film

a

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Thirty-six page booklet featuring an essay by film critic Justin Chang.

Commentary

Featuring codirectors Lau and Mak and screenwriter Chong.

Interview

With Lau and Mak.

Archival interviews

With Lau, Mak, Chong, and actors Lau, Leung, Wong, Kelly Chan, Edison Chan, Tsang, and To.

Making-of programs

Behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes and outtakes

Trailers

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

By Spine #

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