---
title: "Infernal Affairs"
year: 2002
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/infernal-affairs"
fi1m_id: "infernal-affairs"
imdb_id: "tt0338564"
tmdb_id: 10775
wikidata_id: "Q714057"
fi1m_score: 87
critics_score: 82
critics_reviews: 17
published: "2026-09-14"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:10.902214+00:00"
region: "PH"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Infernal Affairs (2002)

Directed by Alan Mak, Andrew Lau · 1h 41m · Drama, Action, Thriller, Crime, Mystery

## Identity

Infernal Affairs

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/infernal-affairs
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** infernal-affairs
- **IMDb ID:** tt0338564
- **TMDB ID:** 10775
- **Wikidata ID:** Q714057
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338564/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10775, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q714057

**Fi1m score: 87** · Critics 82 from 17 reviews

*In a sentence:* Two informers trying to stay employed in professions with unusually strict dismissal procedures

> We recommend this tense crime thriller for its precise editing and two leads who make deception look exhausting. The script’s parallels occasionally feel too tidy, but Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-wai keep the danger personal.

## Synopsis

A police officer works undercover among criminals while a criminal operates inside the police. Each side has a mole, and the two men must protect their own cover while trying to identify the other. The information they pass can help their employers and expose themselves, making every exchange a risk. Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-wai lead the cast, alongside Anthony Wong Chau-Sang and Eric Tsang Chi-Wai. Directed by Andrew Lau Wai-Keung and Alan Mak Siu-Fai, *Infernal Affairs* follows the two infiltrators as their duties force them to question where their loyalties belong.

## Review

A policeman has infiltrated the criminals, and a criminal has infiltrated the police. *Infernal Affairs* makes an excellent thriller from the difficulty of hunting down the other informer while concealing that daily betrayal. Directors Andrew Lau Wai-Keung and Alan Mak Siu-Fai understand how much suspense there is in the effort to appear useful and trustworthy. Neither man can relax. At 101 minutes, the film moves quickly, but it gives us time to consider how exhausting that effort must be.

The screenplay, by Alan Mak Siu-Fai and Felix Chong Man-Keung, keeps the two jobs closely connected, so that progress for one man means trouble for the other. Information has to be obtained, passed on and acted upon without giving its source away. We held our breath during those exchanges, because getting a message through can put the sender in danger. Danny Pang Phat and Curran Pang’s editing makes the competing efforts legible without giving us the comfort of knowing what comes next.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai gives the film a tired, frightened man to care about. He looks worn down by the need to calculate his behaviour, and his watchfulness makes even a quiet moment feel precarious. Andy Lau is more composed, with a face that seems to check itself before letting anything show. Small changes of expression do much of the work. Both men make keeping control look like a full-time occupation.

Andrew Lau Wai-Keung and Lai Yiu-Fai photograph the film with a polish that could easily have made it feel remote. The camera’s restless movement works because it keeps returning our attention to people watching one another and weighing what they have heard. The sleek surfaces are pleasing, but the faces remain the reason to look. It is particularly effective with Leung, whose visible strain prevents the handsome images from making this life look appealing.

The film can be too pleased with the resemblance between its two men. Mak and Chong occasionally press the comparison hard enough that we start noticing how carefully the situations have been matched, when we would rather be worrying about the next mistake. Comfort Chan’s music sometimes underlines distress that Leung has already made clear. Neither problem derails the suspense, but both make us appreciate the passages where an expression and a piece of withheld information are allowed to be enough.

The film earns its place among undercover thrillers by taking the strain of the job seriously. Being believed requires each man to keep behaving like the person he claims to be, and the script asks how long he can do that without changing. That gives the plotting a consequence beyond the prospect of exposure. We care about whether these men can keep going, and the directors let that question occupy time another action thriller might spend on a fight.

Go in prepared to follow the details rather than wait for the next burst of action. The film asks us to remember who knows what, and a distracted few minutes can cost more here than in a thriller built around pursuit alone. Give it an uninterrupted evening, and leave the messages until afterwards.

*Fi1m score 87, published 14 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

With only 4 reviews in so far, the consensus is uniformly positive, with praise centred on the dual-mole plot, controlled suspense and performances, particularly Tony Leung’s. The reviews find substance beneath the polished surfaces: careful writing and rich characterisation give the thriller’s intricate plotting emotional weight. Energetic camerawork and sharp editing also draw approval, supporting the tension rather than merely decorating it. There is little disagreement or explicit reservation in this sample; the main difference is emphasis, with some critics drawn to its youthful energy and others to its psychological depth.

## Straight answers

**Is Infernal Affairs worth watching?**

*Infernal Affairs* is worth watching for anyone who likes a crime thriller built on nerves rather than gunfire, and we scored it 87. Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-wai make keeping a false identity look exhausting, and the editing keeps the cat-and-mouse clear. The script sometimes matches its two men too neatly, and the music can underline what Leung has already shown.

**How long is Infernal Affairs, and what is it rated?**

*Infernal Affairs* runs 1h 41m. It is a drama and action film.

**Where can I watch Infernal Affairs in the Philippines?**

*Infernal Affairs* is streaming on Netflix in the Philippines. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Infernal Affairs, and is it suitable for children?**

*Infernal Affairs* carries a UK 15 certificate, and it is a crime thriller about informers among police and criminals, so violence and the constant threat of exposure are part of it. The suspense comes more from watchfulness and danger than from sustained gore. It is not for young children; older teenagers used to adult thrillers should be fine.

**How does Infernal Affairs compare to The Conversation?**

*Infernal Affairs* is the faster and more outwardly dangerous of the two, while [*The Conversation*](https://film.one/film/the-conversation) is a slower, lonelier film about what listening does to the listener. Both are about people who cannot relax, and both occasionally arrange their plots too tidily. Choose the Hong Kong film for pace and two lead performances under strain; choose Coppola's for patience and Gene Hackman.

**What should I watch after Infernal Affairs?**

After *Infernal Affairs*, try [*The Conversation*](https://film.one/film/the-conversation) (1974, Fi1m 92): Surveillance turns inward in a patient thriller about the damage done by listening. Then [*Le Samouraï*](https://film.one/film/le-samourai) (1967, Fi1m 88): A quieter crime film, with close attention to faces that give little away; and [*Deep Cover*](https://film.one/film/deep-cover) (1992, Fi1m 72): Another undercover assignment that makes keeping a straight face feel physically exhausting.

### Reviews we read (17)

- **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert (4/4): The film excels due to the emotional complexity and inner turmoil of its two leads living double lives as moles. The critic highlights the ironic, sad confrontation with their true identities and the performances that convey this tension. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/infernal-affairs-2004)
- **Screen Daily** (90/100, inferred): A smart, cleverly written and energetically directed Hong Kong action thriller with twists that should travel well internationally; superbly shot and edited with ideal leads in Andy Lau and Tony Leung and a skilful script full of parallels and tension. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/infernal-affairs/4012260.article)
- **Sight and Sound**, Tony Rayns (90/100, inferred): The film is a sophisticated, densely plotted high-gloss thriller with moral and psychological complexity far beyond standard Hong Kong fare, featuring strong performances especially from Tony Leung and Andy Lau and a sleek, steely visual style. [Read](http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/feature/29)
- **The AV Club**, Keith Phipps (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the film brilliantly executed and highlights its focus on the psychological toll of undercover work and deception rather than action. It notes the directors' skill at building paranoid tension through editing and atmosphere while keeping viewers in the dark. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/infernal-affairs-1798200226)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (90/100, inferred): The critic calls it a gripping thriller with grandstanding drama, muscle-clenching suspense and two great leads. He singles out its combination of exhilarating action with liquid-nitrogen existential cool and the complex cat-and-mouse paranoia. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/feb/27/dvdreviews.shopping1)
- **The New York Times**, Elvis Mitchell (90/100, inferred): The film is a beautifully shot stripped-down noir about two detectives leading undercover lives whose intricate story of loyalty and betrayal is well-told and tense. It signals a new era for Hong Kong filmmaking with its mean-streets crispness and vibrating terseness. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/27/movies/27AFFA.html)
- **Time Out**, TR (90/100, inferred): This huge domestic hit improves on prior HK undercover-cop films by twinning the moles and generating genuine suspense through careful plotting and rich characterisations, with standout work from Leung as a man on the edge and sleek mise-en-scène. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/infernal-affairs)
- **Variety** (90/100, inferred): This high-concept riveting police drama holds the audience in a vice-like grip with its dark claustrophobic narrative and emotionally powerful climax, excelling at script and performance levels with character taking precedence over action. It is easily the most powerful movie from the territory in a long while and superbly honed. [Read](https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/infernal-affairs-1200544065/)
- **Evening Standard**, Antonia Quirke (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's rapid, vulnerable and youthful energy that makes it feel epic, along with Tony Leung's magnificent lead performance. It is described as more than a typical triad film with an arty sheen. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/no-time-to-blink-7437922.html)
- **Empire**, Miles Fielder (80/100, inferred): The critic finds this super-stylish Asian crime thriller has gloss as well as depth and should reach beyond arthouse audiences. The film's complex dual-mole plot and energetic camerawork are highlighted as strengths. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/infernal-affairs-review/)
- **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (80/100, inferred): The critic describes the film's intricate mole-on-mole plot involving undercover cops and praises its visual emphasis on Hong Kong as a setting rife with betrayal and double-crossing. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/infernal-affairs)
- **The Times**, Wendy Ide (75/100, inferred): The critic describes Infernal Affairs as a superior Hong Kong action movie driven by throbbing urban energy and references to ancient Chinese philosophy. They single out the yin-and-yang premise of the two moles for praise while noting that excessive slow motion and flashbacks slightly let it down. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/asia-travel/hong-kong/infernal-affairs-7zzfxkh68h6)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kevin Crust (70/100, inferred): The taut crime thriller glides along like a buffed-out muscle car with sleek surfaces and neon highlights, relying on psychology and performances by Tony Leung and Andy Lau rather than action to create tension. It is a solid, twist-filled 70s-style thriller whose success rides on the leads internalizing the good-cop bad-cop ethos. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-dec-07-et-infernal7-story.html)
- **Slant Magazine**, Ed Gonzalez (30/100, inferred): The review praises the first film's restless camerawork, editing, and tense sequences built around gadgets and communication rather than character drama. It finds the sequels overstuffed, melodramatic, and unnecessary by comparison. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/infernal-affairs-i-ii-and-iii/)
- **Collider**, Andre Dellamorte (85/100, inferred): The film realizes its brilliant premise of a cop pretending to be a criminal and a criminal pretending to be a cop facing off. It is expertly staged and directed with a great ending, building on a lightning quick genre sensibility where claustrophobia is key. [Read](https://collider.com/cop-land-confessions-dangerous-mind-infernal-affairs-blu-ray-review/)
- **Eye for Film**, David Haviland (85/100, inferred): The critic praises this lean, gripping psychological thriller about two moles (one police, one triad) as an instant classic of the genre and the most exciting policier in years. They single out the complex characters, difficult choices, fine writing, and the cast's performances for particular praise. [Read](http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/infernal-affairs-film-review-by-david-haviland)
- **Den of Geek**, Joseph Ewens (4/5): The critic views the original 2002 film as a modern classic with a snappier, more coherent story than its Hollywood remake, highlighting its gripping premise of undercover moles and profound moral questions about corruption and identity. Excellent lead performances by Andy Lau and Tony Leung are singled out for praise, with the sequels deemed solid but lesser. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/infernal-affairs-trilogy-blu-ray-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Alan Mak, Andrew Lau
- **Director:** Alan Mak, Andrew Lau
- **Screenplay:** Felix Chong, Alan Mak
- **Cinematography:** Lai Yiu-Fai, Andrew Lau
- **Editor:** Danny Pang Phat, Curran Pang
- **Music:** Chan Kwong-wing
- **Costume design:** Lee Pik-Kwan
- **Producer:** Andrew Lau, Ronald Wong Ban, Nansun Shi
- **Cast:** Andy Lau as 刘健明; Tony Leung as 陈永仁; Anthony Wong as 黄志诚; Eric Tsang as 韩琛; Kelly Chen Hui-Lin as 李心儿; Sammi Cheng Sau-Man as Mary; Elva Hsiao as May; Chapman To Man-Chat as 傻强
- **Runtime:** 1h 41m
- **First release (Hong Kong):** 9 December 2002
- **Genres:** Drama, Action, Thriller, Crime, Mystery
- **Budget:** $6 million
- **Box office:** $9 million

## Where to watch in the Philippines

- Netflix: streaming

*Checked 2026-09-14.*

Also available in: AR, CO, DE, FR, HK, ID, IE, IN, IT, JP, KR, MY, PH, SG, TH, US, VN. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- International Submission to the Academy Awards 2004: International Submission to the Academy Awards (nominated)
- Golden Horse Award for Best Feature Film 2003: Golden Horse Award for Best Feature Film (won)
- Hong Kong Film Award for Best Film 2003: Hong Kong Film Award for Best Film (won)

## If you liked this

- *The Conversation* (1974), Fi1m 92: Surveillance turns inward in a patient thriller about the damage done by listening — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-conversation.md)
- *Le Samouraï* (1967), Fi1m 88: A quieter crime film, with close attention to faces that give little away — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/le-samourai.md)
- *Deep Cover* (1992), Fi1m 72: Another undercover assignment that makes keeping a straight face feel physically exhausting — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/deep-cover.md)
- *The Lives of Others* (2006), Fi1m 84: A more patient account of surveillance, with equal concern for what obedience costs — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lives-of-others.md)
- *New World* (2013): Criminal loyalties and police interference make this a bruising companion to the double bluff

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/infernal-affairs