INFERNAL AFFAIRS

SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER AT 7PM UGC SHAFTESBURY AVE SCREEN 2

Country Hong Kong Running Time 97 mins Format 35mm Dir Wei Kung Lau, Siu Fai Mak Prod Andy Lau S'play Felix Chong, Siu Fai Mak DoP Yiu-Fai Lai, Wai Keung Lau Cast Andy Lau Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Eric Tsang Print Source Tartan Films E cbarwick@metro-tartan.co.uk

Dubbed one of the very best Hong Kong films in recent years, Infernal Affairs is devoid of the usual array of special effects and focuses instead on an almost Dogme-like devotion to the basics - a good plot and excellent performances. Ming (Lau) and Yan (Leung) are on opposite sides of the law. Ming is an up and coming cop. Yan is a gang member currently part of a triad controlled by Sam (Tsang). But in reality both men are moles - Yan is in fact an undercover policeman infiltrating the gang, and Ming a gangster planted in the police force as a source of insider information. In a further irony Ming and Yan find themselves working for each other's mentors.

When a drug raid goes wrong both sides come to the abrupt realisation that there's a mole in their midst. They vie to be the first to identify and flush out the covert operative. Boasting superlative performances from a first rate cast, an electrifying score from Kwong Wing Chan, and the obvious directorial talents of Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, Infernal Affairs is a gripping roller coaster ride of a thriller that will have you glued to the screen. SB

Wei Kung Lau is the director and cinematographer responsible for some of the biggest hits in recent Hong Kong cinema. He was the cinematographer on Wong Kar Wei's Chungking Express and has brought his flashy style to Naked Killer 2, Modern Romance and To Live and Die in Tsimshatsui. Siu Fai Mak began directing in the late '90s with crime thrillers such as Rave Fever. Two sequels to follow this.