Infernal Affairs III 2003

Wrapping up their hugely successful epic crime saga is no easy task for co-directors Alan Mak and Andrew Lau. They have stacked the concluding instalment of what is now the Infernal Affairs trilogy with enough gorgeous visuals, surprise twists and star power to ensure it will not disappoint fans of the first two films, but it’s likely to prove a baffling watch for the uninitiated. Turning over a new leaf, corrupt cop Ming is investigating possible new mafia connections in the police force. His suspicions fall on the police force’s rising star, Yeung, but the real question is who is investigating whom? Undercover cop Yan is resurrected in a complex and extended series of flashbacks which reveal his mysterious dealings with mainland gangster Shen (an associate of Yeung) months before the events of the first film. There are showdowns aplenty. With the returning charismatic yin-yang pairing of Tony Leung and Andy Lau, this conclusion will reward anyone up with the pace. — MM