Following Ming's killing of Kwun, he enter the Hong Kong police academy as does Yan where both display excellent promise as police officers.  However, Yan is kicked out of the police academy as he has lied on his application about his family relations as he is related to the Hau family.  Inspector Wong (Anthony Wong Chau-Sang), who is in charge of the organized crime unit, sees a golden opportunity in Yan as he approaches a devastated Yan about him becoming an undercover agent for the police force.  Yan seizes his opportunity, but must be initiated into the criminal world by being sentenced to prison as he must develop a strong cover that can keep him alive.  Ming becomes a police officer that quickly climbs in his ranks as he makes successful arrests of members of the Triads and keeps his secret contacts with the Triads.  The two main characters, Yan and Ming, mature within the criminal world of Hong Kong as they prepare themselves for the British to hand over of the city to the People's Republic of China in the year of 1997.

Infernal Affairs II has a slower pace than its predecessor, yet the story grabs the moment as it depicts Lau's and Mak's vision of the burden of guilt carried through time.  The time theme is displayed through several subplots that colorize the characters and intrigue the audience with both suspense and drama.  This is an excellent cinematic experience, but it does not measure up with the first film as it is not as innovating and the main characters are new, which creates a slight visual awkwardness.

DIRECTED BY

Wai Keung Lau
Siu Fai Mak

COUNTRY

Hong Kong

Filmography links and data courtesy of