Infernal Affairs II

I just watched Infernal Affairs II and it’s way more than a simple sequel. This smart prequel goes back to 1991-1997 to show how Lau Kin-ming and Chan Wing-yan started their double lives. Edison Chen and Shawn Yue play the younger versions of the characters, but the real focus is on the gang leaders and cops who shaped their fates. The story begins with a powerful crime boss getting murdered, and his son Hau takes over, triggering a brutal power struggle that unfolds over years.

This film feels darker and heavier than the first one. There’s less cat-and-mouse tension and more political drama about ambition and corruption on both sides. Anthony Wong returns as Inspector Wong, a man trying to hold onto his morals while everything crumbles around him. Eric Tsang’s Sam gets a fuller backstory here, showing his rise from small-time crook to dangerous crime boss. Both actors give fantastic performances that add depth to characters we thought we already knew.

Francis Ng completely steals the show as Hau. He’s calm, smart, and terrifying in the quietest ways. He loves his family but will destroy anyone in his path without hesitation. Every scene with him feels tense even when he barely speaks. Carina Lau also leaves a strong impression as Mary, whose choices and schemes connect many of the men around her. Her final scenes are among the most shocking and emotional in the film.

The direction keeps that gritty tone from the first movie. Hong Kong looks dim, smoky, and dangerous, reflecting the chaos in everyone’s lives. Some scenes are beautifully shot and stay with you, like Wong trying to save a friend from an explosion or Sam crying quietly as fireworks burst during Hong Kong’s handover. The score can get a bit too dramatic at times, but it fits the film’s epic feel.

The one weakness is that young Lau and Yan don’t get as much focus. They feel more like observers than leads. But that’s also what makes it work because the story is really about the world that built them, not just their own choices. By the end, you understand exactly how these two men became who they are in the first film. Infernal Affairs II may not have the tight suspense of the original, but it builds a rich emotional foundation that adds real weight to the whole trilogy.