Post 2
The opening scene of Infernal Affairs really catches my attention when Hon Sam told his new gangsters that it is their own decision to choose their own path. His words are really important throughout the whole film, because his words constantly remind me that Lau can change his mind at any time and decide whether or not to be a royal undercover for Hon Sam, even though he vowed in front of the Buddha in a temple together with Hon Sam. As the plot continues to develop and Hon Sam continues to push Lau to risk his life and his job as a cop to help Hon Sam, I can see slight changes in Lau’s mind that he becomes unwilling to be related with Hon Sam any more, as he has been a cop for many years that he is confused with his real identity. Even though the stability of job and life serve as basis for Lau to desire a normal life rather than being an undercover, I think Lau does not make his mind to get rid of Hon Sam from himself until Wong is killed by Hon Sam’s gangsters. He is an undercover for Hon Sam for almost ten years, but he still has consciousness of righteousness in his mind and he thinks Hon Sam has done too much. The final scene among Lau, Chan, and Billy in front of the elevator further proves Lau’s insistent want to be back to a normal life, but unfortunately in an evil way. Lau sacrifices Billy, who also is an undercover for Hon Sam, in order to ensure that no one knows his identity as an undercover and to ensure him a normal life as a normal person. Not to mention the high ratings for the film and the remake by The Departed, overall, I think Infernal Affairs is a successful and valuable film, in terms of the characters’ acting skills and the uniqueness of the plot.
This page has paths:
- ASPA 3970: Popular Culture in East Asia Jiajun Chen