Infernal Affairs II

Only released in Irish cinemas in March, Infernal Affairs was one of the better cop thrillers in recent memory, a deliciously intricate crime saga that counted Heat and The Godfather amongst its many influences. Now the talented directing pair, Andrew Lau and Andrew Mak have gone down the prequel route for the sequel.

The original charted the fortunes of two cops in way over their heads. Ming, who was working for the Triads, despite being on a fast track for success in the Hong Kong police force. Yan, on the other hand, was a deep cover agent who had been under for so long that the blurring of his morality was just a distant, hazy memory. Infernal Affairs II traces both men's development and how, in particular, their teenage years cemented their attitudes towards their later police work. It also focuses on the relationship battle of wits, which is played out between the gangster Sam (Eric Tsang) and Inspector Wong (Anthony Wong).

Refreshingly complex, Infernal Affairs II may lack the excellence of the performances of the original, but ample compensation is offered in the muscular screenplay. Teasing and taunting the audience with all manner of double-crossings and red herrings, the screenplay moves with intelligence and urgency. You've got to have your wits about you to keep up with Infernal Affairs II but it's certainly worth taking the trip.