If you are curious, as I am, about the film(s) The Departed was based on, they are getting a little bit of attention:
Critic's Choice: New DVDs This week's DVDs include the new Criterion discs "When a Woman Ascends the Stairs" and "Green for Danger," as well as "The Infernal Affairs Trilogy." ... Now that "The Departed" has won four Oscars and proved to be one of Martin Scorsese's most successful films, another helping seems a strong possibility. Some clues to the direction a "Departed" franchise might take can be gleaned from "The Infernal Affairs Trilogy," a box set that brings together the 2002 Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," on which Mr. Scorsese's movie is based, along with the two follow-ups directed by the series's creators, Andrew Lau and Alan Mak.The original film stars Andy Lau (not related to the director) as the crime syndicate mole who infiltrates the Hong Kong police department (the part played by Matt Damon in "The Departed"), and Tony Leung as his opposite number, the rookie cop who goes undercover in the mob (Leonardo DiCaprio in the remake). Part 2, released in Hong Kong in October 2003, is actually a prequel, following the two informers (here played by younger actors) as they infiltrate their respective institutions; Part 3, released in December 2003, employs a complicated flashback structure to reunite the charismatic Mr. Lau and Mr. Leung.
I have a great fondness for the over-amped school of Hong Kong thrillers.
Tags: film_history
