The Departed and Infernal Affairs (Chinese version) comparison

Rating: 7/10 (29 October 2006)

Like a lot of other American films that's of the same genre, this one is filled with shooting, fighting, and killing. To some of us, this film is fairly original; just how the film is in detail, there are plenty of reviews already. However, to anyone that understands Chinese, or anyone who's interested in the original version of this film, I strongly advise you to watch Infernal Affairs (yes infernal, not internal) 1 (2002), 2 (2003), and 3 (2003) (Wu Jian Dao / Mou Gaan Dou). While I would say both the American and Chinese versions of the film are great. The Chinese version offers a greater detail of character development, there is a lot more layers complex that requires viewers to really pay attention to the movie to enjoy it fully. On the other hand, the American version follows the more American trend of such genre, story is completely flattened and simpler in comparison, with less attention to character details, and a lot more action. Since the American version of this film is considered an action film, I would say the Chinese version is a film of art. Depending on personal taste, some would prefer one over the other. If you want to enjoy a good o' American action film with plenty of "blowing things up" to keep you on the edge of your seats, The Departed is for you. If you enjoy the finer details and story of films that hooks you into the movie, then Infernal Affairs are the better choices. Either way, I suggest you watch both versions, and personally, the Chinese version is more my flavor.
Oh, by the way, to avoid too much confusion: Infernal Affairs 1 is The Departed, 2 and 3 are prequel and sequel that goes into more details to complete the whole story (forgot which one's prequel, which one's sequel)