Hello, any reference to the original???

Rating: 7/10 (12 August 2008)

I will start by saying that this is by no means a bad film but having watched the 2-disc DVD it left me a touch sour. The only reference to the original was the fact that media Asia films was mentioned and Scorsese said something bout the original Chinese films in the whitey Bulger documentary. The mere fact that they have tried to liken this film to the Whitey Bulger case is a joke!! This isn't a film based on another film it is a remake! All the key scenes in this are lifted from the original, the rooftop scenes, the hidden mole, the dying criminal that wont give up Tony Leung / Leo DI Caprio's character ( although better explained in the original). The joint relationship with the psychiatrist, given an absurd Hollywoodness to it compared to the more realistic Hong Kong version. That said the inclusion of Jack Nicholson's part being made significantly more important in this version was a bonus and the likes of Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin given characters only increase the films impact. The Original though did not need to rely on peripheral characters or an ensemble cast as its two main protagonists were worthy enough. This REMAKE is enjoyable and i am glad Scorcese has finally his Oscar although he was far more deserving for his original work.