Sunday, November 21, 2010

Infernal Affairs (2203) & Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

61. Infernal Affairs^^ (2003) Lau Hong-Kong police thriller about two men, both moles,one inside the Gang, the other inside the police. The basis for the American remake “The Departed”. I enjoyed IA more despite the absence of Jack Nicholson and some witty one-liners. The story seem more realistic, the characters more likable and intelligent, and the movie is shorter and more faced paced (101 minutes vs. 152 minutes). “The Departed” has higher production values and action scenes are superior. Scorsese tried to give the characters more depth but just made them unlikable. Summary: Superior to “The Departed”. A well-done police thriller. (^^ - not "Internal affairs" as I first wrote, thanks Nikki) Rating ***

116. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Set in Ancient Western China, Li Mu Bai, a great warrior, turns his treasured sword to a friend. When the sword is then stolen, it is up to him to retrieve it. Beautifully shot martial arts movie with some exciting action scenes. The plot is somewhat silly and the characterization slight. But once I suspended disbelief and realized the movie is mythical/Fantasy, I enjoyed it. Even the silliness of a girl warrior and the flying through the air. Rating ***

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