Where to start
Infernal Affairs
2 versions · originally a film, 2002
Themes: Identity Crisis, Moral Ambiguity, Double Agent, Internal Affairs, Betrayal.
The dual-perspective cat-and-mouse game between two moles infiltrating opposing sides of the law defines this intense urban thriller.
✦ Most fans start here
The Departed (2006)
The original movie
Infernal Affairs
Alan Mak Siu-Fai · Film · 2002
Infernal Affairs (2002) establishes the definitive template for the cat-and-mouse mole narrative, offering a tightly paced, stylized Hong Kong crime drama that prioritizes existential tension and sharp, atmospheric suspense.
2006 film
✦ Start hereThe Departed
Martin Scorsese · Film · 2006
The Departed (2006) translates the core conflict into a gritty, sprawling Boston crime epic, utilizing Scorsese’s signature kinetic energy and high-stakes intensity to elevate the narrative into a masterclass of American cinema.
Common questions
Is The Departed based on Infernal Affairs?
Yes, the 2006 film The Departed is an adaptation of the 2002 Hong Kong crime thriller Infernal Affairs. While The Departed relocates the setting to Boston, it follows the same core premise of an undercover police officer and a criminal mole infiltrating each other's organizations.
Should I watch Infernal Affairs before watching The Departed?
Watching Infernal Affairs first provides the original context for the narrative structure used in The Departed. Since both films explore the tension of dual moles within law enforcement and criminal syndicates, viewing the 2002 original allows for a direct comparison of the distinct directorial styles and cultural adaptations.
What is the relationship between Infernal Affairs and The Departed?
The Departed serves as an American adaptation of the source material established in the 2002 film Infernal Affairs. Both movies focus on the high-stakes game of cat and mouse between two men living double lives, though they differ in their geographical settings and cinematic execution.
How does the plot of Infernal Affairs compare to The Departed?
Both Infernal Affairs and The Departed center on an undercover officer and a mole working for a crime boss. While the fundamental plot beats regarding the infiltration of the police force and the triad or mob remain consistent, the cultural nuances and pacing differ between the two productions.