After reviewing the first 2 installments of this series I was anxious and a bit worried to see IA3. Trilogies tend to falter at the concluding installment. Not here though. I actually enjoyed this more than part 2.

In keeping with the Godfather Part II influence this series had, this was both a sequel as well as a prequel. This type of storytelling is both challenging and bold. It can lead to the storyline becoming quite convoluted and at times in IA3 it did. The directors did a good job of tying things together at the end, so if you get frustrated early on give it some time. While I thought Tony Leung gave the best performance of this film, I felt there was too much time allotted to the flashbacks. This movie was about Andy Lau's character, Ming, & his dealing with what he did to Yan in the first part.I thought we needed to stay with him a little longer. This movie seemed to right some of the wrongs I felt were done in the prequel to some of the characters, especially Eric Tsang's Sam. Leon Lai did a good job as Ming's protagonist. Kelly Chen has a great look but the script doesnt allow us to see her range as an actress. So while I can't criticize her, I stop short of giving her any praise.

While the first 2 can stand alone, IA3 is dependent on you seeing the first 2. That's not a complaint it's just a fact. Overall this was a well made trilogy. With the exception of some of what I would call lapses of focus in Part 2, it was thoroughly enjoyable.