Andrew Lau and Alan Mak hit the bull's eye with a tug-of-war tale between the triad underworld and the police in "Infernal Affairs," starring Andy Lau and Tony Leung. From a script by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, "Infernal Affairs" is a glossy and polished production that delivers the goods. Andy Lau plays a triad member who joins the police force, while Tony Leung is a cop that has infiltrated the triad mob. Both are moles trying to gain the upper hand in the never-ending war between the police and the triads. It's like viewing two sides of a bad coin.

"Infernal Affairs" is the best film from Andrew Lau to date, and a continuation of Alan Mak's developing writing and directing talents, demonstrated in the film "A War Named Desire." Andy Lau and Tony Leung are excellent as intelligent and worthy adversaries, battling as extensions of their superiors, played by Eric Tsang (mob boss) and Anthony Wong (police superintendent), respectively. Mak's pacing is never slow or boring, placing Lau and Leung on the razor's edge, as each tries to expose the other. Andrew Lau's cinematography is clear, crisp and visually stimulating with panoramic vistas of Hong Kong's cityscape and bay from the rooftops.

The entire cast does a superb job, even though the women characters are basically cameo roles. Although the film promotes two directors, there is no sign of strife or indecision as Lau and Mak do an exemplary job presenting the ebb and flow of tension and intrigue between foes. Some may say that they've seen this theme before or that it is nothing new under the sun, but "Infernal Affairs" is filled with confidence and brio and, above all, a sophistication that hasn't been seen in Hong Kong cinema for quite some time.

"Infernal Affairs" is red hot and cool. See it now.