Menu
English Русский
favorites

The Legendary 'The Departed' Is a Remake: Which Film is the Original Behind Scorsese’s Masterpiece?

Leonardo Dicaprio in 'The Departed'

Shorter runtime, with minimal "filler" and unnecessary dialogue.

Most movie buffs rightfully admire Martin Scorsese's thriller The Departed, which won four Oscars in 2007, including Best Picture. However, not everyone knows that this film is a remake of the Hong Kong movie Infernal Affairs, released in the early 2000s.

While The Departed is considered a masterpiece, the original not only holds its ground but actually surpasses the remake in several aspects.

Both films center around two undercover agents: one a cop infiltrating a mafia organization, the other a mafia spy within the police force. They try to uncover each other, leading to a tense survival game.

'Infernal Affairs'

In Infernal Affairs, the lead roles were played by Tony Leung and Andy Lau, whose characters show deep inner conflicts and moral dilemmas. The film runs for 101 minutes, making it more dynamic and focused compared to the 151-minute The Departed.

Unlike the American version, the Hong Kong original avoids excessive violence and bloodshed, placing emphasis on psychological tension. This allows the audience to better understand the characters' motivations. Furthermore, Infernal Affairs offers a more restrained and plausible ending, leaving room for reflection.

For those who appreciate deep psychological thrillers, this film will be a true discovery. Its success in Hong Kong and the two subsequent sequels show that the project offers no less, and sometimes a more profound and rich experience, worthy of attention from any discerning film lover.

Season 7 of 'Black Mirror' Set to Premiere by Late 2025: Everything We Know About Netflix’s Hit Return Season 7 of 'Black Mirror' Set to Premiere by Late 2025: Everything We Know About Netflix’s Hit Return Read more 31 January 2025
'The X-Files': Exploring the Genre, Seasons, Episodes, and More 'The X-Files': Exploring the Genre, Seasons, Episodes, and More Read more 30 January 2025
Thanks to One Small Detail In Her Suit: Here Is Why Juliette Survived Outside Bunker Thanks to One Small Detail In Her Suit: Here Is Why Juliette Survived Outside Bunker Read more 29 January 2025
Before the Rebellion: Unveiling 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' Before the Rebellion: Unveiling 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' Read more 28 January 2025
Only One of the Year’s Top 3 Most-Watched Shows Isn’t from Netflix – and It’s Not 'House of the Dragon' Only One of the Year’s Top 3 Most-Watched Shows Isn’t from Netflix – and It’s Not 'House of the Dragon' Read more 31 January 2025
'Vikings: Valhalla' – A New Era Rises After Ragnar Lothbrok’s Reign 'Vikings: Valhalla' – A New Era Rises After Ragnar Lothbrok’s Reign Read more 30 January 2025
Kubi (2023): A Shocking Samurai Epic Packed with Betrayal, Bloodshed, and Cinematic Brilliance Kubi (2023): A Shocking Samurai Epic Packed with Betrayal, Bloodshed, and Cinematic Brilliance Read more 30 January 2025
Jake Gyllenhaal Joins M. Night Shyamalan for an Unconventional Romance Thriller Jake Gyllenhaal Joins M. Night Shyamalan for an Unconventional Romance Thriller Read more 30 January 2025
One Crack, And the Flood Rushes In: 'Spider-Man's New Series Showrunner Tries to Calm the Backlash Sparked by His Actor One Crack, And the Flood Rushes In: 'Spider-Man's New Series Showrunner Tries to Calm the Backlash Sparked by His Actor Read more 30 January 2025
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Read more