The Departed vs. Infernal Affairs I

Just caught "The Departed", and to my surprise, Channel U was showing "Infernal Affairs I" when I got home, so I sat down to watch it again in order to cook up this comparison. I shall leave "Infernal Affairs II/III" out of the equation since those were largely trash and "The Departed" was based mainly on the original. Beware, spoilers abound.

Originality & Script
"Infernal Affairs I" wins hands down for being the original. "The Departed" does not deviate much as an adaptation, hence removing the element of suspense (in terms of predictability, not that the film was not suspenseful), though there are some nice touches here and there, such as the part where Costigan struggled with himself whether to kill the guy who found out that he is the mole by providing him with the wrong address. In fact, the screenwriter did a pretty laudable job in adapting the story to an American context, choosing to base the story in Boston and injecting local elements into the film, such as in the liberal bloodletting, and use of profanities (LOL).

Plot
There is little difference in plot, though the ending of "The Departed" was much too formulaic - i.e. the bad guy must die. In comparison, "Infernal Affairs I" distinguished itself from other films by having an unconventional - and highly unexpected - ending.

Characters
The omission of memorable characters such as 傻强 (there's another dumb guy in "Departed", though very unlike the likeable loyal sidekick to Yan in "Infernal") while splitting 黄秋生's solo minder character into the captain+sergeant duo is puzzling. This, along with the comparative lack of narrative/flashbacks (such as the inspector giving Yan a present for his 25th birthday, and refusing to rat on Yan despite being beaten up for 10 min) to elucidate Captain Queenan's role as the fatherly figure to Costello (except for the short part where Queenan invited Costigan for supper), greatly diminished the impact of the captain's death.

The decision to combine the female characters into one was a good one though, hence creating a meatier and more significant role, as well as a love triangle that was not in the original. The mob boss' role was also beefed up considerably, providing for better characterisation as opposed to 曾志伟 relatively one-dimensional character.

Acting
For all of Tony Leung's brilliance and acclaim as an actor, Leonardo DiCaprio was certainly better as the police mole struggling with his dual identity and living in constant fear for his life. He portrayed the character with such intensity and vulnerability that it arouses immediate sympathy and makes for a more realistic character. Particularly memorable scenes include the one in which he was confronted by Costello on whether he is the mole (so much fear and desperation!); when Madolyn told him that she cannot be his friend (how could you not wince at the look of pain on his face!); and when Queenan fell off the building right in front of him (the audience's hearts shattered with his.).

Martin Scorsese, the film's director, puts it most aptly, "As an actor, I knew Leo would convey the conflict of a young man who has gotten himself into a bad situation and then wonders what the hell he is doing there. You can see it in his face; you can see it in his eyes. That's one of the reasons I like working with Leo; he knows how to express emotional impact without saying a word. It just emanates from him. It is quite extraordinary to watch."

Comparatively, Matt Damon was dull, and less charismatic than Andy Lau as the other mole. It seemed like he only knew a few expressions, and he could not adequately bring out Sullivan's emotional struggle as well as conflicted nature. It did not help that he does not have the natural charisma or looks of his costar DiCaprio, or Tony and Andy.

Vera Farmiga was decent as Madolyn. She isn't exactly pretty but has screen presence, and acted the psychiatrist caught between the two moles with sufficient gravitas to hold her own against the two male leads.

黄 秋生 was much better than Martin Sheen (Captain Queenan) as the minder, though Jack Nicholson's Frank Costello more than made up for it. The latter turned in a sterling performance that puts 曾志伟 (who is, to be fair, not known for his acting chops) to shame. He almost steals the show, barring Leonardo DiCaprio's outstanding performance.

Soundtrack
"Infernal" has the more appropriate soundtrack which matches the mood and plot of the film, not to forget the haunting theme song by Cai Qin. "Departed"'s soundtrack is "heavier" and less effective, with some dubious moments (what's with the cheery music when Cotigan thrashes the 2 guys from Province?).

Conclusion
Essentially, both movies have their respective merits, and it is a tough call as to which is the better version. I can see why the American critics love "Departed" (93% on Rotten Tomatoes!) if they haven't seen "Infernal, but I still like "Infernal" better for its originality and unconventional ending, though Leonardo DiCaprio tilts it heavily in "Departed"'s favour. It seriously didn't feel like a 2.5-hour movie, and that tells a lot. Both highly recommended!