In My Name Is Fame, when Lau Chingwan's character - in an intoxicating state - wonders out loud how come a certain HK film can claim to have a Hollywood remake, and that isn't it true that most HK films copy Hollywood products, what springs to minds to most of the cineasts could well be the Infernal Affairs series and its Hollywood remakes The Departed.
Indeed, for those who have followed the 'original' HK version, The Departed is not exactly a most anticipated experience owed to the lack of suspension, a crucial ingredient the crime/cop genre. It is a little bit too long and the leading actors are certainly less charismatic than their HK counterparts.
But overall, it is a good remake - and credits should be given to the screenwriter who has adapted it so well into the American (sub)culture. The major 'flaw' I can spot is the scene where Chinese are involved. In that scene where a 'Chinese official' is supposed to be present at the illegal arms deal, one of the two being used on screen is Cantonese rather than Mandarin, and it is obvious that the interpreter struggles a little bit with the pronunciation! By 'opting' for Cantonese rather than Mandarin at this scene (assuming it was not a random decision), one might argue that the remake pays tribute to its HK blueprint. However, if the film wants to sustain its credibility throughout, in this scenario, the illegal arms deal is to do with China's long term ambition to reclaim Taiwan, then the 'Chinese official'(presumably a high ranking one otherwise it is difficult to get funded) could hardly be a Cantonese speaker. The reason behind this is ostensible to most Chinese 'experts', and it is puzzling that this is allowed in a film of such calibre.
I enjoyed watching this remake, that is, despite the weakest link - that of the only female character and her relationships with two men. Her characterisation is not sufficiently developed, and like most fans of the originals, I think it an error to combine two female characters into one.
As a fan of its second sequel, Tony Leung and Francis Ng, I definitely believe the original is far more superior and original!
