#244 Mou gaan dou (2002)
This is the story that The Departed (2006) remade into such a success. On its own I believe this is a better movie but the voters at IMDb seem to think otherwise. Both movies are centered around an undercover cop and a mole in the police force. Their paths cross and it becomes a race between their respective bosses to find who the traitor is.
The performances by Yan and Ming (character names) are fantastic as are those of their supporting cast. The movie really is a gem because of the subtle traits and emotion they put in to their characters. You’re drawn into their world and at some stage you find yourself rooting for both the good guy and the bad guy. The ending is not your typical Hollywood tripe which I’m really tired of as I’m sure most of you are.
I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to seeing the American remake again which is numbered 46 on my list. I gave this movie a solid 8/10.