---
title: "Infernal Affairs"
year: 2002
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/infernal-affairs-2002"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 10775
imdb_id: "tt0338564"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 101
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 1884
content_rating: "R"
---

# Infernal Affairs (2002) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/infernal-affairs-2002

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

"Infernal Affairs" is a crime drama film that explores the cat-and-mouse game between a young police officer and a young mafia member. The officer has been sent undercover as a mole in the local mafia, while the mafia member infiltrates the police force. Years later, the two individuals, now in more senior positions, are tasked with uncovering the mole within their respective organizations. As they work to expose the traitor, they are racing against time to prevent further damage. The film delves into the complex web of loyalty, deception, and betrayal that arises from the dual infiltration. The story highlights the challenges faced by those who have infiltrated opposing organizations, as they struggle to maintain their cover and achieve their objectives.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An undercover cop and a mafia mole race against time to expose each other."

### Why Watch
- Fast-paced cat-and-mouse dynamic between two opposing moles
- Engaging crime thriller plot with high stakes

### Caveats & Content Note
- Fast-paced narrative may require close attention to follow character alignments
- Short runtime leaves little room for exposition
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains action and crime themes appropriate for its drama and thriller genre.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: tense, suspenseful, gritty, dramatic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max | Kanopy | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, YouTube |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | Criterion Channel | None | Apple TV Store, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | Foxtel Now | Brollie | Apple TV Store, Fetch TV |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Alan Mak Siu-Fai, Andrew Lau Wai-Keung
- **Networks / Studios**: Media Asia Films, Basic Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Andy Lau** as *刘健明*
- **Tony Leung Chiu-wai** as *陈永仁*
- **Anthony Wong Chau-Sang** as *黄志诚*
- **Eric Tsang Chi-Wai** as *韩琛*
- **Kelly Chen Hui-Lin** as *李心儿*
- **Sammi Cheng Sau-Man** as *Mary*
- **Elva Hsiao** as *May*
- **Chapman To Man-Chat** as *傻强*
- **Gordon Lam Ka-Tung** as *大B*
- **Shawn Yue Man-Lok** as *少年陈永仁*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the release year of Infernal Affairs?
Infernal Affairs was released in 2002.

### Q: Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak.

### Q: What is the basic premise of the story?
The story follows a police officer sent undercover as a mafia mole and a mafia member who infiltrates the police force.

### Q: What are the main genres of the film?
The film spans drama, action, thriller, crime, and mystery genres.

### Q: What is the runtime of Infernal Affairs?
The film has a runtime of one hour and forty-one minutes.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*