Media Asia Distribution
Remakes sometimes bear an undeserved negative reputation. They often seem lacking in originality and occasionally turn out to be merely a weak echo of the original masterpiece. However, there are times when a remake emerges that brings something fresh to the table. This is particularly true in the realm of science fiction, where technological advancements have empowered filmmakers to let their creativity run wild, yielding remakes that even outshine their original versions.
This is often the case when Hollywood announces a remake of a non-American movie, regardless of whether it’s in a foreign language. While U.S. remakes offer an easy way for American viewers to avoid immersing themselves in diverse cultures, languages and ideas, these films risk losing some essence in the translation process. Nevertheless, several American remakes have turned out to be quite impressive.
This goes to show that despite their sometimes bad reputation, remakes are not inherently subpar. In fact, many movies hailed as the greatest of all time are remakes. An example of this is one of the top-rated movies on IMDb – a crime thriller helmed by Martin Scorsese that currently ranks 37th on the site’s Top 250 list and also earned Scorsese his first Oscar for Best Director. That’s correct, the best remake ever, according to IMDb, is “The Departed,” which is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film “Infernal Affairs.”
“Infernal Affairs,” the original film, was directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. The film starred Andy Lau and Tony Leung in the roles of an undercover cop infiltrating a triad and a cop who is a mole for the same triad. The film brilliantly depicts the identity crisis of postcolonial Hong Kong and the ensuing struggle post-reunification with mainland China. It’s an emotionally charged crime movie featuring characters so unforgettable that they warranted a trilogy, spurred a video game and inspired the Oscar-winning Scorsese film, later spoofed by “The Simpsons” in 2008’s “The Debarted.”
The Departed is a perfect example of a remake done right
Warner Bros. Pictures
Martin Scorsese’s interpretation of “Infernal Affairs” shifts the tone, focusing less on dramatic emotional displays and more on an examination of masculinity and brutal violence. Most notably, “The Departed” discards the triads and the postcolonial commentary, and instead draws from the real story of Whitey Bulger and his dealings with the FBI. Though not exactly Leung and Lau, Scorsese’s remake boasts a stellar cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, and Martin Sheen.
“The Departed,” unlike “Infernal Affairs,” lacks the grand, cosmic coincidence where the film’s cop protagonists meet. But from that point on, the two films run in parallel. Scorsese’s film compensates for this by blending the basic plot of “Infernal Affairs” with the kind of crime thriller twist that the filmmaker is renowned for, presenting a complex web of deception and conspiracies that gradually unravel amidst copious bloodshed. It’s a classic example of a remake that justifies its creation by offering a distinct yet still familiar take on the original that stands on its own.
In line with the original film, “The Departed” also eliminates most of its cast in increasingly violent ways. Not surprisingly, this didn’t deter studio executives from attempting to persuade Scorsese to spare some characters to enable a sequel. Despite Scorsese’s refusal, the franchise could have continued in other forms, as exemplified by 2003’s “Infernal Affairs II,” which served as a prequel to its predecessor rather than a sequel.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com