Action cinema is the principal source of the Hong Kong film industry's claim to global fame, and Ka Fai Wong has been an active member of the region's film scene since the mid ‘90s, with his varied contributions as a director, cinematographer and cameraman. In ‘The Infernal Walker,' Wong's first directorial effort of a planned trilogy, the streets of Hong Kong seem ruthless in a journey which follows two men who must come to terms with the requirements of their jobs or reap the consequences.
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Within the first few minutes of the film, the Fuk Wor Triad are portrayed as a ruthless gang who suspect that there is a police informant within their circle, and who are willing to seek and eliminate the traitor by any means necessary. What they don't realize is that their member Ting has spent more than ten years rising through the ranks within their organization, but is secretly an undercover cop who lacks satisfaction in a job which he believes is lackluster and unrewarding. On the other hand, Senior Inspector Tuen has devoted his livelihood as a gang member serving discreetly in the Regional Anti Triad Unit – a wolf in sheep's clothing who also despises his job and wishes to begin a chapter in his life without the heavy burden of his inglorious past.
Tuen schemes to take down the secret boss of the illegitimate Eastern Trade Company, but when Fuk Wor and the Eastern Trade Company combine forces in a be-all-end-all narcotics deal, nobody knows that the whole deal is actually a trap set up by the eldest and highest-ranking members of each faction in order to uncover the identities of the moles. Ting and Tuen are honest men who simply desire peace and justice, yet they do not realize that the inner workings of their organizations are more complex than they might appear, and any misstep might prove fatal. The concept that ‘The Infernal Walker' explores is by no means original, but remains thought-provoking nonetheless; as Ting and Tuen try to escape their respective pasts, themes of honour, loyalty, professional practice and human ethics are set in motion. Viewers are bound to be left contemplating these concepts long after the movie is finished, and this is accentuated by realistic and genuine performances by Michael Tse as Ting and Parkho Chau as Tuen, as young men contemplating their respective pasts, presents and futures.
Working alongside producer Billy Chung, Ka Fai Wong delivers a fun and suspenseful viewing experience which mimics the intensity and philosophy of its predecessors, such as the ‘Infernal Affairs' series. The film might not bring anything new and exciting to the genre of crime thrillers, but its generic yet enticing concept still packs a lot of fun into its hour and forty minute runtime. This is complemented by the beautiful cinematography of Billy Ko, whose shots of scenic blue landscapes and skylines give the film a mesmerising feel. In addition, Wong Hap provides simple but effective music, heightening the tension at the movie's most extreme moments, and slowing things down with ambience during the low points. Every crime thriller also requires a healthy dose of violence, and ‘The Infernal Walker' does not fail to deliver here either, using minimal practical effects but pulling off gory and gruesome scenes through subtleties which leave much to the imagination while also appearing deliberate and meaningful.
‘The Infernal Walker' might not bring forth anything new to the world of Hong Kong crime movies, but with a straightforward concept, entertaining characters and simple-yet-punchy practical effects, Ka Fai Wong's film proves to be a thrilling ride from start to finish.
