*Infernal Affairs* emerged during a period of slump for Hong Kong cinema in the early 2000s. It won audience acclaim for its tight plot and innovative narrative style, grossing HK$55 million to become the year's box-office champion and marking a creative peak for Hong Kong film. The movie has been remade multiple times both domestically and abroad; notably, Martin Scorsese’s 2006 American remake, *The Departed*, won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Television adaptations were also produced in both China and Japan.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of *Infernal Affairs*, a limited-edition vinyl (LP) set featuring the original soundtracks from the *Infernal Affairs* trilogy is being released worldwide. The music was composed by renowned Hong Kong film composer Chan Kwong-wing and performed by the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra and the Nicolaus Esterházy Orchestra, with choral contributions from the Asia Philharmonic Choir and a Hungarian choir.
*Infernal Affairs* stands as a prime example of the flawless integration of visuals and music. Complementing the tight narrative, every musical note aligns with the unfolding plot, stirring the audience's emotions, building tension, and heightening the dramatic impact. The opening drug deal sequence offers a perfect demonstration of the clash between good and evil. Beyond the plot and visuals, music plays a pivotal role in key scenes. For instance, Tsai Chin’s song "Forgotten Times" links the two protagonists, whose destinies follow vastly different paths. Similarly, in the scene where Superintendent Wong falls to his death, the ethereal humming of Fiona Fung’s "Goodbye – Police" serves as a haunting lament for his passing; whenever fans recall this moment, that melody almost invariably comes to mind.
