Film Name: 黑白森林 / Colour of the Truth
After watching Black Forest, it’s clear Wong Jing has the chops to tackle the same genre again after Infernal Affairs. Two aspects deserve special mention:
First: Screenplay
Wong Jing wrote the script himself, staying true to his signature style—full of suspense, with a compact, tightly-knit story packed with twists and turns.
Anthony Wong truly shines in this story. His portrayal of a wise, capable, and compassionate police officer is fully realized through his scenes opposite Cola and subtle details like hiding the final bullet.
The narrative is tightly structured. Though the central plotline is straightforward—a decade-old grudge leading to a father’s vengeance— Yet the characters are richly developed, and the plot progression is logical. Even Anthony Wong’s stroke-stricken father has a subplot involving hidden grenades, revealing his past as an IRA bomb disposal expert.
Twists abound: the seemingly frail figure turns out to be a ruthless hitman, while the vicious enemies are actually colluding actors. These revelations unfold gradually for the audience to discover.
Second: The Cast
It was a delight to see Tony Leung and Lau Ching-wan reunited as the gangster boss and the cop. Though their screen time was limited, they served as the thread weaving through the entire film. Personally, I’ve always believed they would have been far more suitable for the two lead roles in “Infernal Affairs,” but unfortunately, Andrew Lau preferred the box-office appeal of handsome leading men.
Kwok’s portrayal radiates healthy vitality, while Chan Siu-chun masterfully embodies cold-blooded ruthlessness. As for Anthony Wong’s performance, it goes without saying.
Comparison with “Infernal Affairs”
Though both films tackle the same theme, their core messages differ significantly, making direct comparison unwarranted. Yet with both featuring an all-star Hong Kong cast, a comparison of their distinctions is hard to resist.
“Infernal Affairs” excels in its novel subject matter, fresh perspective, and grand scale. “Colour of the Truth” shines with its strong script, compelling characters, and compact, polished execution. Each has its own strengths.
It’s a shame Hong Kong can’t bring its best talents together, as they could create even better films.
Please specify：Anime Phone Cases » Colour of the Truth 1993 Film Review: Compact and elegant