Yes, I remember you original longer post quite vividly, and kept it in mind while re-watching "Infernal Affairs". Too bad it's gone, but when I read it, and while watching the film I share(d) many of your views and insights. Though of course I'm not an Asian, so some things aren't as easily accessible to me (same as I always have to wonder about the genius of Kusturica, as I grew up in Yugoslavia ). 

The film has these two qualities, which is very rare in mainstream cinema (such a level of reflection I mean).