“Overheard” is as good as it gets as far as local movies go. Helmed by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, two of the three men responsible for the “Infernal Affairs” trilogy (which led to the industry’s little climax a few years back), this espionage thriller is solid in everything from acting and cinematography to directing. Despite a few glitches in the storyline, Mak and Chong’s skill-set manage to save the film from cliché-ridden hell.

The movie opens with a police surveillance operation run by three officers played by Lau Ching-wan, Louis Koo and Daniel Wu. The organization being spied on is a listed company which the police suspect of dodgy dealings. But when the surveillance team encounters a tip which could make them rich overnight through insider trading, they grab the opportunity and start breaking the law themselves. All hell breaks loose as lies are used to cover lies, crimes to cover crimes, and, of course, they’re always one step ahead of the game because, you guessed it, they’re the surveillance experts watching everyone else.

This film owes a lot to its actors. Lau is the most solid actor of his generation, and has yet to fail in a performance. But I’d like to spend two seconds on Koo. Although he’s been stereotyped most of his career as a rom-com actor because of his good looks, unnatural tan and wisecracking humor, in recent years he’s proven he can tackle serious roles too. Playing the bad-tempered, foul-mouthed cop who is actually a loving father, Koo succeeds in delivering the hopelessness and naivety of his character. Unlike his co-star Wu, Koo’s acting has finally shone through his pretty face.

The film does have its glitches, mostly due to the clichéd story and the sloppy, predictable ending. Luckily for Mak and Chong, they’ve mastered the pace of the film, using suspense, humor and emotions to move the action along and making sure no cliché is left hanging for too long. “Overheard” is not another “Infernal Affairs,” but it’s well worth buying a ticket to see it.

4/5 Stars by Winnie Yeung.

Hong Kong. Directed by Alan Mak and Felix Chong. Starring Lau Ching-wan, Louis Koo, Daniel Wu. Category IIB, 100 minutes. Continuing.