The Departed ... or is it The Knock-Off ?

Rating: 4/10 (21 June 2007)

I saw this movie a while ago, it caught attention while browsing fresh titles on the i-net, long before it got this hype that it's benefiting from today ( cause of the Oscars ), and i decided to give it a try. I enjoyed it, didn't have any expectations when i saw it. The idea seemed genuine, quite a few good acting scenes, directing didn't stand out on the other hand, dramatic ending - somewhat emotional-wannabe in what seemed at the time a good blend of ideas put on tape. Fast forward to a week ago, browsing Asian cinema reviews i find a title i consider worth my time, that i just finished watching, turns out it's the original story this is based on with : minor slips, better acting, better script, better editing, i'd go so far as to say it even has a better soundtrack that builds a great atmosphere. The thing that really disturbed me is that it has a lower rating than this, The Departed being just a cheap knock-off benefiting from a Made in USA tag, having Scorsese for a director which was, as they put it, way overdue to getting an Oscar (not necessarily meritous for this picture), and worldwide publicity due to the Oscars. More originality please, don't just copy scripts and adapt with cheap jokes and well payed actors just to make a mediocre picture. Enough reasons to get my first under 5 rating. You want great cinema --> watch the 2002 Chinese original, it brought a tear to my eye.