Up there with Scorcese's Best; Would Highly Recommend

Rating: 10/10 (19 May 2017)

Directed by Martin Scorcese
Starring Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson
​ Plot Overview: South Boston cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) goes under cover to infiltrate the organisation of gangland chief Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). As Billy gains the mobster's trust, a career criminal named Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) infiltrates the police department and reports on its activities to his syndicate bosses. When both organisations learn they have a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin must figure out each other's identities to save their own lives.
Scorcese has a great deal of movies over his long career. His filmography includes cult classics such as 'Goodfellas' and 'Taxi Driver'. I'm here to tell you that 'The Departed' rivals them movies. Packed with spectacular performances, genius writing and some of the greatest foreshadowing I've ever seen in a movie; this movie is a masterpiece. Every actor does an amazing job, from Jack Nicholson to Matt Damon to Mark Walhberg. William Monahan's twisted tale of deception and gangs sticks to Scorsese's iconic brand of film making while simultaneously diverting course and making a masterpiece of a movie. If you haven't checked this movie out, I highly suggest you do.
This movie was adapted from 2002's 'Internal Affairs' and the basic story is generally similar so if you've seen that you should have a rough idea of the plot. If not, then let me tell you that the plot of this movie is genius and is just a spectacular Gang Drama(because Scorsese's NEVER done Gang Drama before and you SHOULD be surprised). I would definitely be able to argue that this is William Monahan's greatest screenplay.
Matt 'The Bourne' Damon does a fantastic job as Colin Sullivan, and this is most likely his greatest performance/role. Leo 'The King' DiCaprio is also amazing as Billy Costigan and the way his arc is shown over the course of the film is truly spectacular. Jack 'The Joker' Nicholson is fantastic as Frank Costello and is easily one of his greatest roles in years. Mark 'The What? No!' Walhberg is a star of this movie and manages to deliver in not that much screen time, a brilliant performance that earned him an Oscar nomination. All the characters had intriuging and interesting arcs which made them all stand out and helped earn this movie 'Best Picture'.
This movie is nigh flawless from all standpoints and the technical side of it is no exception. The cinematography is great, the costume design is excellent and the set design is spectacular, especially if you know what marks the spot.
The use of music in this movie is fantastic and the pacing is just excellent.
In conclusion, this movie is arguably one of Scorcese's best and deserves its place as Best Picture winner.
10/10
Would Recommend