Martin Scorsese as we like it

Rating: 9/10 (4 December 2006)

Leonardo DiCaprio shines in Martin Scorsese's new gangster movie 'The Departed'. Mat Dammon, Jack Nicholson, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen and especially Mark Wahlberg throw in their talents as well to make this one of the most entertaining films of the year. I would go as far to call this the most entertaining film Scorsese had made since the great 'Goodfellas', although his 'Casino'' came pretty close. This is simply what the man does best, lifting an average story up to greatness. This is not an attack to the original 'Infernal Affairs' on which this film is based on, which was great as well, but the Scorsese magic is seen here in all its glory.
The plot circles around two infiltrating people. One of them is an undercover cop named Billy (DiCaprio) who joins the team of a gangster named Frank Costello (Nicholson). The other is one of Costello's man named Colin Sullivan (Damon) who joins the Boston police department. These two young men are trying to discover the identity of the other and at the same keep their own identity covered. Sheen, Baldwin and Wahlberg belong to the Boston police, all playing their part in this complex tale. I say complex, but Scorsese makes sure the audience knows who is who and why they act the way they do.
I have said about enough about the plot, which is more fun if you do not know too much. For this film is probably best if 'Infernal Affairs' is not seen either. If you do not have too much problems with the bloodshed we have seen in earlier Scorsese films this is the film for you. Technically brilliant, uncompromising, and arguably the most entertaining film from 2006, from start to finish.