Impressive...

Rating: 10/10 (31 August 2008)

Crime is my least favorite of all the genres. I tend to find myself not liking any of the characters because of the amount I despise crime in all its shapes.
However, I l-o-v-e The Departed. This is a sophisticated and very involving story. From the screenplay to the music, the execution is outstanding, and Marting Scorsese deserves the Academy Award he got.
The screenplay by Monahan is very good. The dialogue is harsh, crisp, and clever. The action is stylish, and the bloodshed is as well. The continuing deception on all sides can make the sturdiest brain ache, making it a film well worth watching a couple more times to understand it better.
Leonardo DiCaprio is great in his role, as well as Jack Nicholson, and especially Mark Wahlberg (whom I cheered for at the Academy Awards). A great cast of people, such as, Martin Sheen, Matt Damon, and Ray Winstone. Each of these characters are interesting, complete, and have their own conclusion.
Howard Shore has made a "toe-tapping" score for The Departed. The use of the guitar in the majority of the music makes it worth a buy -- probably one of the best scores of the year 2006.
Overall, this is a pretty epic crime film. I was enthralled every minute, and hoping for the good guys to win. The ending couldn't have been better, for it was more than I wanted, and left me ultimately satisfied. See this film.