If this was the only Scorsese film you ever saw, it wouldn't be that bad

Rating: 7/10 (5 December 2007)

Scorsese proves his genius in visualization once again. However this is the first film He has directed with a plot (said by himself). The result of this is a jumbling of characters with no depth. For me personally, none of the characters were deep enough. What makes Scorsese's films so great is that every one of them, even the B level ones, have a character with a struggle that he can identify with. When a film is no longer character driven, but rather plot driven, the director tends to loose that deep connection to the film that can turn out a masterpiece (Raging Bull, Chinatown, The Nun Story). What saves The Departed from mediocrity is near perfect visualization, (once again) flawless editing, and strong performances.