This movie isn't just another cop drama. The lives of the main characters will overlap creating an intriguing work of art.

Rating: 10/10 (25 February 2007)

A movie that cast Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Demon, with the direction of Martin Scorsese is a mixture for success. The intrigues triangle is well planned, and effectively keeps the audience in suspense until the end. The sound track and the shoot techniques point out significant developments through the movie. All in all, The Departed is the greatest movie of the year. In the opening scene a magnificent Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), introduces the evolution of the South Boston's Irish mafia, and sets the roots for the entire film. It takes about five minutes into the movie, to see Frank's face, and exactly when he says /we could become cops or criminals when you are facing a loaded gun what's the difference?/. The choice of the director to introduce Frank, one of his main characters, with a mysterious darkness around him, perfectly defines the nature of this man. Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon) and Bill Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) are introduced, as adults, almost at the same time. This choice demonstrates duality between them; simultaneously their roles are inverted to create misunderstanding in the viewers. Collin appears to be the perfect man, rising fast and with enough attitudes to be promoted into the Special Investigation Unit. Bill on the other hand, is treated like a criminal, because of his affiliations with the organized crime. Scorsese's choice to initiate Bill as a non welcome addition to the State Police is brilliant. The prelude of the two characters overlaps defining the title of this movie. The title, The Departed, is obviously associated to Bill Costigan's change of identity, where the cop in him dies. The music is well chosen, and it helps associate the different situations. For example, the song I'm Shipping Up to Boston, by The Dropkick Murphys, defines two significant events of the story. The first time, it is used when Bill begins his new undercover life. The second time, the song is used to define the state of actions that will bring Bill back to his real identity. I'm Shipping Up to Boston, is the perfect song to classify the two moments especially because of the Irish Folk in it. The multitude of shot techniques makes the viewer understand, and concentrate on significant details in the movie. It also defines the personality of the main characters. Collin is prevalently filmed from a high angle, which indicates submission. Bill on the other hand, is mostly filmed from a low angle, which represents superiority in values. Frank is filmed up close and mostly by himself, which symbolizes power and domination. In conclusion, The Departed is a masterpiece. Scorsese was able to create something, which will become a cult for generation to come. His choice of actors and filming techniques are appropriate to the subject. Whoever, can understand the brilliancy of this movie will be satisfied with it.