'A Director going back to the bloody basics'

Rating: 9/10 (9 December 2006)

'The Departed', the newest Martin Scorsese picture, is his best since 'Goodfellas'. It's the classic Marty fusion of character, music and lots and lots of blood. It's possibly the year's most engaging and entertaining film.
Billy Costigan is a new Boston police cadet. Once passing training he goes undercover to infiltrate the operations of Mob kingpin, Frank Costello. Costigan utilizes his past familial connections through his crook of an uncle.
Collin Sullivan is also a rising cop. He had a rough childhood, until Frank Costello buys the family some groceries. This brings him into a world much like the one of the young Henry Hill in 'Goodfellas'. When the boss finds that the Sullivan kid's in with the cops, he knows where to get his information and get it regularly. When each group finds that the other has a mole in on their operation, they all try to decipher who's the rat. It's the highest order of the game of Cat and Mouse.
The performances are stellar all around, with Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmgia and Mark Whalberg giving able support to the three principals: DiCaprio, Damon and Nicholson. Baldwin and Whalberg provide many laughs with the latter giving his best performance. Nicholson, in his scenery chewing glory, shouldn't be forgotten come Oscar night. DiCaprio creates a fully developed character with great success. Damon is at his best and Vera Farmiga is a wonderful as Damon's lover and DiCaprio's therapist.
The Direction is crisp and hopefully will capture Martin Scorsese his (long) overdue Oscar.
Nothing I can say can do service to the wonder that is 'The Departed', possibly the year's best film!