Living a double life is not different either as a cop or a criminal when you are working undercover

Rating: 9/10 (4 October 2006)

(Synopsis) The city of South Boston has been taken over by the Irish mob boss, Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). The Massachusetts State Police Department has set up the Special Investigations Unit to collect evidence and put Costello and his men in jail. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) has just graduated from the state police academy, and has been assigned to infiltrate Costello's gang by the unit chief. Billy joins the mob and begins to earn Costello's trust. Years earlier, Costello was able to get one of his men, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), to infiltrate the state police. Colin is assigned to the Special Investigations Unit, the same unit that is trying to take Costello down. The only problem for the police is that Colin keeps Costello informed as to what the police are about to do. Eventually, the police and the mob discover that a mole has infiltrated their ranks. Each man is living a double life where one misstep will mean life or death if he is caught.
(My Comment) This was a noteworthy movie with many memorable performances. Jack Nicholson's performance as an evil psychopath will get him an Oscar nomination. Several others probably will also be nominated for this film. The movie is graphically violent and shows the dark side of crime. It shows what it takes to work uncover as a cop or as a criminal. Costello said, "does it matter who is holding a gun to your head, it is all the same." Both sides risk their lives every day. It is a long movie, but the time passes very fast. (Warner Brothers Pictures, Run time 2:29, Rated R)(9/10)