Fantastic Story with Great Acting

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2016)

This might be the best story that is brought to screen. I know The Departed was originally based on Infernal Affairs, but Scorsese really adds an extra "wow" factor.
The Departed contains my favorite cast ever with Nicholson, DiCaprio, Damon, Sheen, Baldwin, and Wahlberg. They all have the east coast feel and play the gangster and cop roles perfectly. I don't think a better cast could have been found. Nicholson seemed to be passing the acting torch onto Leo here as it is a treat for the viewer to see these two bring out the best in each other. Wahlberg surprised me in his limited role. He plays the loose cannon cop perfectly and really adds a presence to his scenes.
Scorsese really set The Departed apart for me though. All of his little touches that make his movies great were involved. You cold tell with his unique use of cinematography, realism, and music. Everything was emphasized. Each moment was big and built to a powerful ending. He finds a way to connect the story together in a way to keep everyone on the edge of their seat the entire time. Scorsese has made some great gangster movies, but this is by far his best. It definitely stands alone.
This movie in general deserved every award it received and probably more. I thought from top to bottom this was as close to a perfect movie as I have seen in my life. The story was already intriguing from Infernal Affairs and the best cast imaginable was brought together. Scorsese took these elements and created his masterpiece.
Go see this movie immediately; 10/10