Everything you would want out of a movie

Rating: 9/10 (15 October 2006)

Martin Scorese's new film "The Departed" is one of those rare Hollywood gems that defines all expectations in cinema today. There is humor, drama, action, violence, and character development.
I feel that this film can be broken down into three films as a matter of fact. You have, the original Chinese film "Infernal Affairs," Scorese's hints of "Goodfellas" inside, and an ending similar to Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
The original Chinese film lacks substance compared to Scorese's remake. This is one of those rare instances were the remake is better than the original. To name a few of my favorite remakes: John Carpenter's "The Thing", Gore Verbinski's "The Ring," and Don Siegel's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." While in "Infernal Affairs" we are given abridged version of "The Departed." Another comparsion is like comparing Peter Jackson's remake of "King Kong" to the original. Although, in "The Departed" the extra minutes add to the film with character development and further plot points. "The Departed" is a spiced up version of "Infernal Affairs" to all means.
When comparing this film to "Goodfellas" you come up a little short handed. Although, you get an excellent performance from Jack Nicholson as Frank Costello. Nicholson's character belongs and could be from "Goodfellas." As an actor, It is easier to take Nicholson seriously now. I am comparing him to Robert De Niro, who has more share of silly movies added to his resume than Nicholson. Nicholson clearly sinks into that role of Frank Costello just as well as De Niro as Jimmy "The Gent." The two other characters, Decaprio and Damon fit into this film as if someone could replace them. Perhaps, Decaprio was better in his role than Damon, but I must say they played the parts well. They are not Joe Pesci or Liotta like in "Goodfellas"
I must say, is Decaprio taking DeNiro's place as Scorese's main man?
In the end, we overcome a huge shootout very reminiscent of "Hamlet." It becomes a tragedy in the final chapter, or does it? As a viewer of this film you sympathize with Decaprio's character immediately. Damon's character is viewed as a spy, and Wahlberg's character is viewed as an asshole. At the end of the film, we have our innocence lost after Decaprio's death, Damon venerating Decaprio, and Damon's death by Wahlberg. Is it fate for Damon to die? In "Infernal Affairs" Damon's character lives. There is no Mark Wahlberg character in "Infernal Affairs." I think Scorese gave his audience an ending without remorse. You don't feel angry about either of the main characters having known both of them are murdered.
So, we see an ending that is concluding and not depressing. Not many films can conqueror this. Well done Scorese 9 out of 10 stars.
-Review by Radley Silla