The Departed

Rating: 9/10 (16 September 2014)

The Departed directed by Martin Scorsese takes place in Boston Massachusetts following the lives of several underground criminal figures and those dedicated to bringing them to justice. The criminal underworld is brought to life with characters such as Jack Nicholson, playing the part of Frank Costello a violent unhinged criminal boss who has managed to infiltrate the Massachusetts State Police. Matt Damon's character Collin Sullivan a corrupt police officer helping him further his criminal interests. The members of the State Police have a suspicion that Costello has a propensity to avoid them so effortlessly that he must be receiving information from an informant or "rat".
The State Police's special Investigations Unit is headed up by Martin Sheens character Captain Queenan and Mark Walberg's foul mouthed Staff Sergeant Dignam. Devising a plot to implant a State Police undercover agent into Costello's organization they enlist the help of Leonardo DiCapreo's Billy Costigan. Costigan's family has a long history of crime in the Boston area and a loose association with Costello's outfit, making him ideal to infiltrate with raising much of a concern from the leadership element the Boston Underworld. The film is revolving around the theme of moral implications and human struggle. The moral implications are put to the viewer as the actions of both parties continue throughout the film. Human struggle is clearly a central theme in the film in the sense of "good vs evil" and the toll it takes on the individuals caught with in the struggle.
Proving himself through smaller criminal endeavors such as collecting and enforcement Costigan proves he is a "trustworthy" criminal associate, leading to him delving deeper into Costello's world. Costigan has had his identity as a State Police Officer totally erased and reports only to Cpt. Queenan and Staff Sergeant Dignam, playing the part of this criminal begins to have effects on Costigan in a mental and physical effect. Costigan is able to discuss these issues with a State sponsored psychiatrist Madolyn Madden played by Vera Farminga who coincidently has an ongoing relationship with Det. Sullivan. Madden begins a physical relationship with both men, not being aware of the fact that Costigan is actually a Police officer, his cover has a parolee states meetings with her are a condition of his parole. Through a botched sting attempt that Costello escapes with the help of Det. Sullivan the two informants begin to suspect that each other exist. A dangerous game of cat and mouse then ensues as the two men attempt to reveal the others identity to their respective handlers, leading to the inevitable clash of "good vs evil".
The Departed is fast paced and easy to become immersed in, well written and directed the cast of Hollywood heavy weights carrying the film makes this film a must watch on multiple genres of film. Shot on location throughout the city of Boston the scenery lends to the reality of the film.