Jack shows 'em how it's done

Rating: 9/10 (10 September 2018)

The Departed' is a remake. Therefore it must be merely a cynical cash-grab, right? Wrong. And it's not often anyone says that these days. Yes, it may be a remake of a 2002 film from Hong Kong, but, when it's directed by Martin Scorsese, stars Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DeCaprio and Matt Damon (to name but a few) you know that it's going to be very different some other recent remakes, reboots and re-imaginings!
I haven't seen the original, so I can't compare the two films. And I have a feeling that this US version will be remembered so fondly that many will soon forget that an 'original' ever existing - no matter how good it was. A director as talented as Martin Scorsese, it's no wonder he's dabbled with numerous types of film and genre, but here he returns to - arguably - what he does best - epic gangster movies. I reckon that in time 'The Departed' will be remembered alongside 'Goodfellas' and the like. It really is that good. Or at least it is if you're into gangster films in general.
First of all there's the cast. I've already mentioned the main three, but add Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, Ray Winstone (just don't mention the Londoner's attempt at an American accent!) and Vera Farmiga. It's fair to say that there isn't a bad performance among them (and, no, Winstone wasn't THAT bad when it came to the accent - they probably should have just made his character British and be done with it). However, for all these big names, it's Jack all the way. The 'old man' of the film shows everyone how it's done.
Jack plays Frank Costello, who is the 'head' of the Irish mafia in Boston. And, therefore, he's hardly a nice, sympathetic character you'll feel inclined to root for. Only you sort of do. In the same way you'd hardly feel comfortable sitting down to tea with Hannibal Lecter, yet you can't help but see him as a hero (or rather anti-hero!). And this is all down to Nicholson's performance. He oozes charm and likeability, even when he's clubbing people to death, or generally engaging in high-level criminal activities. In short, this is Jack's baby.
The general story revolves around Frank's attempt to 'plant' a bad police officer within the ranks of the force charged with the task of investigating him. However, what he doesn't know is that that very same unit is hatching a similar plot to plant a police officer among Frank's gang. What follows is a pretty tense tale of 'cat and mouse' where you're wondering which side will find out the truth first (and, more importantly, the repercussions when they do!). I'll leave it there in terms of plot, as there are more than a few moments that you probably won't see coming - avoid internet spoilers if possible before watching!
There's little negative to say about the film (it's quite long - if that's really a problem when a film is this good?) and I think that the only people who may not enjoy it are those who generally aren't a fan of the genre. If you don't like crime movies in general, you won't like it. Same goes for if foul language and violence is not your thing. However, if like most, you can appreciate an excellent film that doesn't pull any punches and is just about as perfect as any film is these days, then this is definitely worth a watch.