The Departed (2006)

Rating: 10/10 (3 July 2008)

The Departed was a great movie that deserves it's title as the "best picture of 2007." The cast is first rate including Jack Nicholson, in an over the top performance as the villain, Jack Costello. Leonardo DiCaprio also turns in an Oscar worthy performance as undercover cop, William Costigan Jr. Matt Damon is also very good in his role. Mark Wahlberg who was (surprisingly) the only nominee out of all of these actors also does an excellent job in this film. Even the supporting actors are good, including film veteran Martin Sheen in a good performance, and Anthony Anderson in a rare break from his usual comedy routine that turns into an overall good performance. In other words the acting was great, one of the best casts in recent years. Martin Scorsese's direction is very good. Although this is not his best work, it is still proof that he is a film making legend and he always will be. Many people say that he ripped off the Chinese movie Infernal Affairs, but in many ways this movie is better. What Infernal Affairs does in 10 minutes, The Departed does it in 30 minutes. This allows a lot more room for the actors, and much more characterization. In conclusion, The Departed may not be Scorsese's best movie, but it is nevertheless a superb effort and perhaps his best effort since GoodFellas. The performances in the movie are great, and should have been recognized more commercially. It is the deserved winner of four Academy Awards, but in my opinion should have won more.
10/10 Rated R for Strong Brutal Violence, Pervasive Language, Some Strong Sexual Content, and Drug Content. Canadian Home Video: 18A Run Time: 151 Minutes.