Scorcese scores with 'The Departed'

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2006)

Okay ... if this one doesn't win at the Oscars 2007,screw the AMPAS ! The movie is a real tour dé force; without a shadow of doubt Scorsese's best after 'The Last Temptation of Christ'.Perfect in every which way ,be it the ensemble cast of Hollywood's best (Nicholson,Damon) or the sheer pace of the movie (believe me this movie is actually edge of the seat stuff ,no exaggerations whatsoever) or the plot (though its a remake of the Hong Kong cult flick 'Internal Affairs' ) or the timing (including the intermission!) or the deliciously sexy Vera Farmiga (including her steamy interlude with Leo) ,the movie is prodigiously handled by 'Marty' Scorsese (arguably one of the best Directors after Kubrick).And the biggest surprise was Leo... yep this actor has come of age with this role.You can see shades of potential fulfilled after he wowed audiences with his '93 performance in 'What's eating Gilbert Grape' as an autistic savant kid.It's probably the effect of Scorsese having continued faith in this actor after he cast him in 'Gangs of New York' and 'Aviator'. And the soundtrack is gripping to say the least complementing the action on screen brilliantly (most Pink Floyd aficionados shall agree) .Surely ,Martin Scorsese is the best Director to not have won the Oscar..let's see if that changes next year! Enough said! Watch this flick ... your satisfaction is guaranteed!