Brilliance

Rating: 10/10 (2 December 2012)

Martin Scorsese finally received his Oscar for Best Director with this film, among three additional Oscars, including Best Picture. For Scorsese, his Oscar was overdue, but it could not have been awarded for a better film. The Departed is a powerhouse; the casting, directing and acting in this film are untouchable. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon work together to create a truly brilliant contrast between protagonists that escalates into an unprecedented and unexpected climax that will leave the viewer stunned and speechless. Jack Nicholson proves why he is the consummate actor of his generation with his chilling portrayal of a ruthless and truly evil Irish crime boss of whom the film's story circulates. From his first scene to his last, Nicholson's performance is spectacular. His authenticity is positively chilling. To complement the stellar performances from DiCaprio, Damon and Nicholson, Martin Sheen and Mark Wahlberg offer performances that fit this film seamlessly and perfectly. From the honest character of Queenan (Sheen) to the brutish but intelligent Dignam (Wahlberg), the supporting cast blends effortlessly into the leading roles to provide a remarkable finished product that is The Departed. Alongside the brilliant casting and the outstanding acting, the pacing of this film is perfect. Comfortably over two hours, the steady and constant increase of action and intensity culminates in a truly unique and heart-stopping climax that the viewer will absolutely not expect. If you are a fan of Martin Scorsese, this film is for you. If you are a fan of DiCaprio, Damon, Nicholson, etc, this film is for you. If you appreciate the art of filmmaking, this film is for you.
To summarize, this film is absolutely brilliant. 10/10.