A masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (8 October 2006)

This is classic Scorsese; go see it. I am very happy to say that Marty has made another great film after several good, but certainly not great films.
Scorsese understands violence better than any director in American history. 'Gangs' dealt with the spectacle of fear and the role of violence as a means of achieving and maintaining power. His recent work, "The Departed" is a brilliant film, not just because its entertaining, beautiful, and perfectly crafted, but because of its intelligent handling of the typical Scorsese themes: crime, violence, religion, and the American psyche. We see the nihilism, the angst, and the complete lack of trust or security that comes with a life of violence. There were several deaths in the films that affected me viscerally. I was amazed that I could still be shocked by someone being shot on screen after so many films. The film was brutal without being gory or gratuitous.
The acting is spot on; even Leo was good this time! Nicholson shows the demonic intensity that make him such a star. Of course the music is fantastic and the editing is flawless. Look... if you like Scorsese, you will be relieved to know that Marty can still produce cinematic gems. I think we might finally have the film that wins him the long-overdue Oscar for Best Director. Go see it!