Typical Martin ScorseseGREAT!

Rating: 9/10 (18 October 2006)

Let me get started, this film is great. Like every Scorsese film I've ever seen, I was excited before and after I saw it. Scorsese has made a plethora of films that dip from genre to genre but what I think we all remember him for is his crime films (Remember Goodfellas? That way so good!!!) and I have to say he has returned to this genre with one great film.
Maybe the most surprising of the elements in this film is the casting of Leonardo DiCaprio as under cover State Police officer Bill Costigan; a part that he plays very well Dare I call him a Badass. Yes I dare. He spends most of the film terrified that he will be caught and I have to say that I felt sorry for the character (though I was a little curious as to why they hired someone with such a nervous disposition to be an undercover cop). All the casting was spot on, with big names all round: Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Matt Damon (As a great Corrupt cop) and even Ray Winstone. Who is great but does have to work harder then the rest of the actors with the distinct Boston accent but that's not a criticism.
Based on the brilliant Honk Kong film Infernal Affairs (or Mou gaan dou before someone calls me on it.) it lives up to it. Like the original it has a lot of things going for it. The film takes place in Boston; a city that seems to be have been neglected by the crime story community and with this film following very closely to the tale of Whitey Bulger you get the feeling of echoes of real life. Although the film does have its share of plot holes (i.e. Why would you let a guy who use to be a cop in to your criminal enterprise and when you found out there was a mole in said enterprise why wouldn't he be your first port of call?)The script is faithfully adapted. There's even a good action sequence in it. All in all, this great film is definitely worth the £6 ticket price and I recommend it to anyone.
Plus the ending kicks ass!