Best film of the year

Rating: 10/10 (1 March 2007)

The Departed, based on the Japanese film, 'Infernal Affairs', is the best film of the year and never fails to entertain.
It's about an undercover police officer (Leonardo DiCaprio) who infiltrates the mob (Lead by Jack Nicholson), and a young gangster (Matt Damon) who infiltrates the police department. William Monahan's writes the best script of the year. His Boston dialog and aura, diverse characters, and quick twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Leonardo DiCaprio gives one of the best performances of the year. He plays his character with an anxious fidgetyness and a bunch of controlled fear and anger. Matt Damon gives a criminally underrated performance. His character isn't entirely bad, but I feel that he does the deceptive things he does out of honor and devotion to his 'Dad'. Jack Nicholson is a constant threat in this film. His tenacity and unpredictability strikes fear in the hearts of everyone he comes in contact with. He demands respect and he gets it. His chemistry with Leo and Matt is top-notch. Mark Wahlberg play an A-Hole in every form of the word. If he doesn't know you, he doesn't like you and doesn't get to know you and Wahlberg plays it with perfect arrogance. Vera Farmiga holds her own on the screen with DiCaprio and Damon, but she is easily forgotten. Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, and Ray Winstone add great veteran backup. Props to Marty. This is the best cast of the year.
Martin Scorsese perfectly crafts this crime thriller. The cinematography, editing, and Howard Shore's pulsy score gives the film a deadly Boston personality. He perfectly paces this film and gives it dramatic tension and suspense at the right moments. On an emotional level, he shows what life on the undercover is like. Always having to look back behind your back can wear a person out.
All in all, The Departed is a brilliantly acted and directed film. Marty's best yet.