The Departed (2006)

Rating: 10/10 (4 March 2012)

Probably very unnecessary to write a review of 'The Departed', as I would almost go so far as to say it is one of the best films produced in the last decade or so, and by now you've either seen it or you haven't. That is probably not very far from the truth though, 'The Departed' is truly Scorsese's masterpiece from beginning to end, it is clear to see from every angle, as was with 'The Aviator' two years prior, that every single one of our cast and crew members are true experts at what they do. Our four male leads DiCaprio, Nicholson, Damon, and Wahlberg all carry themselves nicely throughout the film. Witty, intelligent dialog galore, Wahlberg truly impresses us here, as does Alec Baldwin who doesn't seem to be overplaying himself and doesn't deliver any of his lines as if they were his last words.
The complex story never really lets us down, no time to stop and take a breath, this is the type of film that demands multiple viewings. If you haven't seen this yet, you should probably get on that, as this is precision filmmaking at it's finest. I couldn't believe how unaware I was that I didn't know Scorsese had won himself an Oscar over this one until moments before writing this, and I have to say that would have to be the film he would win for. It's like required that a film so good should be recognized. 'The Departed' is essential viewing along with most of Scorsese's body of work.
THE DEPARTED -----10/10.