Well I just came back from this and I still feel a little numb, but I have to say this is the best movie I have seen so far this year, I don't think there will be anything that will top if, the only other one I can think of is Clint Eastwood's Flags of our fathers.

I think Martin will finally get his Oscar, I really can't see anyone else doing a better directing job than he did, this is him at his very best, I liked this even more than Goodfella's.


****************************MAYBE SOME SPOILERS***************





The movie starts off with Matt Damon as a little kid, he meets Jack Nicholson who becomes a surrogate father.  Damon becomes a cop and a mole for the mob.

Leo on the other hand grew up with crime, his whole family, except for his father, were all mixed in the crime world.

Leo gets asked by Mark Wahlberg and Martin Sheen to go undercover into Nicholson's crime syndicate, but the thing is, because they can't hide the fact that he was a cop he has to get arrested, go to jail for a long time, and the only people who will know about this is Marky Mark and Martin Sheen, nobody else will know his true identity.

What's funny is that the credits don't start til all of this has happened, so like a half an hour into the film, I never seen that done before.

Now it turns into a cat and mouse game between Damon and DiCaprio to find out who each other is.

That's the basic plot, there are other elements including the love triangle between Damon, his girlfriend, and DiCaprio.

All the performances are great, Damon and DiCaprio have never been better, but my favorite character has to be Wahlberg, he owns every scene he is in, and his last scene in the movie rocks, there were even people in the theater that clapped.

Alec Baldwin was great as well, he will probably get a nod in the supporting actor category, but I think Nicholson will take it, he is truly evil in this, I have never seen evil on scene like that of Jack, I was waiting for horns to pop out of his head.

Damon on the other hand is true slim, he is so despicable, so unpleasant, he is the cause of so many deaths in the movie you just wanna ring his neck, and his scenes with Wahlberg are top notch.

This is the first movie that had a scene that actually made my heart jump, I have never scene the original, so those who have probably know which scene I am talking about, it's near the end involving the fate of one of the characters, I didn't see it coming, in fact I don't think anyone in the theater saw it coming cause there were gasps coming from everyone.

This also has a great soundtrack ranging from Heavy metal to classic rock to classical, Scorsese sets the mood with each song he chooses.

This was a great film by a great filmmaker.  The images, especially near the end will stick with me for a while, and the last shot of the rat on the railing was great.

This is a must see.
5/5

I'm going to see this film tommorrow.

Thanks for the review. I'm excited to hear that Martin was able to get the performances out of this cast. All of them with the exception of Jack have spotty track records. They all have showed promise but needed a great director and script to let them shine.

So again, I can't wait to see this and I might add a little review to this post tommorrow.

-Kotton

well,

I have to say...

the movie is good, but it still doesn't feel right,

I have the infernal affairs trilogy.

And for me the original is still from far way better.

The movie was good, nothing wrong with it, but it so gave me the feeling that Scorcese really wants his oscar, and for that he just took one of the best asian flicks, changed the setting but kept the story, the plot, actually everything!!! Even the scenes and camera angles. And picked some of the best actors, and the only difference is that they pimped the story a little more.

But, I'm not that objective on this one,
I hate identical adaptations, I like originality, and I really hate when one of the top directors goes to copy an amazing movie, because he doesn't need it, and a top director as the obligation to do original stuff, not go on a copy spree accross asia, just to have his long and awaited oscar.

watch the original and see for yourself.

that's my two nickel.

Pedro

I absolutely love Martin Scorsese. He's the greatest living director at the moment. He, Spielberg, Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson are just living legends. Their films will be remember forever and ever.

I cannot wait to dig into this film. Scorsese and Nicholson teeming up is just... beyond words. It's perfect. You have the elite of performance and the elite of direction collaborating. It just makes sense. And I'm yet to see a Scorsese/DiCaprio team up go sour. It's not out in Australia yet. Only two more days. Cannot wait.


Cheers, Chism.

I just got back from seeing this at the Drive-in. I was pretty pissed off when I heard there was going to be a remake of the Infernal Affairs flick, because the target audiences of American re-makes, are the philistines who are too closed minded to watch something that's not in English.

The film ran for 165 minutes but didn't feel like it, so that's a sure sign that it was well paced.

SPOILERS

Strangely enough I found myself barracking for Sullivan (Damon) and I put my hand up in vain for a high five, off my wife, when Costigan (DiCaprio) got one in the head. Unfortunately my joy was short lived. (Yeah, I couldn't remember the ending of Infernal Affairs)

On the way home my wife and I had a debate about the ending. She said that it was pointless because everybody died, even though Dignam (a good guy) was the last man standing. I disagreed, I thought there was plenty of meaning; the bad guys got wiped out and the good guys died noble deaths, sacrificing themselves in the line of duty. Justice prevailed, but at a cost.

It was also good to see Jack Nicholson in a decent film again.

I liked it and that's all I ask of a film. 8/10
  

If Scorsese doesn't get an Oscar in the next 5 years well...

The Departed was outstanding, i mean a 5 star cast putting in 5 star performances and a well paced, well thought out story, will a bit of sex and a lot of bloodshed. What more can you ask for?

PREDICTIONS
---------------
Scorsese Best Director Nominee/Possible Winner
Jack Nicholson/ Best Supporting Actor 100%
Leonardo DiCaprio/ Nominee Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Damon put in a good performance but he will come away with nothing.

I just saw this last night.

I think this is Scorsese's best picture. While technically it was strong, he still was able to add in some of his creative touch, unlike Taxi Driver. The movie kept my attention for the whole 2 1/2 hours. That's how you know you've got a good movie. The special effects were dam good.

The acting was outstanding. Vera Farmiga was a really strong character as well as Dignam (Mark Wahlberg). He was my favorite character in this movie. He just had that Boston attitude and I loved every scene he was in. He defintely held his own.

DiCaprio was, as usaual, on pont. I cant say anything else besides that. Damon was good too. But I enjoyed watching DiCaprio more. Maybe because he interacted with Nicholson more. I thought all the roles were well casted and in my opinion I think they all did an outstanding job.

The ending was typical Scorsese; bloodbath. But I liked the ending. It was defintely shocking. I didnt see any of it coming. I still dont know why Dignam killed Colin at the end... was it because he was in on the Mob or was it for revenge? I'm interested in what you guys think.

I give it a 9/10.

Dignam killed colin cause he got the envelope that Willaim gave Madolyn, which had all the evidence pointed towards him.  He killed him outta revenge.  He had the evidence to put him away, but he knew Colin was the scum of the earth and deserved to rot in hell.  That last scene was awesome, when I saw Dignam standing there in the booties my eyes lit up, I was like "it's payback time"

The girl still had the envelope... as far as I know. They didnt show her leave it or give it to him. But what youre saying makes sense.

it may have not shown her giving it to Dignam, but I think it was implied.  William told her to open it if something happened to him, so I guess after he is killed she opened it and it was probably addressed to Dignam.

And yeah MARKY MARK ruled in this movie, every single line he had was great

I've been dying to see this since it was in theaters so I decided to blind-buy it yesterday, figuring Martin Scorsese could do no wrong. As I expected, the film was excellent.

First off, the acting was top notch. Jack Nicholson, among others, owned this flick. I mean, he was just too into it. The breakout performance was Mark Wahlberg, who was also terrific as Dignam. I was really surprised. Up until now, I've believed that Mark Wahlberg has never been a good movie... ever. The closest he came was Three Kings, which was only semi-decent.

The cinematography was also excellent and very unique. Some of the shot choices and camera movements, I could never have thought of. The choices were odd at times but always right. That's why Scorsese is great at what he does.

And, of course, what would a Scorsese flick be without 50's-60's music and brutal violence? This one had everything.

The plot was interesting and original (despite this being a remake) but was really, really complex and hard to follow. I don't think I was able to get into it until an hour or so after the credits rolled. I guess you just have to pay attention. A master filmaker like Scorsese calls for it, I suppose.

Anyway, that's about it. Solid flick and my third favorite Scorsese flick (after Goodfellas and Casino). Only complaints were getting lost in the plot and the occasional CGI blood but that's all forgiveable, of course. I hope he gets the Oscar for this one (finally). Check this out!

Quoted from James McClung Up until now, I've believed that Mark Wahlberg has never been a good movie... ever. The closest he came was Three Kings, which was only semi-decent.

Come on, Jimmy, what about: The Basketball Diaries, Boogie Nights and The Perfect Storm?

However, I agree with your assessment of The Departed; it’s a beauty.

I agree. Wahlberg is a really, really good actor and he has been in some rippers, Boogie Nights probably still being my favourite, but The Departed is a close second. This is an awesome film, ever single frame of it is electrifying and entertaining. The two and a half hour runtime feels too short, I wanted more. And Whalberg was awesome in it. It was the best movie in 2006. Hopefully Scorsese will get his long-deserved Oscar.

Stupid delayed Australian release. We're still about a month away from the DVD release, which sucks because I only got the opportunity to see this movie once and I'm dying for another viewing.

Cheers, Chismeister,

Lol well here The Departed is in the cinema again because of all its hype. Can't wait til the oscars. Not long...

I hope it wins Best Picture and Director for Jordan's sake. Lol.

Quoted from Takeshi I hope it wins Best Picture and Director for Jordan's sake. Lol.

It will win best director, if he doesn't i will read all of dan robinson's scripts, and write a two page report on each

Quoted from Takeshi Come on, Jimmy, what about: The Basketball Diaries, Boogie Nights and The Perfect Storm?

I wouldn't make such a rash statement if I hadn't gone to IMDB and read Mark Wahlberg's entire catalog. The Perfect Storm was okay. The other just aren't my thing.

I also didn't mean to imply that Mark Wahlberg has only starred in stinkers, rather just un-noteworthy or forgettable films.

Just my opinion though. A lot of people seem to dig his work.

Quoted from The boy who could fly It will win best director, if he doesn't i will read all of dan robinson's scripts, and write a two page report on each

I might have to hold you to that, Jordan .

Quoted from James McClung I might have to hold you to that, Jordan .

At least I'll have a reason to kill myself if he doesn't win

Woah. That's dark. You are seriously dark.

He'll win. Or else...


Cheers, Chismeister.

Just watched the movie, and let me say that now it is my favorite movie of all time...

Everything about this movie is perfect... I just read the screenplay as well, brilliant!!!

-SPOILER




The end was shocking when Billy was killed in the elevator. But when Colin entered his apartment, and Dignam was standing there. My jaws dropped, and I actually cheered... That was how into the movie I was!

This tops Goodfellas in my opinion!

: )

*****/ ***** stars.

Quoted from Takeshi On the way home my wife and I had a debate about the ending. She said that it was pointless because everybody died, even though Dignam (a good guy) was the last man standing.

haha my wife had the same reaction saying the movie was stupid cause everyone died...what do you expect from a movie that is called "the departed" which is basically another way of calling the movie "The Dead"

here's a funny short version of the film.

There are some SPOILERS in it, so if you havent seen it I would recomend you wait till you have seen it.  Also there is a lot of profanity in it so if you get offended that's just a warning.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=c-uwa9dUCk0&mode=related&search=

Quoted from The boy who could fly http://youtube.com/watch?v=c-uwa9dUCk0&mode=related&search=

Hahaha! That ran a lot longer than I expected it to. After watching it, I just couldn't resist...

The Departed ranks #23 on Wikipedia's list of films that most frequently use the word fuck. That's more than Scarface, True Romance, and the South Park movie. The list also contains Scorsese's Casino (#3) and Goodfellas (#9). Check it out if your looking for a laugh.

Hahaha. That was awesome.

Didn't seem like there was that much when I was watching it lol.


Cheers, Chismeister.

According to the latest edtion of FilmInk, The Departed writer William Monahan, is allegedly already at work on a sequel. Mark Wahlberg has been talking about appearing in the follow up, which may also star Robert De Niro. Martin Scorsese is yet to commit.

Way ahead of you, Chris:

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Movie_Rumor/m-1170246996/s-new/


Cheers, Chismeister.

"The Departed" is the overrated movie of 2006.   The acting was solid, but the ending was disappointing.  

Lucky Number Slevin was a more solid movie.

Here's an article on The Departed Writer Bill Monahan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Monahan

  

Directed By Martin Scorcese

The Departed won the Best Picture Oscar for 2006 and it's not hard to see why.  Whilst no my favorite film of 2006 (Chlidren of Men takes that dubious honor), it is Scorcese's best film since Goodfellas.  It is a thrilling and simple crime film about the Irish gangs of Boston.  The film centers on Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), two men involved with both the mob and the police.  Billy is a police recruit sent undercover into the gang of Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), whilst Colin is recruited by Costello at a kid and he join the police as a mole.  The film follows this pair as they attemp to discover each other's identities.

The reason the film works is that it doesn't really have any twists (save for one), putting all the players on the field from the beginning, and leaving us to watch the hugely entertaining game.  Because we know the characters right from the start, the script gets riht inside their heads, aided by some spectacular performances (especially DiCaprio's).  Scorcese said he won the Oscar because, "It's the first film I've done woth a plot."  And it's a damn riveting plot at that.  Writer William Monahan keeps the two and a quarter film moving at a speedy pace, never letting the audiences attention slip.  He also gives the film a very unique style of dialogue, infused with swearing but never feeling gratuitous.  Scorcese's direction is solid.  He shows everything with a strange slickness, cutting away to show a security camera mid-dialogue.  The editing is far mor quick-firing that his previous films and it works, for the most part.  The only spot where it doesn't is during the climactic gunfight, where the editing just feels clumsy.

This is old-fashioned crime story, not caught up in unnecessary philosophy but instead simply telling a story, something that has been sorely missing in Hollywood movies lately (good ones anyway).  It' the kind of film where the acting, writing, directing, editing and all the rest come together to create an outstanding whole.

Loved this movie.  Still do, naturally.  Best film of '06.  

I don't see a reason to compare it to the HK Infernal Affairs flicks, because aside from the basic concept of undercover cop vs undercover gangster, the films are worlds apart.  The HK flicks focus on plot -- the close calls, the near misses, the double identities.  Don't get me wrong -- I'm a big fan of the first Infernal Affairs film (Anthony Wong's one of my favorite HK actors -- fantastic in Beast Cops, The Untold Story and so many others).  

But The Departed focused more on the characters, the stress of Dicaprio living a lie and losing his sense of identity long before the proof of his existence is erased from the system.  It's this theme of perverse, almost inescapable duality, losing one's self to a bigger, more complex creature that is trademark Scorcese.  Travis Bickle surrenders himself to a fantasy and loses his identity to it in Taxi Driver; Henry Hill dreams of being something he's not, becomes it and is forever lost, in Goodfellows; Christopher Walken is so traumatized by his tormentors that he actually becomes like them in The Deer Hunter.  All these films are about people forever lost to and/or corrupted by an entity much more powerful than themselves, which is why the similarly-themed The Departed fits very comfortably into Scorcese's ouvre.  

That it was inspired by another film is inconsequential, because Scorcese's handling of that same subject matter is handled in a very different way.  I'm not saying it's better than Infernal Affairs, which is a fantastic movie on its own merits.  I'm saying it's the same story, but handled in a very different manner.