The Departed

Cat Vs Rat

Director: Martin Scorsese
Release Date: 2006
Rating: 18
Running Time: 
Genre: Crime/ Gangster/ Thriller
Actors: Leonardo Dicaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, Mark Whallberg

'Go ahead and shoot a cop Einstein, see what happens'.

After eleven years, Martin Scorsese returns to the gangster genre of cinema, set in the modern day to mark his third collaboration with  Leonardo Dicaprio  after 'The Aviator' (2004) and 'Gangs of New York' (2002). Combined with suspense, action and a tremendous ensemble cast, 'The Departed' is Scorsese's finest film since his final collaboration with Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci in 1995 with 'Casino' and of course the legendary 'Goodfellas' five years before that.

Thrown undercover to try and infiltrate and Irish gang, stated cop Billy (Dicaprio) must earn the trust of big time mobster and psychotic Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) whilst at the same time trying to uncover Franks gang's intentions and locate the mole in the police force. Both sides race to find the other's rat creating a tense and incredible film.

For me, this was Dicaprio's finest role in one of Scorsese's films, and arguably one of the best of his career. After working with some top dog directors such as Danny Boyle, James Cameron, Stephen Speilberg and most recently Quentin Tarantino, there must be something about Scorsese in particular that keeps on drawing DiCaprio back. In particular with 'The Departed' I think it can be said that Scorsese managed to lay out such a deep and twisting storyline there are many aspects of this film to appreciate. Furthermore who could turn down a role starring alongside the great Jack Nicholson who once again is able to play the villain the audiences love to hate. Straight away we see Nicholson strut onto the screen at the start to The Rolling Stones' 'Gimmie Shelter', a song Scorsese uses in many of his gangster films which just oozes coolness. And then there's the fast paced cat and mouse chase between Matt Damon and Leonardo Dicaprio, that for a long time, is hard to see who is who. Mark Whallberg plays the funny-no bullshit sidekick of Martin Sheen that gives the film that touch of comedy during such a tough plot line. The film also features roles from stars Alec Baldwin and Ray Winston to make up a truly awe inspiring cast, but I suppose who could turn down the opportunity to be in a Scorsese film.

However, it think it can be argued that quite a few people feel slightly turned away from 'The Departed' given how it is in fact a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film 'Infernal Affairs'. Yet nevertheless, I find this film very hard to fault and would strongly urge audiences to check it out. The acting, the stars, the thrilling and tense narrative, it's hard to say what's not to like about this film. Another first class winner from the legendary Martin Scorsese once again.

9/10