The Departed

This is one of the absolute best movies of the year! The cast is phenomenal (yes, even Leo D kicks all forms of ass), as is the sheer amount of talent on display in the acting and directing departments. Martin Scorsese has outdone himself in terms of storytelling here, and even though there are multiple arcs involving multiple characters, it's never confusing and all the loose ends are tied up nice and neat by the time the end credits roll. The plot, while a remake of an inferior Chinese film (Infernal Affairs), feels fresh and thrilling from the opening frame due to some expert cinematography, catchy music and the dynamic performances (Mark Wahlberg in particular surprised the shit out of me; you hate his guts at the start of the film, but love him in the end). It's suspenseful, dramatic and hysterically funny at times even through all the twists, turns and double/triple crosses. A perfect example on how to make a crime film and keep it entertaining and serious at the same time. A new all time fave! The final shot is AWESOME!

5 out of 5


*written 12/9/06