DVD Review: The Departed

Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg star in Martin Scorsese’s new crime drama “The Departed.” “The Departed” is set in South Boston where the state police force is waging an all-out war to take down the city’s top organized crime ring. The key is to end the reign of powerful mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) from the inside. A young rookie, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned to infiltrate Costello’s mob. While Billy is working to gain Costello’s trust, another young cop, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is among a handful of elite officers whose mission is to bring Costello down. But what his superiors don’t know is that Colin is working for Costello, keeping the crime boss one step ahead of the police. Each man becomes deeply consumed by his double life, gathering information about the plans and counter-plans of the operation he has penetrated. But when it becomes clear to both the gangsters and the police that they have a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin find themselves in constant danger of being caught-and each must race to uncover the identity of the other man in time to save himself.

Review:
Recent Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, “The Departed” is hands down one of the best films we’ve seen in a long time. Martin Scorsese throws us into the world of the interworks of the Massachusetts State Police.

The story takes place in Boston where Irish mob boss, Frank Costello (played by Jack Nicholson) embeds Colin Sullivan (played by Matt Damon) as a mole inside the Massachusetts State Police. One of Colin’s co-workers is Billy Costigan (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), who is assigned to infiltrate Costello’s crowd. However, the only two people who know about Costigan’s job assignment are Captain Queenan (played by Martin Sheen) and Staff Sergeant Dignam (played by Mark Wahlberg). The movie takes you on a journey of unexpected plot twists and keeps you glued to the edge of your seat. The all star cast compliments the compelling and intriguing plotline. DiCaprio and Damon both give absolutely outstanding performances, and Jack Nicholson gives one of his best performances to date. We’re surprised that not more of the cast was nominated for Oscars honestly.

This gritty and clever crime drama is definitely the best among the genre as far as we’re concerned. And while the film does have excessive violence and language, we still say it’s a must see for any movie lover.

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: A+
Staff Favorite
Official site: http://www.thedeparted.com/
Buy on Amazon: The Departed