Review of The Departed

Martin Scorsese combines some of the greatest stars to emerge in the 90's in this one slick, thrill of a ride. Remake may be a word widely thrown and widely feared nowadays but back when remakes actually worked, Scorsese jumped on the train and impressed all the passengers with The Departed, a remake of Infernal Affairs (it's on my queue). Never have I been so thoroughly impressed by a movie from the first take itself. I mean, this is a modern-classic. It has a solid cast and the storyline is superb but it was the cinematography that had me on the edge of my seat. Martin Scorsese deserved the Oscar. The 3rd collaboration between Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, The Departed wasn't as bold as Gangs of New York nor was it as sleek as The Aviator. It was sharp and precise, with focus on the little things, just like any David Cronenberg film. Each and every cast member did a great job and this film is also notable for introducing me to Jack Nicholson and Martin Sheen (yea, first film I saw of them. surprised?) However, I do have one complaint: Was it me or did the blood look laughingly fake and cartoonish? (check out when Queenan falls from the roof)

For true fans, this just another great flick from Ol' Scorsese. Also, I've read somewhere that The Departed matches up as the 2000's answer to the 70's Taxi Driver, the 80's Raging Bull and the 90's GoodFellas but I, being the Mr. Disagree that is, disagree with that. I think it's Gangs of New York... for more information, check out the review for that film!

8.9/10