The Departed: A Movie that Kills

Real grit is what The Departed brings to the table, which is something that Hollywood has failed to deliver time and time again. With its all-star cast, The Departed had that chance to disappoint, as most movies showcasing more than a handful of big names do, but Martin Scorsese didn't let his moviegoers down. Instead, he brought them to a city named Boston and shared a world torn apart and the stories of two men the same.

Leonardo DiCaprio, once again united with Scorsese, plays Billy Costigan-a cop undercover, while Matt Damon is Colin Sullivan-a mafia mole planted in the police department. Both actors give a good performance, but DiCaprio gives you something to remember him by. Scorsese was smart to include DiCaprio again, like he did in The Aviator and Gangs of New York.

Other than these two giants, The Departed also sports Jack Nicholson as a crime boss, which is a role that seems made specifically for him, so it's same old Nicholson but classic. Also seen are Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin and Mark Wahlberg. This ensemble was all right but nothing to brag about, and Wahlberg's character even as a foulmouthed cop seemed forced. athough, didn't detract from the film.

The film itself follows DiCarpio's character submerged in the crime underworld, as he tries desperately to conceal his own identity, maintain his sanity and help pin mob boss Costello (Nicholson). While all the while, Damon's character, Colin Sullivan, is working for Costello inside the police department, and eventually the two are aware of the other's presence and must work to uncover the other before the other winds up dead.

Most viewers won't know that The Departed is a remake, like so many other movies recently, however, it's not American but hails from Hong Kong. It's based off the flick Internal Affairs. Maybe its foreign origins helped add a touch of fresh to it but doubtless The Departed is worth seeing and owning.

Released October 6th, The Departed still ranks high amongst the top box office numbers, and is still playing in theaters across the country. Ending after 2 and a half hours, it doesn't seem that long, while you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what'll happen next. There's no lack of suspense, and big surprise here but you'll actually care what happens to the characters.

Don't panic if you find your heart racing while watching, and you won't fail to notice that the movie's soundtrack fits like a glove-going hand and hand with the movie's scenes, tempo and feel. The best song and most fitting is Dropkick Murphys "I'm Shipping Up to Boston".

No doubt this'll be hailed as one of the year's best, even though it had little competition but that doesn't detract from the fact. Even against the best of previous years passed, The Departed would rank amongst the elite. Go, then, and sit yourself behind a tub of buttery popcorn and watch, or if you must wait for its DVD release and rent it at Blockbuster or through Netflix, but watch The Departed.