Cops or criminals. When you’re facing a loaded gun, what’s the difference?
To take down South Boston's Irish Mafia, the police send in one of their own to infiltrate the underworld, not realizing the syndicate has done likewise. While an undercover cop curries favor with the mob kingpin, a career criminal rises through the police ranks. But both sides soon discover there's a mole among them.
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Character
Contemporary, classical in form, earnest and meticulous.
- contemporarynostalgic
- classical in formformally daring
- earnestironic
- rawmeticulous
- cooloverwhelming
Who loves it, who doesn't
107 profiled raters. Loved most by The Provocateurs; disliked most by The Sinceres.
Where do you stand?
Answer first; then see how everyone, and your circle, split.
“Is this Martin Scorsese's best work?”
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“Is it better than the original?”
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“Is Colin the real protagonist?”
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A yes-or-no question, answered from what people wrote here, on TMDB and on Wikipedia. Never made up.
Reviews
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Reviews on TMDB
Written by TMDB members; each links to the original. Not part of Tastebuds's numbers.
- CinemaSerfon TMDB · Aug 20247/10
I think this might be my favourite performance from Leonardo DiCaprio as he takes on the mantle of undercover cop "Billy". On a perilous arms-length basis from his boss (Martin Sheen) pretty much from the start of his career, he must undergo the violent perils of prison so he can convincingly infiltrate the gang of hoodlum "Costello" (Jack Nicholson) who runs the crime syndicate in the city of Boston somewhat enigmatically. Meantime, we also meet "Colin" (Matt Damon) who is in a mirror-image position with the State police. As the situation in the city becomes even more dangerous it becomes clear to both the cops and to "Costello" that there is a fly in their respective ointment, and those men's positions become even more hazardous. Now each must try to identify the other before the entire house of cards comes crashing down in a blaze of gunfire. If we add to the mix the fiery and determined detective "Dignam" (Mark Wahlberg) and a bit of love interest from "Madolyn" (Vera Farminga) and we get an engagingly complex thriller that unravels cleverly and slowly over 2½ hours generating a proper sense of menace. Nicholson is on superb form as the maniacal boss whom you just know probably
Read the whole review on TMDB - John Chardon TMDB · Apr 20208/10
The only one that can do what I do is me. Lot of people had to die for me to be me. You wanna be me? The Departed is directed by Martin Scorsese and written by William Monahan, Alan Mak and Felix Chong. It stars Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, Mark Rolston and Alec Baldwin. Music is by Howard Shore and cinematography by Michael Ballhaus. An Irish gang in South Boston becomes aware there is a rat in their midst, whilst the police force has a mole to contend with - with each one trying to out each other before the other does... Martin Scorsese remakes Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs (2002) for the English speaking world, and promptly bagged his first Best Director Oscar in the process. It's a thrilling picture packed with suspense and edginess, a psychological gangster picture driven by two men leading double lives that is leading them to the abyss. When the violence comes it erupts in thunderous strokes, all while the narrative pulses with paranoia. There are some irksome contrivances, but with a uniformly strong set of turns from the cast, great musical accompaniments, and a director retur
Read the whole review on TMDB - talisencrwon TMDB · Jul 201610/10
I decided to celebrate the Summer Solstice by watching 'The Departed'. Don't ask me why. I had previously loved the Hong Kong-made 'Infernal Affairs' trilogy on which this is based. Usually I hate when international masterpieces get remade, but this was a sterling exception. This was controversial when it took in a cartload of Oscars, particularly finally a directorial nod for Scorsese, but don't be misled--it's easily one of his finest works. This is my Golden Rule on both remakes in general, but especially American remakes of international (particularly foreign-language) great films. When in doubt, check the label: 1. Director? (check) 2. Cast? (check) 3. Script? (check) 'The proof is in the pudding!'
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Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprioBilly
- Matt DamonColin
- Jack NicholsonCostello
- Mark WahlbergDignam
- Martin SheenQueenan
- Ray WinstoneMr. French
- Vera FarmigaMadolyn
- Anthony AndersonBrown
- Alec BaldwinEllerby
- Kevin CorriganCousin Sean
Crew
- Martin ScorseseDirector
- William MonahanScreenplay
- Michael BallhausDirector of Photography
- Howard ShoreOriginal Music Composer
- Thelma SchoonmakerEditor
- Graham KingProducer
- Brad GreyProducer
- Brad PittProducer
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Pairings
Companions we picked from the closest works, and how to take them.
Similar in taste
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The Dark Knight Rises 201277% alikeBoth contemporary, earnest, classical in form.
The Silence of the Lambs 199176% alikeBoth classical in form, earnest, contemporary.
Michael Clayton 200776% alikeBoth contemporary, classical in form, grave.
Gone Baby Gone 200776% alikeBoth contemporary, earnest, classical in form.
Escape at Dannemora 201880% alikeTelevision · Both contemporary, grave, classical in form.
We Own This City 202279% alikeTelevision · Both contemporary, classical in form, earnest.
Often watched with
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