The Departed has to be one of my favorite films of all time. it jam packed with an all-star cast of actors including, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, martin Sheen, and Alec Baldwin, to just name a few. Every actor really gets into character and brings their A game.
The Departed is set in chaotic Boston, where the mob seems to rule the streets. Damon and DiCaprio, give a commanding performance of complex emotions. Nicholson is a cocaine and hooker loving Irish mob kingpin, who runs all the operations in the city. He is a very influential figure to Damon as a child growing up in the rough part of town. Damon later grows up to be a detective in the police force but is vicariously still tied to the mob. He acts as an informant for Nicholson and his explosive antics in the inner city. DiCaprio, rejected by the force decides to become a toady for Nicholson. Unknown to Nicholson he is working undercover for the FBI. The process of gaining trust within the mob really brings out DiCaprio’s acting capabilities. Damon still tied to his childhood roll model informs all the actions of the FBI, to keep Nicholson always one step ahead of the feds. All of these conflicting factors result in absolutely edge of your seat ride through this movie.
Twist and turns accompanied by complex story structure, make this one of the greatest movies of all time. The Departed will keep you thinking and constantly thinking because, you never know what could around the corner. I’m not going to ruin the movie but, the unexpected ending is entirely unexpected and leaves you with your jaw on the floor. I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a great an inspiring film.