Joe Barber Reviews “The Departed”

by Joe Barber on Nov.04, 2006, under Joe Barber's Movie Reviews

MOVIE REVIEW:”THE DEPARTED”

Martin Scorsese delivers an often gripping and edgy look inside the Irish Mafia in “The Departed.” Based on the acclaimed Hong Kong police drama “Infernal Affairs,” this star heavy drama boasts a wicked sense of humor and a number of stand out performances.

Set in Boston, the film tells the story of two young men growing up in South Boston. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) grew up as part of a family that had connections to the mob, but often went their own way. Estranged from his father by divorce, Billy has grown up searching for an identity
and a feeling of belonging. Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a bright, thoughtful kid who grew up poor and wanting more than his working class neighborhood had to offer. Though they’ve never meet, both find their way to the Massachusetts State Police as a career. Also, both find themselves connected to Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson,) the ruthless boss of the South Boston mob.

Costigan is asked by two officials of the State Police’s special unit (Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg) to go into a deep cover effort to trap Costello. His family’s connection to Costello and the neighborhood make him perfect for the job. Despite his desire to escape his past, he reluctantly takes the job. The personable and ambitious Sullivan rises quickly through the ranks and seems able to get anything he wants, including inside information on major arrests that nail various bad guys-except Costello.

As Costigan begins drawing closer to Costello, Sullivan begins to suspect there’s a spy in the mobster’s inner circle. Costigan suspects the same thing among the cops. With webs of deceit and danger drawing tighter around both men, they soon discover they have more in common than anyone may have suspected.

Working in a very different city than usual seems to bring a new energy to Scorsese’s direction. The film’s pacing keeps the story flowing well while building tension. He does a fine job of allowing his big name cast to shine while never allowing star turns to get in the way of the plot. DiCaprio and Damon make the most of their roles, bringing some surprising depth to somewhat sketchily drawn characters. Nicholson does overact a bit, but he brings such swashbuckling bravado to his bad guy that you can’t help but be dazzled.

Screenwriter William Monahan doesn’t quite get all the plot ducks in a row and it’s likely the film’s slam-bang conclusion may leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused. But “The Departed” will stay in you mind long after you’ve seen it and, as you turn it over in your mind, you’ll savor it’s passion and power and find it a very good Scorsese film. Not quite great, but very good.

MPAA RATING: R for profanity, violence, sexual situations and drug content
JOE’S RATING: THREE AND A HALF STARS..