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Showing reviews from 1 to 50 (total: 498)
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
«When you decide to be something, you can be it. That's what they don't tell you in the church. When I was your age they would say we can become cops, or criminals. Today, what I'm saying to you is this: when you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference? » The Departed is more an adaptation of the already cult 2002 Asian flick Infernal Affairs than a remake. What's the difference? Well, it has the same basic premise but everything else is built around that plot to create original characters with new motivations and ultimately becomes a psychological drama rather than an action flick. William Monahan's screenplay is extremely precise. The dialogues are never useless, they all announce something coming up but if we don pay attention we wont notice. Within only the few first scenes, all the characters in the movies are established and they never seem to come out of nowhere when they reappear later in the film. It almost feels as it was written as a book rather than a script. The writting is so good, the psychology of the characters is what matters the most and Martin Scorsese only had to drive this home. The Departed is less ambitious than Scorsese's recent work, such as Gangs of New York and The Aviator, and for that reason, he seems to be having more fun, yet, it doesnt mean the film has no depth at all, it actually has many insights about lying, honor and morality. The language and the feel of Boston is captured perfectly, both in the screenplay and Scorsese's direction. Its part cop thriller and part character study, but its never about the police procedurals or the mob lifestyle, something for which Scorsese has given a lot before with his ultimate masterpiece Goodfellas but also with Casino and Mean Streets. At first glance, The Departed seems to have been made for entertainment purpose but as a veteran director, and one of the best in the history of cinema, Scorsese couldnt help but make this somehow profound, and it pays off cause its his best film in 16 years, his best since Goodfellas, thats not saying little, cause the man has an impressive filmography in between those two films. Basically, the film opens with Jack Nicholson, as Frank Costello - name inspired by a real mafia boss in the first half of the 20th century - the local organized crime godfather, doing a speech about whats good and whats bad, mentionning the church, teaching a kid, Colin Sullivan, who becomes one of his protégé. Later as an adult, Sullivan becomes a state trooper, a cop, and works for Costello from the police department and helps him with hints and does what he has to do not to get caught. Costello is a viscious man. Nicholson nails his character pefectly, he never makes him likeable, he even does the opposite. Costello becomes a disgusting man that, as an audience, we love to hate. Later, he meets a young man, Billy Costigan, who jsut got out of prison, Costello has work with his dad and uncle so he knows the kid. Costigan is actually a cop, we know that before he even meets Costello, and he is smart, many people are suspicious of him, especially when words are out that there is a rat in the gang, and the cops hear the same about their department. Sullivan and Costigan are ulitimately destined to find each other. There are many unspoken words in The Departed, like Sullivan's relationship with the church, with only visual elements and his way of speaking, can only hint something bad, I could speculate child abuse by some priests and would beleive, something similar might have happened to Costello as well. If you havent seen the film, this wont ring a bell at hell, but if you have, maybe you will notice the same details as I did next time you watch it. The film really concentrates on the chracters's psychology rather than on the plot, the plot is there to keep the film moving, but the study of those men, Costigan, Sullivan, Costello, is fascinating. Plus, the acting is great. Leonardo DiCaprio is great again, Matt Damon proves he has more range than what many people wish he had and as mentionned earlier, Nicholson is amazing. The supporting cast is great as well, its no surprise, Scorsese is directing and we get memorable performances from Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone and the beautiful Vera Farminga, who plays the woman who comes between those two seperate men, but is aware of it, actually, only the audience knows. Stylish and well-edited, The Departed its fast-paced and Howard Shore little string riff, which accompanies almost every scene, makes that film go by in a split-second, even though it's a bit more than two and a half hour long. Amazing film, which you must have noticed, I refused to compare to the «original», cause they dont have much in common. Two different cultures, two different films, with the same plot, thats all.
9/10
20.10.2009 -
infamoushug0@ - age: 26-35
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Was on the edge of my seat. Nicholson, Damon, and (I never thought I would say this) Dicapprio were unbelievable. True Martin Scorcese. Violent, dramatic, story, action, what more could you ask for. Excellent!
9/10
7.7.2008 -
casserly5@ - age: 36-49
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One of the greatest action movies of all time!! Another scorcher from Martin Scorsese!!
10/10
4.7.2008 -
wolverinerahul@ - age: 18-25
Great acting, great plot!!! It's a remake of infernal affairs with Andy Lau and Tony Leung. However the ending will make you very angry!
10/10
13.4.2008 -
tweetythuy72@ - age: 18-25
Excellent movie. Great plot that gets you thinking, and outstanding play by actors, great cast.
9/10
20.3.2008 -
russian-g@ - age: 18-25
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Great movie, great actors, great action, good story. A must see. It does have violence that some people would find unnescessary.
10/10
8.8.2007 -
abdu_saboor@ - age: 13-17
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Awesome story line, great acting, would compare to resevoir dogs. Amazing ending and when you watch it more than once you actually catch a few more interesting sub story lines formed. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
10/10
3.8.2007 -
phinladymum@ - age: 26-35
One of the best movies Ive ever seen but the end is too quick. [...] Awesome movie but the end could be better.
9/10
2.8.2007 -
crazy_jd_62@ - age: 1-12
Not sure which is better, the original chinese version called Inferno Affairs or this english version. Definitely a great plot and acting!
9/10
26.6.2007 -
kennetheng@ - age: 36-49
DVD: "Departed (Full Screen)"
This intricately-woven crime thriller succeeds on several levels... Acting, direction, and story. Jack Nicholson, as usual, steals this movie with his mesmerizing performance.
9/10
19.6.2007 -
chester1958@ - age: 36-49
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Overrated. Great cast, good story, but many plot holes. A mob infiltrator who risks going to see the police shrink on a regular basis? I don't think so. And what was with the text messaging every five seconds? I expected the ipods to come out next. Disappointing overall.
6/10
28.5.2007 -
crooker41@ - age: 36-49
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
I'd say this is an above average film, but not a 'best picture' film and not scorsese's best. The academy decided to recognize his work finally. The story is interesting with the two informants subplots. All threw the film, I was wondering how this was going to end, and to my surprise it was a total copout! It's like the writer decided..."gee, how do I end this intricate plot? I know, I'll shoot everyone!"
7/10
8.5.2007 -
emanmark666@ - age: 36-49
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A really fantastic thriller that will definitely have you on the edge of your seat! I think Leonardo Dicaprio definitely steals his show. I don't quite understand why Mark Wahlberg got the Oscar nomination, though, his character was a little one dimensional to me. And I don't think this movie deserved the best picture award. Personally, I thought Blood Diamond was better. But still, this is a really stellar cop movie.
10/10
21.4.2007 -
islam,farah@ - age: 18-25
Enjoyed the twists--kept me guessing and changing my own theories about the outcome-- which then surprises me. Violent and scary.
9/10
20.4.2007 -
dtmoores@ - age: 36-49
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Lots of big stars and they actually act. A great story and really well told.
10/10
15.4.2007 -
tedwww@ - age: 50+
Best movie. It's a must see. Leonardo Dicaprio did such a good job in this movie.
10/10
13.4.2007 -
jojoautet@ - age: 13-17
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Wow... It was everything I expected and MUCH MUCH more!!! Great action, storyline and acting. Loved it.
10/10
5.4.2007 -
feyervlad@ - age: 18-25
This is one of the best movies EVER!!! Leo was amazing!!! Go see it.
10/10
5.4.2007 -
jackabush@ - age: 13-17
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Fantastic movie! Great script & wonderful cast! Must see!
10/10
3.4.2007 -
natali,burla@ - age: 26-35
Left you on the edge of your seat. Enjoyed it very much.
10/10
2.4.2007 -
dannysimms@ - age: 36-49
Hated it... Couldn't watch it. Do they really have to swear every second word? Waste of money. Can't believe it won awards and nominations.
1/10
30.3.2007 -
larababe_ca@ - age: 36-49
I thought this movie was very well done, a lot of heavy swearing though so just be wary of that, violent at parts too... But it is about mafia type stuff, so... Kind of expected. Great mind games, two undercovers racing to discover each other... And I loved the ending!
8/10
30.3.2007 -
zelda,champion@ - age: 18-25
This movie has to win the oscar! Leo should win best actor scorsese has to win best director and best picture and either Nicholson or Wahlberg for best supporting. Best movie, GO SEE IT!
10/10
27.3.2007 -
nickart_nasluan_19@ - age: 18-25
Very well written, amazing acting but I wasn't very happy with the ending it surprised me the movie kept me guessing the whole time I love it a must see
10/10
25.3.2007 -
cutie_megan18@ - age: 13-17
Glad to see Scorsese win an oscar. I felt for Leonardo Dicaprio's character because he was in a real sticky situation as an informant. Wahlberg's performance was good as well.
9/10
19.3.2007 -
mjohnz1@ - age: 36-49
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This is the best darn movie ever seen The cast was amazing (Jack, Matt, and leo (3) amazing, ya it has alot of swearing, but it has amazing plots, and the ending wasn't disappointing! You leave the theatre wanting more, but not too much more! Definitely a must-see! I absolutely loved it Go see it, you don't really know how it is unless you see it, you won't be disappointed!!!
10/10
17.3.2007 -
oscarcelli51@ - age: 13-17
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
I hated this movie and not because every cinematic aspect wasn't excellent because every technical element shines-the camera work, lighting, sets, pretty department all have done great work. I also have to say that, although I didn't like the casting, the acting was strong, and the direction was masterful. There is no arguing that this is a well crafted piece. My problems are with the script; its boring and I don't understand why Scorsese wanted to shoot it. All the characters are unlikeable and the one woman in the film is a conglomeration of everything despicable in womankind--horrible at her profession, a cheat and therefore a liar, gullible, and self-destructive. And the way the men talk? Is this how guys interact? Is this what men really think of women? I was actually glad to see these characters erased from the screen in the blood bath at the end, my only question is why leave Wahlbergs character standing. I would almost have had a moment of enjoyment if he had shot himself. Misogynistic, pointless, boys club fare.
3/10
17.3.2007 -
shirleypearl007@ - age: 36-49
Actors work very well together, playing off one another. The story line is somewhat predictable, but it's the kind of story that's worth it for the details. The dialog is extremely enjoyable :)
9/10
13.3.2007 -
el_spudo@ - age: 26-35
I watched this movie a couple weeks ago and I thought it was worth seeing.
7/10
11.3.2007 -
ajcooper21@ - age: 26-35
If you want to save yourself 10 bucks and get the same effect of watching this stink bomb, just place your head in an unflushed toilet for a couple of hours. Best picture, you gotta be kidding, but that's the Hollyweird crud mill for you.
1/10
10.3.2007 -
raftshol@ - age: 50+
If you really like this type of stories, here's a piece of advice, Go find the original Chinese version of this movie, it's so much better than this one.
5/10
9.3.2007 -
xiy734@ - age: 18-25
I absolutly loved it I went though so many emotions cause there was so many things going on and the cast was just one flew over the cuckoo nest crazy I had to see it three times!
10/10
9.3.2007 -
richard_40oz@ - age: 26-35
Somewhat predictable, but also suspenseful. Leonardo did a pretty good job. Old Jack N. Stole the show, I thought. It sort of lost it for me when Matt D. Punched out a text message when THE PHONE WAS IN HIS POCKET... give me a break... someone is able to do this, I doubt it. I know it's a movie, but try to stick with a certain amount of reality. Was violent, but not excessive. Really, it was for the sole benefit of Martin S. And the ultimate directorship Oscar, which he was due, but I don't think for this movie... it was simply his time.
7/10
6.3.2007 -
lwd347@ - age: 50+
Not a movie worth seeing had poor story and no plot. The language was beyond bad this should not have ever been made.
2/10
5.3.2007 -
edwcon@ - age: 50+
Its been a long time since I've seen a movie that I've wanted to see again and again! It was just a thrill. You wont be disappointed!
9/10
5.3.2007 -
jewelss18@ - age: 18-25
I don't know about you guys but I definitely liked this movie... [...] So nicely done... the story is so captivating.. and.. [...] no words... just see it for yourself...
10/10
5.3.2007 -
feyerv@ - age: 18-25
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I was pleasantly surprised with Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg's performances, but like any Scorcese movie this won't appeal to everyone; personally I find it overrated, but it's still a very well spent 2h30.
8/10
4.3.2007 -
mc_aka_alisa@ - age: 18-25
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Bad replica of the chinese version "infernal affair".
4/10
4.3.2007 -
takumifujiwara86@ - age: 18-25
Great show with some really good twists in the plot. A very worthwhile movie to see in a good theatre. It is very well written and edited very well with a story that takes its time to develop and be told.
8/10
4.3.2007 -
bradbellemare@ - age: 26-35
A review? You have Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson AND Matt Damon in a film directed by Martin Scorsese! This is just screaming best film! The acting and the storyline is brilliant! The film starts off interesting and keeps you involved and guessing until the very end. It deserved the oscar and truely is a MUST see.
10/10
1.3.2007 -
maximum_incantation@ - age: 13-17
If you love mob movies this is a must see.
9/10
27.2.2007 -
lilkatieb@ - age: 18-25
I left after an hour. It was simply too violent. I knew it was up for an oscar and knew it was violent but was not ready for so much violence. After an hour I left because I felt it would only get worse. The acting was very well done.
2/10
26.2.2007 -
brendablay@ - age: 50+
It was awesome seeing it with my girlfriend.
10/10
26.2.2007 -
i_luv_hocky31@ - age: 13-17
I'm a Matt Damen fan, so being that he was in the movie helped my rating a little more than I would have rated it. It could have been so much better, but not a disappointment at all. I'd probably watch it again on dvd.
6/10
26.2.2007 -
turbotaurus73@ - age: 26-35
Top notch acting, a great story, keeps you involved until the very end, scrosese continues to prove why he is in a league of his own.
10/10
21.2.2007 -
cfh_trendkill@ - age: 18-25
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