The Departed (2006)
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.
Details
Budget
$90,000,000
Rating
8/10 (15170 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Warner Bros. Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, Initial Entertainment Group, Vertigo Entertainment, Media Asia Films
About The Departed
Martin Scorsese's 2006 crime thriller, "The Departed," delves into the intertwined lives of an undercover police officer and a mole working for the Irish mob in South Boston. The narrative follows Billy Costigan, a state trooper tasked with infiltrating Frank Costello's crime syndicate, and Colin Sullivan, a criminal who has risen through the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police. As both men try to uncover the other's identity, the film explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the moral ambiguities inherent in their dual existences.
The movie is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" and is notable for its intense psychological drama and violent sequences. It builds suspense around the cat-and-mouse game between Costigan and Sullivan, with each side racing to expose the mole within its organization. The film's setting in Boston's Irish-American community provides a specific cultural backdrop for the gangster narrative.
"The Departed" received critical acclaim, earning an 8.0 average rating from over 15,000 TMDb users, an 8.5 on IMDb, a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and an 85/100 on Metacritic. The film is recognized for its strong performances and its complex, interwoven plot that keeps viewers engaged throughout its 151-minute runtime.
Why you might be searching for The Departed
People often search for "The Departed" due to its reputation as a gritty crime thriller featuring a notable cast, particularly Jack Nicholson's portrayal of a crime boss. Searches may also stem from its intricate plot involving moles on both sides of the law, the specific Boston setting, and its status as an Oscar-winning film.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer, who typically dislikes remakes of international films, found this to be a significant exception, noting the quality of the director, cast, and script, and considering it one of Scorsese's best works.
Read the full reviewAnother review highlights the film's suspenseful and edgy nature as a psychological gangster picture, driven by two characters leading double lives, with explosive violence and a pervasive sense of paranoia.
Read the full reviewA reviewer singled out Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as an undercover cop as a favorite, noting the film's engaging complexity as it slowly unravels the dangerous situation for the characters.
Read the full reviewA viewer praised the film as one of the best they had seen, specifically commending its remarkable ending, intelligent story, and the sublime acting, particularly from Jack Nicholson.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
Yes, "The Departed" is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" and is loosely based on real-life individuals and events. These include the Winter Hill Gang, corrupt FBI agent John Connolly, and Irish-American crime boss Whitey Bulger, whose character inspired Frank Costello.
In the ending of "The Departed," Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) attempts to arrest Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) after discovering he is the mole for Frank Costello. However, Costigan is shot and killed in an elevator by Trooper Barrigan, another of Costello's moles, who then shoots Trooper Brown. Sullivan then kills Barrigan to frame him as the sole mole. Later, Sullivan returns home and is shot and killed by Sergeant Dignam (Mark Wahlberg), who sought revenge for the deaths of Queenan and Costigan.
Yes, "The Departed" is widely considered worth watching, having received critical acclaim. Rotten Tomatoes reports 91% positive reviews with an average rating of 8.40/10, praising its cast and its authentic, morally complex gangster drama.