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
Set in Boston, Martin Scorsese's 2006 crime thriller "The Departed" follows two men operating in opposing worlds. Colin Sullivan, a career criminal, rises through the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police, while Billy Costigan, an undercover state trooper, infiltrates the Irish mob run by Frank Costello. Both sides become aware of a mole in their organization, leading to a tense struggle as each man tries to uncover the other before their own identity is revealed.
The film explores themes of loyalty, deception, and identity, set against a backdrop of organized crime and police corruption. As the narrative progresses, the lines between hero and villain blur, creating a complex and often violent depiction of life within these intertwined criminal and law enforcement spheres. The plot offers a look into the psychological toll of leading a double life.
"The Departed" is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs." It maintains the core premise of the original while transplanting the story to a specific regional American context. The film has been noted for its performances, intricate plot, and Scorsese's direction.
Why you might be searching for The Departed
People search for "The Departed" when trying to identify films with complex plots involving moles in both the police force and the mafia. Common search queries also suggest interest in the film's cast, particularly the performances of Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson, as well as specific memorable scenes or quotes. The film's status as an Oscar winner for Best Director and its setting in South Boston, along with its specific type of crime storyline, are also points of inquiry.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer, celebrating the summer solstice with "The Departed," noted its exceptional quality as an American remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," considering it among Scorsese's best works despite the controversy surrounding its Oscar win for Best Director.
Read the full reviewJohn Chard describes the film as a thrilling and edgy psychological gangster picture, driven by two men living double lives that lead to an inevitable downfall. He points out that the violence is impactful and the narrative maintains a sense of paranoia.
Read the full reviewCinemaSerf highlights Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as undercover cop Billy as potentially his favorite, noting how the film cleverly unravels its complex thriller elements over two and a half hours, creating a strong sense of menace, with Jack Nicholson also delivering a superb performance as the crime boss.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream The Departed on Hulu. The film was originally released on October 6, 2006, by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The Departed is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film *Infernal Affairs*, but it is also loosely based on real-life people and events. Jack Nicholson's character, Frank Costello, is inspired by Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger, and Matt Damon's character, Colin Sullivan, is loosely based on corrupt FBI agent John Connolly, who had ties to Bulger.
In *The Departed*'s ending, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) discovers that Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is Frank Costello's mole. After a confrontation, Costigan arrests Sullivan, but is then killed by Trooper Barrigan, another mole. Sullivan then kills Barrigan, framing him as the only mole. However, Costigan had sent evidence to Madolyn Madden, who finds a recording incriminating Sullivan. Ultimately, Sergeant Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) shoots and kills Sullivan in his apartment.
Yes, *The Departed* is considered worth watching. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing $291.5 million on a $90 million budget. The film received numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.