Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: October 6, 2006
7.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 1934 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
1,379
Mixed:
120
Negative:
435
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1
AlexMar 4, 2007
Boring script, flat characters and an ungracefully superimposed message. what a disappointment.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
JabezMar 6, 2007
Shockiingly bad for a Scorcese film. Even if you excuse the hammy behavior (it certainly ain't acting), THE PLOT MAKES NO SENSE. I understand the concept of suspending belief to enjoy a film, but this requires parking your frontal lobes Shockiingly bad for a Scorcese film. Even if you excuse the hammy behavior (it certainly ain't acting), THE PLOT MAKES NO SENSE. I understand the concept of suspending belief to enjoy a film, but this requires parking your frontal lobes at the door. Hey, Marty did it--why can't we. And this won the Oscar!?? At least it was better than "Crash" and "Braveheart". Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
JimLApr 16, 2007
I simply just didn't like this film. Nothing Oscar worthy. There were other better films I tell ya that. Not worth my time to complain much though. Not a true Martin Scorsese film.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
BryanApr 3, 2007
This is an Oscar winner? Sure, the acting is first rate, as you'd expect from any movie featuring Nicholson, DiCaprio, and Damon. But it's also filled to a ridiculous extent with truckloads of gratuitous gore and profanity, which This is an Oscar winner? Sure, the acting is first rate, as you'd expect from any movie featuring Nicholson, DiCaprio, and Damon. But it's also filled to a ridiculous extent with truckloads of gratuitous gore and profanity, which tend to obscure rather than accentuate whatever Scorsese was trying to say. Yes, I was shocked as those moments it was intended. But I also felt pummeled by the relentless barrage of excessive elements mentioned above. If there is any subtlety to this movie at all, it was missed on me, and I really don't care enough to see it again to catch what I missed. It may keep you entertained for two and a half hours if you like this sort of thing, but I found little redeeming about it. I really don't get the hype. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
2
LanaApr 30, 2007
This film is terrible. The character development is boring and the characters don't feel like they have anything to hide. This movie lacks any soul or emotion and the dialouge is mediocre at best. The actors at times seems to be reading This film is terrible. The character development is boring and the characters don't feel like they have anything to hide. This movie lacks any soul or emotion and the dialouge is mediocre at best. The actors at times seems to be reading off cue cards. Not the best of 2006, one of the most overrated. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
MikeN.Apr 8, 2007
It's a decent film, but I thought it was inferior to the original. Sure, the ending was changed, but otherwise, nothing much was added. The acting was weaker in the starring roles. The supporting cast was deeper, but not enough to make It's a decent film, but I thought it was inferior to the original. Sure, the ending was changed, but otherwise, nothing much was added. The acting was weaker in the starring roles. The supporting cast was deeper, but not enough to make this movie worth it. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful
1
MikeAJun 20, 2007
This movie is bad. I can't see how people rate it anything above a 4. An all star cast can't save this. Nicholas doesn't convince as a gang leader. He doesn't scare anyone. Actually none of these actors play the tough guy This movie is bad. I can't see how people rate it anything above a 4. An all star cast can't save this. Nicholas doesn't convince as a gang leader. He doesn't scare anyone. Actually none of these actors play the tough guy well. Diacapro is just to soft to play his role. There's holes all through this film. Actually, it's so bad it's funny. The scene where Dicaprio gets his injured arm smashed on the table 3 times to prove he's not a rat is hilarious! That's all it took to convince a seasoned mob boss that he wasn't a rat!? Come on! Please! I didn't actually realize that this was a remake until reading this column. To me it was a rip-off of a 90's film STATE OF GRACE, a great Irish mob film set in New York staring Sean Penn, Ed Harris and Gary Oldman. Now this is a great gangster film! There were scenes in the Departed that to me, were taken straight out of, or very similar, to SOG. The story line is very similar aswell. If you want to see what a great "Rat" film looks like, get this out. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
2
BenF.Jun 3, 2007
Was the movie plot good? yes Was the acting good? yes...the problem I had with the movie is that it was distasteful. Extremely unrealistic. It takes extreme effort for someone to use that much profanaity in one sentance in the "real world".
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
HomerBJul 26, 2007
Awful. The original was well-balanced and this one did nothing to so-call improve on the original. A lot the characters were boring and unsympathetic to watch. There was no good psychological build-up between the characters. There is no Awful. The original was well-balanced and this one did nothing to so-call improve on the original. A lot the characters were boring and unsympathetic to watch. There was no good psychological build-up between the characters. There is no sense of paranoia like how Infernal Affairs gave us. This movie lacked real themes and emotion. This film had far too many plot-holes and implausible scenes. Overrated film of 2006, indeed. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
jOSHCSep 22, 2007
Do we really need Martin Scorsese? Heresy though it may appear, the question interrogates not so much the man
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
TerryTangJan 5, 2008
Had this been more original, this film would had been more astonishing. This movie just purely a carbon copy of a better movie. Scorsese should stick to being original. Adding pointless swearing and violence doesn't make a movie any Had this been more original, this film would had been more astonishing. This movie just purely a carbon copy of a better movie. Scorsese should stick to being original. Adding pointless swearing and violence doesn't make a movie any better nor original. Good luck next time. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
JSJun 12, 2009
The reviews for this movie were very misleading. I didn't realise going in that all the positive reviews were just making Scorsese a free ticket for an oscar. Its shameful that the academy gave into the hype for this movie, but insulted The reviews for this movie were very misleading. I didn't realise going in that all the positive reviews were just making Scorsese a free ticket for an oscar. Its shameful that the academy gave into the hype for this movie, but insulted The Dark Knight by inferring people only liked it for Ledger. This movie was just a cheap thriller with a novel plot. You can tell the script was written by a hollywood prince who has no dealings with the outside world. It was a lot like a Quentin Tarantino movie; no texture, just the unrealistic overuse of language you'd only hear on a 6th grade school yard, and intense random violence. Speaking of language, the movie manages to demean the Boston area police to a greater extent than they have in real life. I can't imagine professionals at a meeting for a major police agency jokingly yelling 'I did your mom!' to each other. It had a lot of good acting all around, I'll give it that. Even Alec Baldwin manages to avoid being unbearable; and thankfully he isn't in many scenes. Their attempt to make you hate Mark Wahlberg's character throughout 3/4s the movie and then flip him to being a 'good guy' didn't float with me; it actually seemed goofy. Jack Nicholson reprises his role as The Joker, which seems better this time around. The character writing is so juvenile that 12 year olds could have easily played most of the parts. I think its interesting that in most movies like this they try to show a human side to the villains... But this movie goes above and beyond: dehumanizing everyone in the world other than two characters. If you aren't a scumbag you can't relate to 98% of the people in this film. Strangely, some elements of the film reminds me of Robocop. The way several of the characters die and Jack Nicholson's randomly breaking in with his party girls reminded me of the "I'd Buy That for a Dollar!" guy. But I actually liked Robocop. Usually when I see a movie that is grossly violent I look for some kind of meaning in the whole plot. Well, there is none in The Departed. Its just a bunch of thugs who kill people violently, and then die violently themselves. With a slight amount of intrigue in between, I could easily confuse this for one of the Bourne films. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
HughieOct 11, 2006
Wow.....the press swoon over another pretty pedestrian outing from MS. What a shock! A decent cop movie, nothing remarkable here.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
LP.Nov 16, 2006
AVERAGE. This movie had many good elements, a good story to work from and fine performances, but ultimately it just does not stand up to any scrutiny. There are at least two major plot lines that are just completely dropped at the end, and AVERAGE. This movie had many good elements, a good story to work from and fine performances, but ultimately it just does not stand up to any scrutiny. There are at least two major plot lines that are just completely dropped at the end, and actions that seem contrived just to wrap it up quickly and haphazardly. For example, after much high-tech use of cell phones, the story turns on the handoff of an envelope. What, you couldn Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
cindynNov 30, 2006
Very disappointing film. It was very contrived and seemed totally unreal to me. No conparison to Goodfellas or Godfather. I like a movie I can sink my teeth into and this one was not it.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
DanaM.Oct 16, 2006
Sorry folks, this is one movie to avoid. Senseless violence and really crude language puts this one over the top. Folks were laughing after the killings; it became so ludicrous at the end. Dicaprio was exceptional and worth watching. Sorry folks, this is one movie to avoid. Senseless violence and really crude language puts this one over the top. Folks were laughing after the killings; it became so ludicrous at the end. Dicaprio was exceptional and worth watching. Wahlberg was annoying in his role and Damon needs acting classes. Jack starts off with a horrible Boston accent and loses it midway, with over the top language. Hey, I'm from Boston and these are cartoon characters not real life people. Sorry folks, despite the star cast this movie is one to avoid. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
VSOct 17, 2006
To long. The story was all over the place. I can't believe people are comparing this to Goodfellas and Casino which were excellent movies not even in the same category. I decided after seeing this movie I was never going to waste my To long. The story was all over the place. I can't believe people are comparing this to Goodfellas and Casino which were excellent movies not even in the same category. I decided after seeing this movie I was never going to waste my money on going to the theater again. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
7
ZachGOct 18, 2006
It's a wonder Scorsese can be so monotonic and still be considered a great director. The script's quite witty and the plot's awesome, but towards the end Scorsese is obliged to drag the ending in order to get some puddles of It's a wonder Scorsese can be so monotonic and still be considered a great director. The script's quite witty and the plot's awesome, but towards the end Scorsese is obliged to drag the ending in order to get some puddles of blood in. Also, some multi-dimensional characters would be nice. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
TJOct 21, 2006
Scorcese has been one of the greatest, but I felt almost nothing watching this film. Scorcese's early films, like Raging Bull and Taxi Driver, had a rawness and a sense of true emotion and menace. They were a bit messy and loose and Scorcese has been one of the greatest, but I felt almost nothing watching this film. Scorcese's early films, like Raging Bull and Taxi Driver, had a rawness and a sense of true emotion and menace. They were a bit messy and loose and alive. This feels so tightly edited and scripted that there is no real emotion and human feeling. Just keep the plot moving. Jack in the 60's and 70's was one of the greatest actors, but he's become a cartoon character--although the main problem is Scorcese allowing this excess. The actors are generally very good here, but they are let down by Scorcese. Sorry, I know that's sacrilege, but it's true The original Hong Kong film, Infernal Affairs, was better. And Marty, what was with that last shot? Was it all a joke? My goodness, that was even worse than the ending of Gangs of New York. The audience in the theater I saw the film in annoyed me by laughing at almost every killing, especially toward the end--but as I walked out of the theater I couldn't help thinking maybe they were right. Scorcese didn't invest his characters with enough real depth to make us care about anyone. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful
6
LewisP.Oct 28, 2006
What can you say about The Departed? I found it to be thoroughly entertaining but amateurish in its attempt to reflect what criminal characters and the police are really like. Very little makes sense in this picture but one is captivated by What can you say about The Departed? I found it to be thoroughly entertaining but amateurish in its attempt to reflect what criminal characters and the police are really like. Very little makes sense in this picture but one is captivated by a plot that keeps the viewer thoroughly engaged. The dialogue completely lacks subtlety (do we really believe Matt Damon's character as he rants about "homos" during the police-fireman football game? In real life, he probably would have gotten in trouble for those kinds of remarks. And what about Mark Wahlberg's staff sergeant whose foul-mouthed rants are tolerated by his superiors at every turn (could never happen in a professional police office!). Matt Damon always seems to play the same one-note, bland part whether he's the hero or the villain. Vera Farmiga's psychiatrist doesn't have much to do except pass on (off screen) a cryptic package (given to her by Leonardo DiCaprio's undercover cop) which leads the staff sergeant (who disappears for almost the second half of the movie) to take revenge on Damon. DiCaprio is probably the most convincing of all the actors but one wonders why anyone would have put themselves in so much jeopardy especially after his superiors have belittled him so much at the beginning of the film when he agrees to go undercover. Jack Nicholson, as the Mafia mob boss, is so over the top in his performance that it's laughable. But mostly it's the screenwriter's fault for making him to such an over the top character (no Mafia hood would belittle priests and a nun in a restaurant by insinuating that they're all pedophiles; Mafia characters have always shown at least (outward) respect to priests (see the Sopranos for confirmation!). And as I said the plot is thoroughly engaging (because you always want to know what happens next), it's not at all convincing. Martin Sheen's Chief would never have gone alone to meet the undercover and the assassination of the undercover and another cop from Damon's unit by a "second" undercover occurs completely out of the blue. Finally, the final shot, with the rat scurrying outside on the railing on the balcony is symptomatic of the film's lack of subtlety. I guess Scorsese will have to wait another year for his Oscar. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
2
RaymanJ.Jan 17, 2007
I disagree with Snake P. You either have it or you don't. People say it is unfair that Departed is fighting against the IA trilogy but where did Scorsese get his source material? Not only from the first but the 2nd and 3rd as well. When I disagree with Snake P. You either have it or you don't. People say it is unfair that Departed is fighting against the IA trilogy but where did Scorsese get his source material? Not only from the first but the 2nd and 3rd as well. When Scorsese made his first draft of the Departed which was soley based on IA, it flopped. Scorsese decided to borrow ideas from the prequels and sequels, thus which gave him a mediocre remake. What I also disagree is that Tony and Andy's characters had more of a personality, especially Andy's character. Andy was troubled person playing both bad and good cop. Although I love Matt Damon, his character was just a baddie period. No character development of interest here. The only saving grace in this film was Jack Nicolson. At least Scorsese decided to add some light to his character. That's show business and for your info, IA 2 was already written before IA 1 was ever made. The creators decided to release a more exciting cat-n-mouse chase than the prequel. IA 3 was the one that was written after the conclusion of IA. Honestly, Departed is light years away from being better than IA. Once again, you either have it or don't, and Departed simply doesn't. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
JonB.Jan 25, 2007
When I have to pause the movie 4 times because I''m bored says something. Sloooooow. Wahlberg too over the top. Damon = stiff. DeCaprio still looks like a kid. Nicholson just wasn't believable. A critics movie.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
AraH.Jan 29, 2007
Just okay. Great acting, but very convoluted story and far-fetched plot points. How was this nominated for an Oscar over United 93?
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
JoshG.Feb 14, 2007
Like a previous reviewer said, Infernal Affairs was an extremely more dramatic, complete, and simply better version of the same story copied by Departed. AND WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BROWN ENVELOPE GIVEN TO THE SHRINK? NOBODY KNOWS!
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
SpongeeeFeb 15, 2007
After doing a decent job building up the suspense, Marty pulls the string and the wound up rubber bands go everywhere - and end up nowhere in particular. [***SPOILER***] Having to reaffirm my suspension of disbelief a few times during the After doing a decent job building up the suspense, Marty pulls the string and the wound up rubber bands go everywhere - and end up nowhere in particular. [***SPOILER***] Having to reaffirm my suspension of disbelief a few times during the build up was not fully rewarded at the end, esp the random 2nd mole that kills Leo, wtf was that about? Flawed script - the camera and edit work were pretty nice though. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
JonKuligowskiFeb 17, 2007
This was a very good movie, until about 40 minutes from the end. It makes no sense at all. If DiCaprio had that evidence that he sent to Damons house, why would he just submit it to the police? Dont you think a police department like thatThis was a very good movie, until about 40 minutes from the end. It makes no sense at all. If DiCaprio had that evidence that he sent to Damons house, why would he just submit it to the police? Dont you think a police department like that would be cracking down more if they knew they had a mole? How did Wahlberg sneak into Damons apartment and kill him with the door wide open and nobody notice...and walk out looking like that? Im sure alot of police officers, especially the higher ranked ones would agree this movie does not make sense. I'm sure Damon cant delete DiCaprios biopsy on the computers and not have it on file anywhere that he deleted it.
This movie was very suspensful and kept me on the edge of my seat, until after Damon killed Nicolsons character.
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0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
AndersJ.Feb 26, 2007
Too much violence -- it's ridiculous, repetitive, boring, and cheap. Are we really so bloodthirsty that this kind of garbage takes "Best Picture"? Our expectations are too low. We can do better. We should expect far more from the Too much violence -- it's ridiculous, repetitive, boring, and cheap. Are we really so bloodthirsty that this kind of garbage takes "Best Picture"? Our expectations are too low. We can do better. We should expect far more from the artists we've deemed "great." Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
JosephFeb 27, 2007
Excellent acting. Deserving of Best Picture? No. Deserving of all this critical acclaim? No. Also, about 30 minutes should have been trimmed from the movie (bringing it to 2 hours). It is worth seeing, but not worth owning or seeing multiple times.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
7
NathanaelCJul 29, 2007
Alright lets not lose our heads here.... this was far from being an awful movie however it did have flaws. Basically when Dicaprio is the best gangsta we have a problem. I mean give me pesci deniro and liotta anyday over these pretty boys.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
JackS.Dec 17, 2008
The ending and opening were great. The middle scenes got a little boring though. A little to harsh of language. Fair movie though. I mean Damon's Bourne series was better. And DiCaprio's "Blood Dimond" was so much better. I The ending and opening were great. The middle scenes got a little boring though. A little to harsh of language. Fair movie though. I mean Damon's Bourne series was better. And DiCaprio's "Blood Dimond" was so much better. I don't think it desrves a 10/10. Expand
0 of 6 users found this helpful
4
BenTNov 19, 2006
Well Martin ScorSese, director of "The Godfellas", hasn't made the best film of his career or the best film of the year but it was nice to see Dicaprio die and Nicholson acting again.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
RedR.Nov 22, 2006
Completely overrated. Watch the original instead. Once again Hollywood messes up a foreign film.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
god-amaterasuJun 23, 2012
The Departed is a masterpiece: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson are wonderful together. And I'm Shipping Up To Boston is a wonderful song for a soundtrack.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
796712Sep 27, 2010
very very very good film problem is i gave it a 7 only because he stole the idea from another film which means i have to mark it down i would have given it like a 9
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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4
UsamahNov 10, 2010
Apart from some great acting,there was almost nothing in the movie worth praise.The story was unnecessarily confusing and Scorsese didnt do well to omit that confusion.I was and am still surprsied why this movie won the oscar...???
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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10
mason4tadoAug 13, 2011
Never before has a movie left me gasping in amazement. It's the movie equivalent of that rare sort of novel where you find yourself checking to see how many pages are left and hoping there are more, not fewer.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
Khunter4382Jun 2, 2011
Brilliant. An all star cast. Brutal realism. One of the most developed screenplays I've ever seen. This film amazes me and lends itself to mandatory repeated viewings. So much is going on here, but it is all the better for it.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
j30Feb 13, 2012
A first rate, white knuckle thrill ride from the great Martin Scorsese. Not only does The Departed build off the excellent original (Infernal Affairs) but it has a tour de force of acting performances from Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, MarkA first rate, white knuckle thrill ride from the great Martin Scorsese. Not only does The Departed build off the excellent original (Infernal Affairs) but it has a tour de force of acting performances from Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, and Jack Nicholson. Scorsese is at his best, there is not a dull moment in it's 151 minute run time. Expand
0 of 9 users found this helpful09
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10
StevenFFeb 2, 2013
"I don't want to be product of my environment..I want my environment to be a product of me". Not only were these the first words uttered in this fantastic piece of cinema, but they are words that Martin Scorsese has lived and filmed by for"I don't want to be product of my environment..I want my environment to be a product of me". Not only were these the first words uttered in this fantastic piece of cinema, but they are words that Martin Scorsese has lived and filmed by for his illustrious career.
The Departed is another gold star on an almost flawless report for the director. He utilises superb story-telling, wonderfully diverse characters with exploding personalities and enough profanity to curl the greasiest of hairs, its not just the dark side of crime, its also the darkest side of the law.
A remake of Hong Kong film 'Internal Affairs', we see mob supremo Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) luring young Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) to a life of crime to the end of him graduating from police academy and infiltrating the Massachusetts State Police, but Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is playing the same game, being asked by Captain Queenan (Martin Sheen) and Sergeant Dignam (Mark Whalberg) of the SIU unit within the police, to infiltrate Costellos gang due to his families ties wthin the mob.
What follows is a truly dangerous game, asking the audience just how much you can handle while under this much pressure.
Every star in this 149 minute show puts in an Oscar worthy performance, whether it me Whalbergs fantastically profanity-laced speeches, Alec Baldwin fast-paced speaking, Sheen's cold-hearted stance against the criminals he hunts ('Any of you mugs got a light") or whether it is the almost psychotic Nicholson who improvised a complete scene in this movie, but its perhaps the two centred performers who steal the show, Damon is and easy going within the police force, while Dicaprio is fearing for his life every single day he infiltrates.
Scorsese does an excellent job telling an almost even side to each story, but it is ultimately down to the fast paced story and cat and mouse near-misses that set this film up as one of the greatest of the decade, the performances in particular set it apart from other dramas of the same genre.
One Scorsese picture that cannot be forgotten
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8
oscarrDec 25, 2011
Overall Movie: 8 Acting: 9 Storyline: 7 Although there are gaps in the storyline, the ferocious acting makes this crime drama a hit. The only Scorsese film this beats is Taxi Driver. I'm afraid Raging Bull and Goodfellas are better.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
DongangstarDec 30, 2011
The best film I've ever seen. This picture has it all: good, exciting story, great actors, action, humor, love and good music. Dicaprio did a BRILLIANT job, top actor, if he isn't the best. I know, some might think I'm exaggerating, but I'mThe best film I've ever seen. This picture has it all: good, exciting story, great actors, action, humor, love and good music. Dicaprio did a BRILLIANT job, top actor, if he isn't the best. I know, some might think I'm exaggerating, but I'm sure that I'm not. Enjoy this piece of art, you won't regret it. Expand
0 of 10 users found this helpful010
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10
JPWenzelJul 8, 2012
This is a great movie for anyone who likes a good entertaining movie. The way the story lines fit together was great, and the ending was amazing, I would suggest this to anyone who likes a good action movie.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
JohnnyStephensAug 30, 2013
It was good. It is a classic Crime Picture, but it is not for 10. In every dialogue we can see that there is a bad word. I like bad words in movies but not so many!!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
FranzHcriticOct 27, 2013
Okay. Disgraceful that it's a remake of an amazing and original film, and it wins Best Picture. Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors, but he does not fit in with the whole premise and cast. Leonardo is okay, Matt Damon Vera FarmigaOkay. Disgraceful that it's a remake of an amazing and original film, and it wins Best Picture. Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors, but he does not fit in with the whole premise and cast. Leonardo is okay, Matt Damon Vera Farmiga plays a c***, and Mark Wahlberg is nothing short of annoying. No remake would have sufficed. Expand
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10
bfoore90May 16, 2017
A Boston crime classic and one of the best movies I have ever seen. Its a film that is masterfully directed, acted, written that is both enthralling and thrilling to watch time and time again.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
talisencrwJul 21, 2016
I decided to celebrate the Summer Solstice by watching 'The Departed'. Don't ask me why. I had previously loved the Hong Kong-made 'Infernal Affairs' trilogy on which this is based. Usually I hate when international masterpieces get remade,I decided to celebrate the Summer Solstice by watching 'The Departed'. Don't ask me why. I had previously loved the Hong Kong-made 'Infernal Affairs' trilogy on which this is based. Usually I hate when international masterpieces get remade, but this was a sterling exception. This was controversial when it took in a cartload of Oscars, particularly finally a directorial nod for Scorsese, but don't be misled--it's easily one of his finest works.

This is my Golden Rule on both remakes in general, but especially American remakes of international (particularly foreign-language) great films. When in doubt, check the label:

1. Director? (check)
2. Cast? (check)
3. Script? (check)

'The proof is in the pudding!'
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4
AkashVijayJan 21, 2015
The Departed is overlong, overwritten but also terribly rushed at times. Several supporting characters in the film are left not underdeveloped but undeveloped. All the characters (apart from Dicaprio's who is the only person who undergoesThe Departed is overlong, overwritten but also terribly rushed at times. Several supporting characters in the film are left not underdeveloped but undeveloped. All the characters (apart from Dicaprio's who is the only person who undergoes some some sort of emotional transformation) are wooden, almost heartless at times (Matt Damon being the worst). The love triangle forced into the film made no sense. It feels completely out of place and was frankly pointless. The entire plot feels a bit too McGuffin-y and goes beyond nonsensical at times. So Costello needs not one but 2 moles in the police despite the fact that he's already under the protection of the FBI? Good move there Costello. The dialogue is terrible. It's just cursing for no real thematic purpose. And don't even get me started about that godawful ending. This wasn't Hamlet, it was just stupid and ridiculous. It's all false drama with no real emotional stakes. The Departed is all surface, no depth, all style, no substance. Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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10
abi_abhiabiJul 31, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ohh another great movie of leonardo.. why should i be surprised? this movie is long but i never felt it was long.. it takes some time at the beginning to pick up but after the first 30 minutes, this movie is just great.. and i never predicted that kind of ending.. i didn't want leonardo to die.. thats the only thing i worry.. i give it a perfect 10.. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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6
DeanomiteDec 17, 2019
normally I love everyone involved with this movie, I just found the characters implausible, like a box of leftover characters from better movies, where only 1 prima donna fit at a time. We do get Vera Farmiga in an excellent role
0 of 11 users found this helpful011
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7
BerikDec 9, 2018
A cat and mouse play between a SUI who is secretly a rat, and a rat who is secretly a SUI. It's basically Face Off but then more realistic. The acting is okay, though a lot of times it reminded me of the Ape enclosures in Zoo's. But theA cat and mouse play between a SUI who is secretly a rat, and a rat who is secretly a SUI. It's basically Face Off but then more realistic. The acting is okay, though a lot of times it reminded me of the Ape enclosures in Zoo's. But the tension of an undercover agent was done very well though. The bad guy doesn't really feel like a bad guy, but more like some creepy grandpa. Matt Damon his acting is alright, though the character itself just isn't very interesting. It also feels like Dicaprio overacts, or his director was on acid.

It's a good and entertaining movie, but it also has quite a bit of flaws that keeps it from aging well. The ending cleans up nicely though. I give it an 7/10.
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9
DanielNS87Apr 27, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Scorsesse s did it again, a movie it makes you feel many sensations, with a spectacular photography, a great group of actors and very good script, the plot twists are solid and the end impacts... this movie will become in a huge classic Expand
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6
ProfAmateurFeb 19, 2021
+ Der Cast ist grossartig
- Sehr brutal
- Übertrieben vulgär
- Über 2 stündige Filme anstrengend anzuschauen
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6
NickTheCritickNov 4, 2021
As Cape Fear's remake was not as good as the original movie, this one simply is not as good as the original "Infernal Affairs". It's not even comparable. This is just a barely watchable movie.
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9
PaulB.Oct 12, 2006
Excellent acting/great script/good camera work. It does NOT seem like 2.5 hours long!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
RandyL.Oct 10, 2006
Very bloody which is not my cup of tea. The acting is excellent and the ending is a bit contrived. But this is still a very good movie, not great mind you, but very, very good. DiCaprio comes of age as one of America's best actors.
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6
HalB.Oct 10, 2006
Wow, what a dilemma. A very well acted and well directed film, with some scenes that will stick in my mind (and gut) for a very long time. But the language and violence and relentlessly dark/cynical tone of the film left me totally Wow, what a dilemma. A very well acted and well directed film, with some scenes that will stick in my mind (and gut) for a very long time. But the language and violence and relentlessly dark/cynical tone of the film left me totally depressed. Maybe that's what Scorsese was aiming for; maybe that's what good film/art is about: an emotional and physical kick in the guts. Nicholson and DiCaprio (and much of the supporting cast) are awesome. But I can only recommend this for those who can stomach lots of graphic violence and a nearly 3-hour "glimpse" into human behavior at its worst. For me, this amounted to a horror story. I like good horror films, but geesh... Expand
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8
scotthDec 23, 2006
One of best stories seen in the movies over the past years. Keeps you in the edge for 2/3 of the movie - yet does not completely satisfy.
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8
MikeOct 3, 2006
While a very good movie, I found some of the basic elements of the plot hard to believe. Just a couple kinks ironed out and this is a movie that lived up to the hype. But, as it stands, it is only an almost.
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10
J.Oct 5, 2006
Marty's best in 15 years, a blistering slow-burner of a movie. The final minutes are among the best ever in ANY movie. Don't miss it for the world!
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9
DanA.Oct 6, 2006
Scorsese's best effort in years - nearly as good as Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, and likely the equal of Goodfellas.
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6
CD.Oct 7, 2006
Well acted, but stays in the surface. Merely a sparring session for the greatest American director.
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10
BlancoA.Oct 7, 2006
Simply an outstanding film. If you like movies, you know what to do. I read recently the Jack Nicholson, more than any other actor in Hollywood, enjoys the craft of acting, and that is borne out in a big way in this film. And Leo is Simply an outstanding film. If you like movies, you know what to do. I read recently the Jack Nicholson, more than any other actor in Hollywood, enjoys the craft of acting, and that is borne out in a big way in this film. And Leo is incredible. Freakin' incredible. Matt Damon plays Matt Damon, but his vanilla performance is not nearly enough to knock this down to a 9. If the film is not nomiated for a golden stiff, that show is more f-ed up than I already think it is. Whalberg, Winstone, Sheen - every supporting actor is phenomenal. I'm not going to reveal any plot points in this review, and I'd hate for people to spoil the experience of this film for others by doing so. Scorsese has created a worthy follow-up to Goodfellas. Again, you know what to do. Expand
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10
AmarT.Oct 8, 2006
Gripping tense edge of the seat tale of mob vs the law. Otustanding starcast, story, screenplay and direction.
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10
BrendanW.Oct 9, 2006
This movie is awesome on every level. Great directing, editing, music, and acting by a great cast. Movies don't get much better than this.
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10
PaulL.Jan 11, 2007
So here's the crux. If you think Scorcese is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time and probably the best of the crime/mafia genre, then youl'll love this film because it's simply one of his best. If you don't, then So here's the crux. If you think Scorcese is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time and probably the best of the crime/mafia genre, then youl'll love this film because it's simply one of his best. If you don't, then you'll probably hate this film like you hate Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Casino. Expand
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10
ChadN.Jan 19, 2007
This movie is by far the best of the year. Best movie Scorcese has made since the classic Goodfellas! And I saw Babel and Dream Girls and it will be a tragedy if it doesn't win the academy award for best picture
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9
FilazaferX.Feb 26, 2007
The movie is highly entertaining, but the ending was terrible. It's that simple. I was a prime example of writing a movie, but not knowing how to end it. It was just plan silly and very disappointing.
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7
JackT.Mar 14, 2007
This is NOT Scorcese's best film (The Aviator, Goodfellas, and Raging Bull come to mind). Scorcese didn't win the Oscar for this film; he won it for his entire body of work. That said, under the direction of anyone else, this would This is NOT Scorcese's best film (The Aviator, Goodfellas, and Raging Bull come to mind). Scorcese didn't win the Oscar for this film; he won it for his entire body of work. That said, under the direction of anyone else, this would be a bloated, 3+ hour, middling crime affair. But there are two things that set The Departed apart from the rest of the pack: 1. Williams Monahan's script (the dialogue is unbelievable!), and 2. Scorcese's direction. Scorcese takes Monahan's adaptation of Infernal Affairs, puts the pedal to the metal, and takes you for an intense ride doesn't stop for 150 minutes. The film moves with such breakneck pacing that you just might come out of it with whiplash. This is a pure testosterone fest, so if you have any of that floating around inside you you're bound to enjoy it. Not the best movie of the year by any means (that would be Children of Men), should not have won Best Picture (should have gone to Letters or Babel), but a very entertaining entry in the crime genre. Expand
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10
ChadeW.Apr 30, 2007
The Departed- Leo's an enraged and violent cop infiltrating the mob, Matty-boy is a clean-slate gangster infiltrating the cops, Jackie Nickles is the puppet master with the strings on Matt, and Marky Mark is the foul-mouthed The Departed- Leo's an enraged and violent cop infiltrating the mob, Matty-boy is a clean-slate gangster infiltrating the cops, Jackie Nickles is the puppet master with the strings on Matt, and Marky Mark is the foul-mouthed spotlight-stealer. This film was genius; from its perfect cast and amazing screenplay to the twisty-turny, edge-of-your-seat story, this film just rocks. It's a cool, yet hectic and chaotic look at the Boston Mafia. Tension ensues with each and every character, true-to-life events change the outlook everyone has on each-other, and fear of being caught is within every frame of this modern crime classic. From the shocking begining to the equally shocking (some may say confusing at first, but they get it sooner or later) and clap-worthy ending, The Departed never stops thrilling or teasing or shocking. Once you think it's over, its sooo far from it. A fantastic piece of cinima and one of my favorite movies of the 21st century. Expand
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10
JBMay 29, 2007
Cracking bit of cinema, from opening speach to breathless ending. Superb acting, superb direction and top class casting. deserving of all plaudits it has received and more.
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8
JustinH.Feb 8, 2008
Great movie over all, lots of suspense and twists and turns. Keeps you guessing on who's going to get caught on either side.
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10
DanD.Nov 10, 2006
One of the best I've seen in the past two years. EASILLY better than Crash, and that won a bunch of awards. Many great stars, each in which is probably my favorite of their roles in a long time.
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10
TonydannieOct 10, 2006
An A-List Cast, Great Score, Great Photography and Scorsese is in top form. This is A must see!
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10
MikeC.Oct 12, 2006
This Is THE BEST MOVIE OF THIS YEAR and I hope Eastwood doesn
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10
BruceROct 12, 2006
Just walked out of this picture with a huge smile on my face. Absolutely loved it, on all levels. First time I've ever enjoyed watching Leo. Every member of the cast was absolutely terrific.
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8
BitBurnOct 12, 2006
Very good cop movie. Although, a little too violent for my taste. Very well acted. Excellent storyline.
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8
MariaJ.Nov 30, 2006
At last something serious at the cinema, could have been better but will do. Slightly predictable but never boring. Leonardo DiCaprio is very convincing and glides through the screen so skillfully you take your eyes off him. Jack Nicholson At last something serious at the cinema, could have been better but will do. Slightly predictable but never boring. Leonardo DiCaprio is very convincing and glides through the screen so skillfully you take your eyes off him. Jack Nicholson uses all his tricks but he isn't boring. Good movie for an autumn afternoon. Expand
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10
KoreyW.Oct 10, 2006
Awesome movie!! The acting was great, but the story was even better. You never know how the movie is going to end. Good feeling when watching a movie.
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7
WadeT.Oct 16, 2006
The Departed has its intentions in the right place with a good story and a great director returning to his most well-known genre, however Scorsese's choices are almost over-the-top A-list casts prevents the film from the authentic The Departed has its intentions in the right place with a good story and a great director returning to his most well-known genre, however Scorsese's choices are almost over-the-top A-list casts prevents the film from the authentic feeling a film on the mean streets requires. Di Caprio and Damon are great in their signature roles but performances by Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen heck even Alex Baldwin is so over the top and hammy that you are constantly reminded of this being a big budget production. A smaller cast looking less to overwhelm the camera would've served the story better. Expand
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10
JordanCOct 16, 2006
Excellent movie, highly recommend.
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9
JeanP.Oct 17, 2006
One of the best movies I've seen in a very, very long time. Acting, directing, screenplay all Oscar Material
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10
MattO.Oct 10, 2006
Completely entertaining from credit to credit. Usually, a cast with this many all-stars tends to be disappointing, but everyone was absolutely on top of their game for this one. Once again, Scorsese is king of the mountain.
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6
RostokovOct 19, 2006
I love Marty, I really do. He's one of our best. Increasingly, however, he and his excellent editor Thelma Schoonmaker are relying on a shorthand editing style to tell their stories. Whilst he elicits fine performances and his shot I love Marty, I really do. He's one of our best. Increasingly, however, he and his excellent editor Thelma Schoonmaker are relying on a shorthand editing style to tell their stories. Whilst he elicits fine performances and his shot selection still impresses, the shortness of scenes doesn't allow for the sustaining of a palpable reality (stylized or not). Thus proper depth and suspense are not achieved and the viewer feels like they are watching events from a distance. In Taxi Driver he often lets the camera linger long enough to let the sleaze of the streets seep into your worldview. In Expand
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9
BilB.Dec 10, 2006
Jack gave a flawless performance. Leo was torn up, put thru the ringer, and pulled it off excellently. I'm glad I saw this on the big screen and not waited for the DVD.
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10
JoeB.Oct 20, 2006
To say this is the best film of the year would be insulting it in a sea of garbage. It is a GREAT movie. Period. Great cast, great script, great Scorcese, A film for adults. What a novelty!
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9
MattY.Oct 20, 2006
Long nap? are you kidding? how can you sleep through this awesomely acted, well performed performances of Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon? And Alec Baldwin is totally gold in this film. This is definitely one of the best Long nap? are you kidding? how can you sleep through this awesomely acted, well performed performances of Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon? And Alec Baldwin is totally gold in this film. This is definitely one of the best films made this year. DEFINITELY. Write it down. "Huh. She fell funny." - Frank Costello Expand
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7
WillT.Oct 20, 2006
Colorful, enjoyable and well shot. However, the use of violence to hold interest toward the end is disappointing, violence for the sake of violence. Moreover, Mark Wahlberg was laughable as always. Would still recommend going and seeing it, Colorful, enjoyable and well shot. However, the use of violence to hold interest toward the end is disappointing, violence for the sake of violence. Moreover, Mark Wahlberg was laughable as always. Would still recommend going and seeing it, but don't expect any crazy twists. Expand
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7
seDec 27, 2006
Much like other scorsese mafia films. not a bad film but nothing new.
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10
GBOct 20, 2006
Gorgeous, great actors, amazing direction.
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7
MarkBayerDec 7, 2006
With just days left before it becomes permanent history, 2006 has carved out a reputation for itself as The Year Of Diminished Expectations. Politically, this made sense--electing a number of less-than-completely-inspiring individuals to With just days left before it becomes permanent history, 2006 has carved out a reputation for itself as The Year Of Diminished Expectations. Politically, this made sense--electing a number of less-than-completely-inspiring individuals to Congress was worth it in order to restore America's two-party system--but on the film front it doesn't make much sense. Moviegoers and reviewers (perhaps overreacting to a dumber-than-usual summer) have far too enthusiastically embraced such well-intentioned but seriously flawed early fall efforts as The Illusionist, Hollywoodland and Little Miss Sunshine, and in many instances pounced upon disappointing work from Clint Eastwood and the Pixar people (and shockingly bad work from the blokes at Aardman) like a starved dog jumps on a particularly realistic-looking chew toy, so why shouldn't they respond any differently to Scorsese's latest, however second-rate by his own standards it may be? Don't get me wrong: there's a lot to enjoy and even appreciate about his elaborate, entertaining (and overlong) cops-and-criminals chess game, but I've seen Mean Streets, Taxi Driver and GoodFellas, and this is no...well, you get my drift. It's suddenly become fashionable to do a bit of Monday-morning-two-years-later quarterbacking regarding the great director's Howard Hughes bio The Aviator, but that had much more to say, expressed with a great deal more originality, about old Hollywood than this does about the underworld, the police or anything other than Scorsese's past genre work, of which this mostly comes off as a twice-removed carbon copy. That said, it's still better than most of currently what's out there; Scorsese's use of sudden, shocking violence as near-comedy (whenever you see anything made of glass in the frame, you know that neither it nor a nearby human face is safe) is fascinating, and his work with all the actors (except one) is unquestionable. He gets great mileage out of how much his baby-faced leads Leonardo DiCaprio (playing a cop posing as a crook) and Matt Damon (vice versa) resemble each other, and Marc Wahlberg (an uneven actor who's about as good as his directors; his recent, very routine performance in Invincible underscores this) is a joy to watch and listen to as a flamboyantly foulmouthed police official with more dimension and heart than you'd originally guess he had. Unfortunately, Scorsese seems unable or unwilling to prevent Jack Nicholson from interpreting his role as anything more surprising or substantial than Jack-the-Joker-in-the-Mob; didn't either the actor or the director realize that Nicholson's most effective late-career performances by far are the ones where he drops the familiar schtick and buries himself in his character, UNDERPLAYING his roles in The Pledge and (especially) About Schmidt? It's a tough assessment, but ultimately his work here, for all its showiness and theatricality, bears no more weight or complexity than his mailed-in turn as Adam Sandler's tormentor in Anger Management. The push to finally give eternal bridesmaid Scorsese the Oscar may prove overwhelming (to say nothing of the movie itself winning Best Picture and being the only remake to do so other than Ben-Hur in 1959) and as a result he could end up picking one up for what is essentially quite enjoyable but far from his best work. But then, Billy Wilder won for The Lost Weekend rather than Double Indemnity, Sir Carol Reed for Oliver! rather than The Third Man, and George Cukor for My Fair Lady rather than virtually anything else he did...so what else is new? Expand
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10
RandyLOct 30, 2006
Fabulous. I'd like to ask Jack how long he practiced for the rat face scene... I mean.. the crew that shot that scene must have doubled up laughing... it's just unforgettable. This movie doesn't quite reach Cuckoo's Nest Fabulous. I'd like to ask Jack how long he practiced for the rat face scene... I mean.. the crew that shot that scene must have doubled up laughing... it's just unforgettable. This movie doesn't quite reach Cuckoo's Nest but dang it's close! Expand
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10
ColleenD.Oct 5, 2006
This is what filmmaking has been trying to get at for the past few years. A piece that grabs you from the first scene and plays your emotions with mastery until the last frame.
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10
LucyR.Oct 5, 2006
By far, one of the best movies of the year. My favorite Scorsese movie since Goodfellas. The first one this year with a great cast that did not disappoint.
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10
LaurenceC.Oct 6, 2006
Awesome. Well-acted. Well-written. Better than Casino or Goodfellas
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10
AnnM.Oct 6, 2006
One of the best films I have seen, ever. DiCaprio was the best in an cast of great actors.
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10
StephenI.Oct 6, 2006
WOW mind-blowing, amazing, and etc. One of my favorite movies of all time. Give Scorsese the Oscar he deserves!
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9
KishoreKraletiOct 6, 2006
Best thing about it is, it always keeps you guessing. As we go into it, it explains events building screenplay. It
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10
LynnOct 6, 2006
Wow wow wow. If this doesn't earn Scorsese an Oscar, nothing ever will.
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10
NathanT.Oct 6, 2006
I don't want to jinx anything, but my gut tells me that Scorcese's long overdue Oscar is imminent with this instant classic of a film that is his best since "Goodfellas." The film on which it was based on, the 2003 Chinese police I don't want to jinx anything, but my gut tells me that Scorcese's long overdue Oscar is imminent with this instant classic of a film that is his best since "Goodfellas." The film on which it was based on, the 2003 Chinese police thriller "Infernal Affairs" was an excellent film; this is a great one. It doesn't arrive at greatness by way of perfection (neither did the occasionally sprawling "Goodfellas"), but it gets there by being alive, thrilling, and gleefully politically incorrect. In a year that can, with a few exceptions (like "Half Nelson", "United 93", and "A Prairie Home Companion"), only be described as disappointing, Scorcese reemerges to show us how it's done. Bravo. Expand
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8
DWillyOct 6, 2006
A very cool movie with a monster performance from DiCaprio (the actor not only of his generation, but the one before him, too); Scorcese's craft is smoking off a really smart script and Damon's gift for committed detachment clicks. A very cool movie with a monster performance from DiCaprio (the actor not only of his generation, but the one before him, too); Scorcese's craft is smoking off a really smart script and Damon's gift for committed detachment clicks. It might have risen above its meager theme to acheive classic status were it not for the spit-in-your-face ending and Nicholson's stupid performance. It's amazing that someone with Scorsese's artistic sense didn't edit out Nicholson's buffonery; or, better still, fired his indulgent ass and had the masterful Ray Winstone play his part. Expand
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