The Departed

Martin Scorsese has made dozens of incredible films, many of them being classics. But the one that earned him is one and only Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture was his 2006 film, The Departed. Set in South Boston, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned to be an undercover cop in the Irish mob run by ganglord Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a criminal working for the Irish mob and Costello, who has become a Massachusetts State Police Detective. Both Billy and Collin attempt to gain information about the organizations they have infiltrated. However, both the police and Irish mob become aware of the moles inside their organizations and Billy's and Collin's lives are suddenly put into danger. Each man must work quickly to find the other man and take him out before they get taken out by the organizations.

With an amazing cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winston, Vera Farmiga and Alec Baldwin, The Departed is an outstanding film that everyone should go see, if you can get past the abundance of violence and cursing that is in the film. This film simply has it all. A great cast, great cinematography, great editing and a great script. It is one of my personal favorites and every time I watch it, I am sitting at the edge of my seat.

I think my favorite part of the film is the scene on the top of the rooftop, (SPOILERS AHEAD). Both Billy and Collin have found out that the other is the rat in the organizations. Billy told Collin to meet him on the top of the roof and when he arrives, Billy arrests Collin. Detective Brown, played by Anthony Anderson, also comes to the rooftop because he knows who both Billy and Collin are. Billy takes Collin down the elevator at gunpoint and as soon as the elevator doors open, Barrigan, who is another detective working for the Irish mob, puts a bullet through Billy's head and Detective Browns. Collin then puts a bullet through Barrigan's head, making sure that there are no loose ends. This scene is very intense and you do not see the murders coming at all. I jumped in my seat when I heard the loud bangs.

Also just as a side note, my brother actually works in the building where this scene was shot.

The Departed is a terrific film and I think it is Scorsese's best.