The Departed (2007, HD DVD)

Warner Bros. Pictures presents The Departed (2006) which begins with scenes of racial rioting in Boston (some years ago). The movie begins in narrative mode sharing a story about a gang called the Nights of Columbus who in the words of Irish crime boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) were real head-breakers; true guineas who took over their city. Frank Costello is called Mr. C in the neighborhood. His slant on race, politics and life set the tone of the film as he walks into a local diner, shakes down the owner for cash insults one of the workers and asks one of the kids eating if he is Johnny Sullivan s kid. Mr. C orders the owner to give young Colin a full bag of groceries and a comic book. He then returns some of the money to the clerk named Carmen and gives the boy a handful of change telling him if he ever wants to earn some money, he needs to come by L Street.


Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is seen growing up under Mr. C s tutelage. Colin matures into manhood and the story jumps to his training as a cadet state trooper while another young cadet named Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is also completing his training. Each man exceeds and interviews for special units. Captain Queenan (Martin Sheen) and his over-the-top assistant Staff Sergeant Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) conduct the interviews. Colin a rising star on the force is promoted moving into a plush apartment. Billy accepts an entirely different deal agreeing to go undercover. He reconnects with his crime ridden family and heads to his aunt's home. The plot revolves around Frank Costello and his prot g Colin Sullivan who is inside the police force. Meanwhile Captain Queenan has Billy Costigan infiltrating Costello's crew. This puts Costigan and Sullivan on a collision course however nothing is actually what it appears as things violently unravel.


With all the trailers floating around, various reviews and overall movie hype, I can't go any further. The Departed is rate R for its violence, language, sexual content and drug material. Viewers will find lots of stereotypes, various racial slurs and almost anything else related to the life of an Irish gang. No matter how you stack it, this film is not suitable for children. There is a fair amount of violence. In one scene a man slams a large glass mug into another man's head and people die in this film. Just in case you have any additional questions about the language, after reaching 100; I stopped counting all the "f" bombs that were dropped.


Concluding thoughts:

The Departed is an Academy Award Winning film that won best screenplay, best editing, best picture and best achievement in directing. Would I dare share my humble opinion on a film with such honors? You bet I would, in fact I could not resist. Anytime a film starts off being narrated by Jack Nicholson you know it's going to be good. Before the opening credits even begin to roll Scorsese captures the gritty essence of the story pulling the viewer in, hook line and sinker. The stellar cast need little introduction, except when noting their talented on screen performances. My hat is off to DiCaprio, Damon and Nicholson. The pacing in this 151 minute film is pretty good as it moves with ferocity ultimately reaching an exciting pinnacle. The cinematography and camera work offer some wonderful hues and moving close up shots of the lead cast. The film's gaudy magnificence unfolds splendidly offering the right amount of intrigue and suspense. This is one of those rare films that's going to have a wide audience where adrenaline pumping action junkies and the educated theatrical types come together.


DVD Features:

Full Screen Edition
DVD Release Date: 02/13/07
1 Disc
Scene Selection
Theatrical Trailer