The Departed
The Departed is a 2006 crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2007.It’s ranked #40 in IMDB’s all time best movie lists.
“Frank” Costello (Nicholson) plants his informant within the Massachusetts State Police. Colin Sullivan (Damon) was brought up from a very young age by Costello with an intention of infiltrating into the police force. Simultaneously, the police assign undercover cop Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello’s crew. Billy’s family relationship with the underworld helps him to gain access to Costello’s men and eventually into Costello’s gang. When both sides of the law realize the situation, each man is ordered to discover the identity of the other informant before they are found out.
The chase thus begins; the chase for the rat, only at the end would the rat’s realize that he is not the only rat. The major theme of The Departed is one of the oldest in drama; the concept of identity, and how it affects one’s actions, emotions, and even dreams.” But the screenplay and the caliber of the actors make it a great movie, one wouldn’t hesitate to watch it again for the sheer expressionless Matt Damon and highly expressive, insomniac DeCaprio.
The last scene of the movie is the best one, the actor being a lone rat crawling conspicuously across the balcony railing. To enjoy the last scene, you must watch the whole movie.