Rated R for strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content and drug material.
Directed by Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas & Gangs of New York)
Starring Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio & Mark Wahlberg
The Departed has the amazing cast of Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio & Mark Wahlberg and the legendary director Martin Scorsese… and it doesn’t disappoint. It is without a doubt one of the best movies of the year.
Jack Nicholson plays Frank Costello, the ruthless Irish mob boss who recruits Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a street-smart criminal to infiltrate the police department and keep him abreast of their every move. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), because of his family and his past, is rejected by the elite police task force but is offered a chance to make a name for himself by infiltrating Costello’s crime syndicate as an undercover agent. Both Costigan and Sullivan must race against time and each other to conceal their true identify as well as trying to expose the other’s.
Got that?
If not, read it again…or just rent it, you won’t be disappointed.
TODD’S WORD: I loved this movie. It is a smart, exciting, action-packed story that takes you on two very different journeys that merge into one violent ending, with a few surprises I didn’t see coming. Along the way there were more than enough twists and turns, to keep me on the edge of my seat as well as a story that was so well crafted I genuinely cared about every character.
Speaking of the characters, not only is the cast amazing, but they are perfectly casted. There wasn’t a weak link or a character that was not believable.
JONATHAN’S WORD: I agree with Todd … mostly (to quote Newt from Aliens).
TODD’S WORD: That quote was a stretch.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Ah come on! You gotta love Newt! Even Hudson wanted to “put her in charge!”
TODD’S WORD: Can we get back to The Departed?
JONATHAN’S WORD: As soon as you stop hurling onslaughts at my movie quotes!
Yes, The Departed’s plot was very original—undoubtedly an incredible storyline. And the acting and direction were superb. I just didn’t like the ending. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but the ending was just too depressing.
TODD’S WORD: What? Like that makes a film bad? What about Glory?
JONATHAN’S WORD: Not even close. In Glory, Zwick provided enough likeable characters throughout the film. Sure, The Departed had some enjoyable characters. But I think audiences like a hero—someone admirable. Glory gave us that and when everything bad happened at the end of the film, it didn’t matter. They had died for a cause.
In The Departed I feel like you are left with, “Well that sucks!”
So my 2 cents is to rent the film, and then turn it off to go to bed 10 minutes before the ending… and forget to watch the rest of the film. You’ll love it!
TODD’S WORD: Like The Abyss!
JONATHAN’S WORD: Exactly!
TODD’S WORD: If you are a fan of movies like GoodFellas, Gangs of New York or Pulp Fiction…
JONATHAN’S WORD: …you should repent right now!!!
TODD’S WORD: In all seriousness, if you don’t like those kinds of movies, you will most likely not like The Departed. On the other hand, if you are looking for an edgy movie with an amazing story and spectacular cast, check out The Departed now.
JONATHAN’S WORD: …and turn it off 10 minutes before the end!
Should Kids See It?
Two words: Martin Scorsese… so we’re going to say “No.” The language and violence are both over the top.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
