Today’s Prayer Focus
Oscar® Winner for Best Picture, Best Directing—Martin Scorsese, and Best Adapted ScreenplayMOVIE REVIEW
The Departed
MPA Rating:
for strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content and drug material.
for strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content and drug material.
Reviewed by: Joseph Martinez
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Very Offensive |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Adults Older Teens |
| Genre: | Crime Thriller Drama |
| Length: | 2 hr. 29 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2006 |
| USA Release: |
October 6, 2006 (wide) |
Relevant Issues
What is sin?
Why is the world the way it is? If God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and loving, would He really create a world like this? (filled with oppression, suffering, death and cruelty) Answer
The Bible is the world’s best selling book of all time. But for most, it remains a mystery. Now, discover for yourself the overwhelming message of HOPE that God brings to man—presented chronologically from the foundation of the world to our own time. Watch it on-line, full-length motion picture.
How does viewing violence in movies affect the family? Answer
| Featuring | Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Alec Baldwin, Anthony Anderson, James Badge Dale, Kristen Dalton Gerard McSorley, David O'Hara, Mark Ralston |
| Director |
Martin Scorsese |
| Producer | Roy Lee, Doug Davison, Gianni Nunnari |
| Distributor |
 Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company |
“The Departed” is one of the best films of the year. Martin Scorsese has redeemed himself from recent releases such as “The Aviator” and “Gangs of New York.” While those two films were “good” pictures, they were not excellent, they did not reach the bar that Scorsese had set with many of his previous pictures, most notably “Goodfellas.” “The Departed” takes place in Boston, exploring the Irish mob underworld and the Massachusetts State Police. Good guys versus bad guys with a twist, there is good and bad on both sides.
Jack Nicholson plays Frank Costello, a witty, evil mobster that audiences will love to hate. Frank is the ultimate evolutionist, he embodies survival of the fittest and would sell his own mother if he could make a good a buck out of it. Matt Damon delivers one of his best performances as Colin Sullivan. Sullivan is worse than a dirty cop, he is a planted mole who is only loyal to himself. Leonardo DiCaprio deserves an Oscar® nomination for his role as Billy Costigan. While detractors may bark that he is not pushing any new ground playing an undercover cop, I would quickly point out that this is the best performance ever by an actor playing an undercover cop. DiCaprio becomes Costigan, his accent and facial expressions are gritty and real, the audience instantly understands how he feels from moment to moment. Only a Best Actor loss to Forrest Whittaker for “The Last King of Scotland” can be allowed come next March when the Academy Awards are handed out.
There are many other great performances by Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen and a very funny Mark Wahlberg. This film is clearly one of the best cinematic experiences audiences have had in a long time.
All praise aside, looking at this film through the eyes of a believer there are lessons to be learned. While there is no nudity, there are some strong sexual scenes, plenty of violence and enough foul language to make a sailor blush. Parents should not allow children to see this film at all, and should see it before they allow their teenagers to view it. The film is a lesson in sin and its inevitable consequences. As Jesus said, “a man will reap what he sows.” The characters on the opposite side of the law are sowing death, mayhem and murder, and it catches up to them. It also caught up the good guys, and unfortunately that is the result of a sinful world.
One thing that stands out is Matt Damon’s performance as Colin Sullivan. As much as we may hate him and want him to be caught, we cannot also help but identify with him and hope he reforms before he gets exposed. The reason is because there is a small part of him in all of us. A bit of a dual role, where we play the good guy on the outside and struggle with the bad guy within. While our individual sinful natures have not plunged to the depth’s of Sullivan’s, in the eyes of Christ, sin committed in the heart is just as offensive to a Holy God as sin committed outwardly. It is important that as believers we have the correct view of self, in light of who Jesus Christ is.
The lesson from Sullivan’s character, for the believer, is not to let sin entangle us to a point where we are trapped by it, but to be open and accountable to others; transparency is the best way to fight hypocrisy. Now obviously, Damon’s character takes it to the extreme, but pictures of the extreme always have a way of bringing things close to home. Damon’s character tries to play both sides, not the good and the bad, but for the mob and for himself, and in the end he gains nothing from it.
Without giving a way too much of the story, Jesus spoke of this mindset in Luke 12:2,
“But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.”
This film reveals a bit of the depravity of a world without God, a world without hope. It paints the picture of a world living by the consequences of an Evolutionary mindset where everyman is out for only himself.
- Violence: Extreme— for example, 237 f-words
- anguage: Extreme
- Sex/Nudity: Extreme
Learn about DISCERNMENT—wisdom in making personal entertainment decisions
FILM VIOLENCE—How does viewing violence in movies affect families? Answer
sin and the fall of man
Positive
Positive—This is a very well made and intense crime thriller that explores the choices we make and the consequences for making the wrong choice. This is a very moral film if you take a hard look at it, yes it does contain strong language and scenes of graphic violence but that’s all part of the story, it is not exploitive of just there for shock value, but has a message behind it. What is so great about the film is that we get to know all the characters and their lives, so when they make the wrong choice it makes you cringe. This is one of the best films of the year. I highly recommend it.
Offensive / 5
Offensive / 5
Anthony, age 39
Positive—First of all, I am going to state that this is one of Martin Scorsese’s best films. Second, I am going to give my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ a fair warning: This is a Martin Scorsese gangster film. There is lots of profanity, and loads of extreme violence. This is an R-rated Martin Scorsese gangster film. It is rated R for the content mentioned earlier. Now that you know this, don’t go see the film, come here, and then complain about what you’ve just seen. You’ve been warned!
Now that I’ve got that out of the way, I must tell you that this was one of the most riveting films that I have seen in many years! The acting was awesome from everyone in the cast… and I do mean everyone, even Mark Wahlberg. The directing was superb, of course, and there was not one dull moment in the entire film. This film should definitely gain some Oscar nods. I loved it!
My only complaint: There is more cussing here than there was in “Goodfellas.” After a while, it gets really distracting, and usually, I can ignore it. This is one of the rare occurrences where I couldn’t.
Very Offensive / 5
Now that I’ve got that out of the way, I must tell you that this was one of the most riveting films that I have seen in many years! The acting was awesome from everyone in the cast… and I do mean everyone, even Mark Wahlberg. The directing was superb, of course, and there was not one dull moment in the entire film. This film should definitely gain some Oscar nods. I loved it!
My only complaint: There is more cussing here than there was in “Goodfellas.” After a while, it gets really distracting, and usually, I can ignore it. This is one of the rare occurrences where I couldn’t.
Very Offensive / 5
Adam Renkovish, age 24
Positive—I thought this movie was Amazing. I’ve been a loyal Jack Nicholson fan for a very long time. He still has his witty humor and sarcasm in almost everything he does. The previews speak for themselves. I would definitely go and see this film again.
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 5
Catherine, age 28
Positive—…Yea, it was pretty repugnant, but the story line was fascinating, and in some ways, reminiscent of “The Sting”—it had you guessing as to who the REAL good guys and REAL bad guys were. Would I recommend it? If you’re easily offended, save your money. If not, then give it a chance. I agree that most of the language was unnecessary, but that’s normal for this genre. You won’t be disappointed, once you realize it is a gangster movie that was extremely well done.
Extremely Offensive / 4
Extremely Offensive / 4
Carl Fuglein, age 59
Positive—This is a fantastic film. Yes, it has more than its share of F-Bombs and violence, but the world that it is portraying does not cater to the Tim and Susie Churchmouse’s of the world. The movie does what it is suppossed to do in a perfect way. It takes us, as viewers, into the world of high stress, high danger, cops and robbers. It does it in an unflinching and realistic way. Anyone that has worked around police or been involved with the criminal element (BC of course, Before Christ) will understand the reality of it. Perfect film, bottom line. “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” is still available on DVD if real life is too much for your church going youth, but remember Narnia doesn’t exist. The world of the Departed does. Don’t let a few F-Bombs make you run back into your safe hole. The real world does spread a large shadow. Don’t be afraid.
Average / 5
Average / 5
Gerry, age 39
Positive—Hey people, especially those of you who were offended by this movie. What part of an R-rating and an “Extremely Offensive” category from this web site do you not understand? I am a little bit tired of people of a sensitive nature, going to R-rated movies and complaining. The rating is there for a reason. Don’t go to movies at all if you don’t like to hear people swear. I assume most of you work in convents or are monks. If you don’t want to hear or see things that are offensive, why do you go to movies at all, let alone R-rated ones. Discerning people will understand that movies like this will invariably contain graphic words and violence. They go knowing that, and therefore have no right to complain or bad mouth a movie as having offended them, once they have seen it. Stick to your Disney “G” rated movies please. There is no need for you to be offended, and no need for the rest of us to be lectured to as if we are any less “spiritual” than you because we aren’t as sensitive. Which is worse, a swear word, or a legalistic heart?
This movie was excellent. The twists and turns were spellbinding, and the acting exceptional. Do I think Hollywood could make movies without as much bad language? Yes. But that isn’t the point. But please, for the self-righteous out there, stop going to movies if you are easily offended.
Extremely Offensive / 4½
This movie was excellent. The twists and turns were spellbinding, and the acting exceptional. Do I think Hollywood could make movies without as much bad language? Yes. But that isn’t the point. But please, for the self-righteous out there, stop going to movies if you are easily offended.
Extremely Offensive / 4½
Evan D. Baltz, age 40
Negative
Negative—Martin Scorsese is widely regarded as perhaps Hollywood’s finest working director and certainly as the maker of the most authentic organized crime movie ever: Goodfellas. He (almost) always extracts excellent performances from the actors he directs. Such is the case form all the actors in THE DEPARTED. It is beautifully filmed and competently edited. the color is gorgeous. Jack Nicholson is in superb form, funny, and obviously having fun the whole way through. DiCaprio offers the only decent and somewhat redeeming character present.
Having spoken to its technical and objective artistry aspects, let me now give you my gut reactions. First, it is a poor script that gets worse as it goes along. There are much too many twists and turns …that would never happen in real life subplots. Second, it is an ugly film with almost no redeeming qualities. The f-word seems to (and probably does) appear in every other sentence, with variance provided by both C-words. An occasional use of such language might, in my opinion, be justifiable as to artistic authenticity, but must we bath in it? Why should I pay someone to foul mouth me for 2-½ hours? What’s next? Will they start spraying real blood on the audience so that we might experience that authentic aspect of organized crime life? Will trail samples of cocaine be passed out too?
This is a vile and ugly film with so much murder that it almost could be considered a comic parody of his other crime film. “Goodfellas,” while also explicitly violent (perhaps even more so), was still, seemingly not gratuitously violent, and painted a real portrait of the outcome of a life of crime. Unfortunately, Scorsese seems to worship violence and foul language, and makes millions distributing such. This is not a film for Christians seeking entertainment. This is a film to regret seeing and morn its lingering effects. One could label this a modern Gangs of New York, another wretchedly violent un-redeeming exercise in hateful filming making. And we wonder why the world hates America?
Extremely Offensive / 3
Having spoken to its technical and objective artistry aspects, let me now give you my gut reactions. First, it is a poor script that gets worse as it goes along. There are much too many twists and turns …that would never happen in real life subplots. Second, it is an ugly film with almost no redeeming qualities. The f-word seems to (and probably does) appear in every other sentence, with variance provided by both C-words. An occasional use of such language might, in my opinion, be justifiable as to artistic authenticity, but must we bath in it? Why should I pay someone to foul mouth me for 2-½ hours? What’s next? Will they start spraying real blood on the audience so that we might experience that authentic aspect of organized crime life? Will trail samples of cocaine be passed out too?
This is a vile and ugly film with so much murder that it almost could be considered a comic parody of his other crime film. “Goodfellas,” while also explicitly violent (perhaps even more so), was still, seemingly not gratuitously violent, and painted a real portrait of the outcome of a life of crime. Unfortunately, Scorsese seems to worship violence and foul language, and makes millions distributing such. This is not a film for Christians seeking entertainment. This is a film to regret seeing and morn its lingering effects. One could label this a modern Gangs of New York, another wretchedly violent un-redeeming exercise in hateful filming making. And we wonder why the world hates America?
Extremely Offensive / 3
Richard Eric Gunby, age 52
Negative—As would be expected by a Scorcese film, there is extreme violence and extreme foul language. I assume it’s to show us how mean the “mean streets” really are.
Everything about the movie is over the top. Jack Nicholson is superb playing Jack Nicholson, much in the way that John Wayne often played John Wayne as we expected him to be, rather than any nuanced role. There is no nuance here. He is evil personified, which was indeed the character of the gangster he was portraying.
The other actors were very good in their roles. Leonardo DiCaprio showed the tension that develops in a person whose conscience has not been seared when living a life that is full of lying, deceit, and violence that is contrary to their nature. Matt Damon has no conscience having sold out to the devil. Both have a strong desire to survive, however, and this drives the movie.
As the story develops and it is aware to each group there is a mole, the tension grows as each tries to determine who the other is. The ending is unsatisfying, but not totally unexpected. It is difficult to expect something good when so many are infected with evil.
I had hoped for more. I was not disappointed by the acting of all the cast, but the language was so extremely foul and the violence so excessive that it made it difficult to be engaged in the story.
Extremely Offensive / 4
Everything about the movie is over the top. Jack Nicholson is superb playing Jack Nicholson, much in the way that John Wayne often played John Wayne as we expected him to be, rather than any nuanced role. There is no nuance here. He is evil personified, which was indeed the character of the gangster he was portraying.
The other actors were very good in their roles. Leonardo DiCaprio showed the tension that develops in a person whose conscience has not been seared when living a life that is full of lying, deceit, and violence that is contrary to their nature. Matt Damon has no conscience having sold out to the devil. Both have a strong desire to survive, however, and this drives the movie.
As the story develops and it is aware to each group there is a mole, the tension grows as each tries to determine who the other is. The ending is unsatisfying, but not totally unexpected. It is difficult to expect something good when so many are infected with evil.
I had hoped for more. I was not disappointed by the acting of all the cast, but the language was so extremely foul and the violence so excessive that it made it difficult to be engaged in the story.
Extremely Offensive / 4
John Coppes, age 64
Negative—This is a horrendously repulsive film from the heavy hitters of Hollywood. I stayed until the last main characters were killed—must have been only 5 minutes left—only to give an accurate review for this Web site. This film is a barrage of horror. The specific scene in the porno movie theater should have put this film into the XXX category. Every fifth word spoken was swearing of some sort. There is at least 30 murders in this film and a few are extremely graphic. I heard groans of the audience with the excessive blood and gore. This film was a hit job at Christians; and the Catholic Church in particular—but it can be expected by the director of “The Last Temptation.” What ever standards that were supposedly left in the movie making caldrons of Hollywood have been lowered—and probably into the foreseeable future.
Extremely Offensive / 4
Extremely Offensive / 4
Cylde Nicholas, age 31
Negative—Regardless of whatever cinematic or other merit this film may have, it is not worth watching. The F-word is used so often, that itself becomes the focus to viewers who are not used to hearing it, like my wife and I. One might argue that this language is reality, but that doesn’t mean it should be glorified on the screen. It is very disappointing to see such talented actors lower whatever standards they may have to this level of filth. If not for the main review above, and the talented cast, we would not have considered this film in the first place. My wife and I walked out after about 20 minutes, because we had had enough.
Extremely Offensive / 3
Extremely Offensive / 3
Steve, age 52
Negative—I know that a lot of people will be giving this film rave reviews, and the truth is, the acting was amazingly good. Leo’s character was especially complex as well as Jack, who really put the fear of God into me, as a viewer. But on the whole, I simply cannot give this movie a good review. It was the most horrifying movie I have ever seen. THe violence was extremely graphic and constant, causing me to close me eyes and plug my ear many times throughout the film. THe F-word was used at least once in every sentence, and sexual references were off the charts! I felt like throwing up almost the entire time. The truth is, I almost cried with relief when the film ended after almost 2-½ hours of visual assault. The world can be a very dark and cruel place, but that doesn’t mean we have to expose ourselves to all of these things for the sake of entertainment. Please think long and hard before seeing this film!
Extremely Offensive / 4
Extremely Offensive / 4
amy Gilles, age 19
Negative—…It is no exaggeration to say that if the “f” word was removed from this film, it would be a silent film. It takes no acting talent or writing skill to produce a movie of this vile nature. My wife and I walked out of this movie. She was in tears and sick to her stomach. Her comment was “We have no business being here.” And she was absolutely right!…
Extremely Offensive / 1
Extremely Offensive / 1
Kenneth Downs, age 58
Negative—I found this film extremely offensive. The language was filthy. The plot could have been okay, if not for the language and horrible ending. It just made you feel bad all around.
Extremely Offensive / 3
Extremely Offensive / 3
Gloria, age 41
Negative—…My husband and I recently saw this movie, and what a mistake. In spite of good acting and a story line that offers great suspense, this doesn’t outweigh the extremely offensive language (I don’t think they left any vulgar language out), gore/violence, and perverse scene. We compromised ourselves by staying through this movie after the first 5 minutes. God is so faithful to forgive when we ask. Any Christian thinking of seeing this movie needs to ask themselves, “what do I want to take Jesus through?”
Extremely Offensive / 4
Extremely Offensive / 4
C Chase, age 47
Negative—“The Departed” is a movie basically about rodents. Human rodents. Moles and rats. Rats and moles. Oh, and skunks… because it stinks. I am convinced that if Martin Scorsese made a film about angry earthworms the establishment would lavish Oscar after Oscar on him. Not only did I want to wash my eyes, ears, and mouth out with soap after watching this, but I also wanted to wash my brain out. I didn’t realize this movie was spoken in French.
Although the performances were exceptional, it does not provide any redeeming qualities that would justify viewing this film. The depth of vulgarity, depravity, and gratuitous violence is beyond measure. It is truly a stretch for anyone to try and validate this movie as a lesson in “sin.” It is a lesson in warped ideas of “artistic expression” and self-indulgence. In our pop-culture society, an “artist” would include one who merely causes an individual to feel some kind… any kind of emotion without adding any transcending value to a body of work. Such is the case with Mr. Scorsese’s film.
The movie had more twists and turns than a Slinky. The characters were over the top. Many of the situations and relationships in the film were not believable bordering on absurdity. I don’t recommend this film. Christians can spend their free time engaging their minds in some form of entertainment that is enjoyable, perhaps thought provoking, and beneficial.
Extremely Offensive / 4½
Although the performances were exceptional, it does not provide any redeeming qualities that would justify viewing this film. The depth of vulgarity, depravity, and gratuitous violence is beyond measure. It is truly a stretch for anyone to try and validate this movie as a lesson in “sin.” It is a lesson in warped ideas of “artistic expression” and self-indulgence. In our pop-culture society, an “artist” would include one who merely causes an individual to feel some kind… any kind of emotion without adding any transcending value to a body of work. Such is the case with Mr. Scorsese’s film.
The movie had more twists and turns than a Slinky. The characters were over the top. Many of the situations and relationships in the film were not believable bordering on absurdity. I don’t recommend this film. Christians can spend their free time engaging their minds in some form of entertainment that is enjoyable, perhaps thought provoking, and beneficial.
Extremely Offensive / 4½
A, age 45
Negative—I wasn’t intending to not watch this entire movie because I’ve seen “Gangs of New York” and actually remember liking “Taxi Driver.” I wanted to see this Oscar-worthy film, but had reservations because of its rating. Scorsese is a brilliant filmmaker, but markets filth. The cussing didn’t bother so much, except for the specific kind of cussing that has guys calling other guys derisive slang for male and female genitalia. I have a problem with people verbally degrading each other with what God created the sexes to be. And from the other comments prior to this one, I am so glad I walked into another part of the house and watched the rest of “The Prestige.” I did not miss anything and neither will you if you’ve not had the displeasure of renting it or seeing it in the theater.
Extremely Offensive / 4
Extremely Offensive / 4
Jennifer, age 30
Negative—This film was so amateurish, I couldn’t believe that Martin Scorcese would let his name be put on it after it was put in the can. The characters were all shallow and caricatures of supposed mob hit men and tough police. The acting was horrible by all the key actors: Wahlburg, de Caprio and Nicholson. I’m stunned to hear others say that this was the best film they’d ever seen (especially the kids under 18!!!) How did they get in to see this movie and what parent would ever let their kids see this rotten representation of film? If this is the best film they’ve ever seen, then what …have they been going to see?? The language was a joke. It’s almost like they had a profanity quota to fulfill. The film took a stab at virtually every group it could. I didn’t appreciate the part where de Caprio uses a picture of Jesus Christ to hit some guy over the head. Real smooth, Hollywood!! Don’t bother with the film!
Extremely Offensive / 1½
Extremely Offensive / 1½
Mark, age 50
Comments from young people
Negative—This has to be the most morally offensive film I have EVER, and I mean EVER seen in my life. It was absolutely appalling. The “f” word was used as commonly as the word 'the'--it was ridiculous. The violence was atrocious, and all the sex scenes and sex references were disgusting because it was either shown or heard of every other line. There was also several references about the church and religion, but I never got a good impression from it. I felt as though they were either mocking it, or using it to cover up the disgustingly behavioral patterns that were occurring. There were so many unnecessary things that could’ve been taken out which would’ve made this one of the greatest movies I have ever seen, but like typical Hollywood, abysmal behavior that was shown in this movie is unfortunately common. I can deal with violence, language, and some sex profanities, but they went over the limit with this. All in all, the plot of the movie was incredible, and it truly would’ve been one of the greatest movies I have EVER seen, MINUS the profanities. I don’t care if it is Rated-R, no movie should be shown with profanities like that. What was even more inconceivable to me is the fact that no one except for my sister and I, walked out of that movie feeling offended. Unbelievable.
Extremely Offensive / 5
Extremely Offensive / 5
Anonymous, age 16
Neutral—My reaction to the movie was definitely mixed. As for the movie’s quality, I must say that this is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, and that I enjoyed the experience immensely. On the other hand, read the rating descriptors (unfortunately, I did not, and neither did my dad.) This movie is rated R for a lot of stuff, all very well deserved. Probably the most pervasively offensive was the language, topping Scarface’s f-words by more than forty, along with a lot of horrible words. As a result, I can hardly recommend this movie, but I will tell you that I enjoyed it a lot for what it was. So, inversely, I can’t really discourage anyone (older than me) from seeing it.
Very Offensive / 5
Very Offensive / 5
Alec MacLaughlin, age 15
Positive—As most film critics agree, Martin Scorcese is one of the best filmmakers to have ever walked the face of the Earth. I concur. His movies are dark and dreary, and often center around people who’s lives are drenched in sin and crime (like “Goodfellas”). These settings of Cop vs Mafia/Mob make his movies quite enjoyable, actually, as Martin possesses a one-of-a-kind ability to portray both the good and the bad side. In his films, he eventually forces the two sides to collide, creating a powerful, compelling storyline.
“The Departed” does not depart from Scorcese’s classic, renowned style. It’s about two moles, one cop (DiCaprio) who infiltrates Jack Nicholson’s mob and acts as one of the leading henchmen, and a mobster (Damon) who works his way up the state police’s ladder (run by Sheen, Wahlberg, and Baldwin), while handing off information to Nicholson. Eventually, the two sides realize they have a “rat” in their system, but they can’t identify who that rat is. They both search for the mole on their side, while using the mole on the other side to gain information about the mole they’re convinced that they have. Confusing, huh? Yes, but this is where the fun begins. Truly compelling.
The film is violent, but not throughout. It does have sporadic scenes of heavy violence that help this movie earn its R rating. Additionally, there is sexual content in the film, mostly with dialogue, but also with a small scene of foreplay (no nudity, thankfully). The hardest bit to swallow is the language. The f-bomb is dropped incredibly frequently. Honestly, you get used to it. If you’ve seen Goodfellas, or any other Scorcese film, you’ll have a better understand of the meaning of “recurring.”
The content is dark, and by no means clean or wholesome. Kids should stay away from this film, but older teens and adults should consider seeing this: It’s truly an enjoyable movie, as it incorporates PHENOMENAL performances from Dicaprio, Sheen, Wahlberg, Damon, and Nicholson, has scenes that truly make you laugh out loud, and has you on the edge of your seat for the remaining hour and a half of the presentation. 5/5. Best movie of the year.
Very Offensive / 5
“The Departed” does not depart from Scorcese’s classic, renowned style. It’s about two moles, one cop (DiCaprio) who infiltrates Jack Nicholson’s mob and acts as one of the leading henchmen, and a mobster (Damon) who works his way up the state police’s ladder (run by Sheen, Wahlberg, and Baldwin), while handing off information to Nicholson. Eventually, the two sides realize they have a “rat” in their system, but they can’t identify who that rat is. They both search for the mole on their side, while using the mole on the other side to gain information about the mole they’re convinced that they have. Confusing, huh? Yes, but this is where the fun begins. Truly compelling.
The film is violent, but not throughout. It does have sporadic scenes of heavy violence that help this movie earn its R rating. Additionally, there is sexual content in the film, mostly with dialogue, but also with a small scene of foreplay (no nudity, thankfully). The hardest bit to swallow is the language. The f-bomb is dropped incredibly frequently. Honestly, you get used to it. If you’ve seen Goodfellas, or any other Scorcese film, you’ll have a better understand of the meaning of “recurring.”
The content is dark, and by no means clean or wholesome. Kids should stay away from this film, but older teens and adults should consider seeing this: It’s truly an enjoyable movie, as it incorporates PHENOMENAL performances from Dicaprio, Sheen, Wahlberg, Damon, and Nicholson, has scenes that truly make you laugh out loud, and has you on the edge of your seat for the remaining hour and a half of the presentation. 5/5. Best movie of the year.
Very Offensive / 5
Jared, age 17
Positive—I loved this movie, despite the n-word being said 4 or 5 times, and jokes about and sexual jokes about Catholics. …leave the kids at home. I went to see this movie with my friend who is basically a critic on every thing. I believe Jack Nicholson is a great actor despite he plays a good psychopath. And the director certainly researched the mafia to direct this mind-blowing story. Its graphic, its offensive, and it happens to have plot twister. However, I did not like the word **** sucker being mentioned. And it was really not necessary for a scene where three of the main characters to be in in a x-rated theatre, even though it’s the only way Leonardo DiCaprio could find out information about Matt Damon’s character, making jokes about masturbation. There is one scene where Jack Nicholson has a fake penis, which shocked every one in the audience. It has very bad language, and some racism. But it’s like “The Godfather” meets “Taxi Driver.” If you love movies about organized crime, and dark humor, this is the movie for you.
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 5
Justin, age 17
Positive—This movie was amazing from beginning to end. The acting was overall outstanding by every single actor on the screen. Martin Scorcese did an excellent job in the director’s chair, and I do believe that this will definitely be an oscar winner. I also thought the music played a great part in it to. As soon as you hear “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys in the title sequence, you know what this film is going to be like. The plot was great too. I have not seen the original, and I know that there are debates on which one is better, but I think this was excellent. There is definitely a theme of “You reap what you sow” in this movie, and whoever said there isn’t needs to grown a pair of eyes. They also threw in some bits of humor that I thought were great. (Like the whole thing about the cranberry juice in the bar.)
As for content, well it’s not a family movie. There is language in this film, but nothing that your kids or you won’t hear in any public school. The violence is also pretty strong. Not as bad as “Saving Private Ryan,” but it is strong. But I have to disagree with the person who wrote the review when he said that the Sex/Nudity is heavy. There was one scene of “sensuality,” but there actually was no intercourse. It was all implied. Nothing worse than what you see on CSI. But honestly, the film was very true to life. I mean, the Irish mob in Boston does all the things (and more) that are done in this film. And Jack Nicholson’s character is based on “Whitey” Bulger. So, he is, of course, “pure” evil since his is based off of the FBI’s fifth most wanted man alive. I suppose I do have to admit that I might be a little biased because I am from Boston, and this is one of the only good movie that takes place around Boston out there, apart from Good Will Hunting. But all-in-all, it is an excellent movie which will be loved by anyone who can appreciate good cinema. The Departed won’t disappoint.
Offensive / 5
As for content, well it’s not a family movie. There is language in this film, but nothing that your kids or you won’t hear in any public school. The violence is also pretty strong. Not as bad as “Saving Private Ryan,” but it is strong. But I have to disagree with the person who wrote the review when he said that the Sex/Nudity is heavy. There was one scene of “sensuality,” but there actually was no intercourse. It was all implied. Nothing worse than what you see on CSI. But honestly, the film was very true to life. I mean, the Irish mob in Boston does all the things (and more) that are done in this film. And Jack Nicholson’s character is based on “Whitey” Bulger. So, he is, of course, “pure” evil since his is based off of the FBI’s fifth most wanted man alive. I suppose I do have to admit that I might be a little biased because I am from Boston, and this is one of the only good movie that takes place around Boston out there, apart from Good Will Hunting. But all-in-all, it is an excellent movie which will be loved by anyone who can appreciate good cinema. The Departed won’t disappoint.
Offensive / 5
David, age 15
Positive—…this was easily the best movie of 2006. Amazing character development, amazing story, amazing acting by DiCaprio and company, and the list goes on.
Average / 5
Average / 5
Jimi, age 17
Positive—By comparison to Martin Scorcese’s other brilliant movies, this is a masterpiece. Though the story does sometimes get a little cheesey, the cinematic quality of this movie is, to put it simply, astounding. The acting could barely get better, the action could barely get anymore intense, and the cinematography could barely get anymore beautiful. I felt that how Marty shot this movie was more visually enticing than movies such as “What Dreams May Come.” If AFI could do their top 100 movies list again this year, this film would most definitely be on that list. Everything flows together perfectly in this fast-paced drama thriller.
Even the profanity. Though it’s 237 F-bombs don’t quite compare to some of the other Scorcese crime movies (Casino-422 F’s, Goodfellas-300 F’s), the profanity flows quite seamingly as if it were a regular adjective rather than a taboo word reserved for only the most special of occasions. According to Wikipedia, it is #23 on the list of movies that use the F-word most frequently.
Aside from profanity, this film is brutally violent, but what else could you expect from Martin Scorcese. Many characters are shot through the head leaving blood stained walls behind them, a character is thrown off a roof, but the majority of the violence lies in brutal beatings. The only real sexual content in the movie is talk, as almost no action is seen. Even though I have been desensitized to much violence and language over the years, this movie is still a flincher. But yet a flincher that is masterfully crafted, and one that will win the Best Picture and Best Director Oscars. It is up to the viewer to decide whether they can handle it and whether it is worth it to see this movie.
Offensive / 5
Even the profanity. Though it’s 237 F-bombs don’t quite compare to some of the other Scorcese crime movies (Casino-422 F’s, Goodfellas-300 F’s), the profanity flows quite seamingly as if it were a regular adjective rather than a taboo word reserved for only the most special of occasions. According to Wikipedia, it is #23 on the list of movies that use the F-word most frequently.
Aside from profanity, this film is brutally violent, but what else could you expect from Martin Scorcese. Many characters are shot through the head leaving blood stained walls behind them, a character is thrown off a roof, but the majority of the violence lies in brutal beatings. The only real sexual content in the movie is talk, as almost no action is seen. Even though I have been desensitized to much violence and language over the years, this movie is still a flincher. But yet a flincher that is masterfully crafted, and one that will win the Best Picture and Best Director Oscars. It is up to the viewer to decide whether they can handle it and whether it is worth it to see this movie.
Offensive / 5
Matt Chojnacki, age 16
Positive—This was the best film of the year. I don’t really need to talk about it, because everyone else has, but it was a phenomenal film. Better than any film in three years (although “Babel” was a close runner-up). I recommend this film to anyone over the age of 14. I watched it with my brother, and he loved it too. Ten out of ten.
Average / 5
Average / 5
Jimmy, age 17
Positive—It’s funny, the Oscars and I never seem to agree, but awarding The Departed with Best Picture is possibly one of the best choices they’ve made in a long time. In terms of movie-making quality, the film is a masterpiece. Scorsese has proven himself to be one of Hollywood’s best directors quite a long time ago, but The Departed is imminently better than Taxi Driver, in more ways than one. The premise is fairly simple, but with stirring direction and acting, “The Departed” is not only a “Best Picture,” but an extremely engaging and entertaining one, too.
The cast was flawless all around, but Nicholson and DiCaprio in particular deserved an Oscar. Damon, Wahlberg, Baldwin, and Sheen all shine in their roles as well. Yes, of course there’s offensive content. The violence is very brutal at times, but I’ve seen worse, and if you’re planning to see this movie, chances are you have too.
The language is incessant and the most unsettling aspect of the movie. There are over 200 uses of the f-word and countless anatomical references, but you should already know that. The sex is refreshingly mild and tasteful, save for two scenes, one of which takes place in a seedy porn theater. The other is the infamous scene hinted at in the trailer, which, although is free of nudity, contains some explicit movement and lasts a little longer than I would have preferred. Fast-forwarding is a good approach.
So, even with the content, this is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Everything about the movie is near perfect. The incredible performances by Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the rest, the direction, the music, the plot twists, and the unexpected ending all make this film worth watching. So I recommend the movie, WITH A CAVEAT. If you can handle the content, this one’s worth a watch. God Bless
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
The cast was flawless all around, but Nicholson and DiCaprio in particular deserved an Oscar. Damon, Wahlberg, Baldwin, and Sheen all shine in their roles as well. Yes, of course there’s offensive content. The violence is very brutal at times, but I’ve seen worse, and if you’re planning to see this movie, chances are you have too.
The language is incessant and the most unsettling aspect of the movie. There are over 200 uses of the f-word and countless anatomical references, but you should already know that. The sex is refreshingly mild and tasteful, save for two scenes, one of which takes place in a seedy porn theater. The other is the infamous scene hinted at in the trailer, which, although is free of nudity, contains some explicit movement and lasts a little longer than I would have preferred. Fast-forwarding is a good approach.
So, even with the content, this is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Everything about the movie is near perfect. The incredible performances by Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the rest, the direction, the music, the plot twists, and the unexpected ending all make this film worth watching. So I recommend the movie, WITH A CAVEAT. If you can handle the content, this one’s worth a watch. God Bless
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Joseph Hughey, age 17 (USA)
I feel like I should first address Leo-haters. For some reason, Titanic gave him a bad rap, with some calling him just another pretty face. The truth of it is, he was always a wonderful actor, but like any other grand actor, he needs good material to work with. Here, he has given a career-high performance, pulling us deep into the heart of a man who is in over his head.
Matt Damon is also quite something, taking his good-guy image and squashing it in a matter of seconds. Mark Wahlberg steals every scene he is in, as does Jack Nicholson. He’s so menacing, more so than he was as The Joker in 1989’s Batman. He really is a portrait of pure evil, and he’s never been more fun to watch.
Many will see The Departed as just another crime-drama. If that is all they see it as, they are truly missing everything. This is a tremendously complex character study on the ideas of loyalty, and in the end, betrayal. No one is above it. Everyone is, essentially, a rat. It’s extremely violent (and vulgar), and the suspense is almost unbearable.
I can’t wait to see it again.
My Ratings: Extremely Offensive / 5