The Departed Critic Reviews

It is intriguing to wonder what Scorsese saw in the Hong Kong movie that inspired him to make the second remake of his career (after "Cape Fear"). I think he instantly recognized that this story, at a buried level, brought two sides of his art and psyche into equal focus.Read the full review

When a director of Scorsese's caliber is working at the top of his game, it's a reminder of why we go to the movies in the first place.Read the full review

A new American crime classic from the legendary Martin Scorsese, whose talent shines here on its highest beams.Read the full review

A ferociously entertaining film.Read the full review

The screenplay, by William Monahan, is simply sensational. Scenes play brilliantly. Feelings flow like molten lava. The dialogue overflows with edgy wit and acidulous arias of imprecation.Read the full review

The original film was gritty and entertaining ("Infernal Affairs"); the new version is a masterpiece - the best effort Scorsese has brought to the screen since "Goodfellas."Read the full review

The very title The Departed suggests a James Joycean take on Irish-Catholic sentiment when, of course, this story is anything but: It's Scorsesean, and he's in full bloom.Read the full review

This reworking of a popular Hong Kong picture pulses with energy, tangy dialogue and crackling performances from a fine cast.Read the full review

When The Departed roars to life, as it does in so many of its scenes, you feel like nobody understands movies -- the delirious highs, the unforgiving moral depths -- as well as this man does. Welcome back, Marty.Read the full review