The Departed

Okay, I listened and I listened and I listened, and I get it, most people out there think that The Departed is the greatest movie since sliced bread...or something. Anyway, being a big fan of Infernal Affairs, the original Japanese movie that The Departed is based on, I hated to see another great Japanese movie turned into some piece of movie crap, even if it is Martin Scorsece doing the movie, it's still a damn remake, and what does that, in itself, say about American cinema, that one of our greatest filmmakers is reduced to remaking a Japanese movie?? But...that for another time, we're here to check out The Departed.

The story here is a bit involved, but basically is the story of two cops one good, one bad. The good cop is placed undercover in a mafia-type organization, the bad cop is in charge of an organized crime task-force, but is actually working for the mob. Both the cop in charge and the mafia boss are aware that they have a spy in their midst and each puts the spy in charge of finding who the spy is...still with me? Now, it sounds convoluted, but it's easier to follow if you watch it than it is to explain it.

Now, while I'm not the biggest Scorsese fan, I'm not a hater either, but The Departed is not the great movie that everyone told me that it was. Is it a good movie? Yes. Is it better than Infernal Affairs? Not a chance! While it's hard for some Americans to get into Asian cinema...aside from the occasional kung fu flick...it's worth the digging. While there is some cultural differences, there's still good guys and bad guys and it's not all that hard to follow if you just stay with it, we really didn't need a remake of Infernal Affairs!

Is The Departed worth the price of the rental? Sure, while I knew what was going on, having already seen the original, I was still entertained. There are some differences, Scorsese has changed up some of the story a bit and, with the talk of a sequel, I'd be very curious to see where they take it next. But, the mere fact that they're talking sequel doesn't stun me too much, Infernal Affairs is a trilogy, so, don't be surprised if we see two more of these movies in the not too distant future.

I'm giving The Departed two out of four cigars,

because, while it's always cool to see this kind of cast doing anything, I'd have been much happier to see an original story from Martin Scorsese than to see this great filmmaker reduced to remaking someone elses great movie! So, until next time, when we'll discuss whether or not my reviewing The Departed is like remaking my review of Infernal Affairs, remember that the best movies are bad movies!