Bridget Nordquist

The critics have hailed it as “grandly twisted” and “splattered with moments of pure, dead-eyed, blood-soaked Scorsesean violence.” I definitely agree on both fronts.

“The Departed” is the darkest, bloodiest movie I’ve seen in a great while. Despite the fact that the film is disturbingly violent and at times sadistic, I loved it and highly recommend it!

“The Departed” is directed by the multiple-Oscar nominated Martin Scorsese. Scorsese is good at dark violence (think “Gangs of New York”) and psychological twists (think “The Aviator”). In “The Departed,” he combines both into an edge-of-your-seat, emotional crime thriller. The story revolves around Boston crime lord Frank Costello, played by Jack Nicholson. Mixing it up with Costello are two bright young cops, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon.

For me, the genius of Nicholson and simply looking at Leo and Matt justify the trip to the cinema. However, beyond those three, the movie is still amazing. I was sucked in from the credits. Scorsese does a fabulous job of presenting multiple views of a messed up world where no one could possibly win. It has so many twists that everyone appears guilty at some time. Truthfully, I found myself shouting at the movie screen on more than one occasion. The film is also subtly hilarious at many points. Much to the dismay of several others in the theater, the dialogue had me guffawing several times.

Additionally, every actor was spot-on perfect. Nicholson played Costello in a quirky, darkly hilarious way that had me sympathizing with a psychopath. Seeing him nonchalantly play with a bloody hand at breakfast or don a leopard-print tie for work was so bad, it was good. Damon and DiCaprio doubling as gangsters and cops are compelling and provocative. “The Departed” also mixes in several other characters that add to the film’s dark humor and savage plotline.

In short, you need to see this movie, which will likely see some Oscar action. “The Departed” has something for everyone: good-looking men, love triangle, intense action and an ever-changing twisted plot. I suggest you head to the movie theater immediately because, as “The Departed” proves, you never know when you’re going to get shot by a thug or dirty cop.