The Departed is a 2006 American epic crime thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by William Monahan.
This film serves as a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. Set in Boston, it intricately weaves a tale of deception and betrayal within the Irish mob and the Massachusetts State Police. The narrative centers around two main characters: Colin Sullivan, played by Matt Damon, who is a mole for the mob within the police force, and Billy Costigan, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who is an undercover cop infiltrating the mob.
The plot unfolds as Sullivan is groomed by Irish mob boss Frank Costello, played by Jack Nicholson, to serve as his informant within the police. Meanwhile, Costigan is selected to go undercover in Costello's organization after serving time in prison to establish his criminal credentials. As both Sullivan and Costigan navigate their dangerous double lives, they become embroiled in a tense game of cat-and-mouse, each trying to uncover the other's identity before being discovered themselves. The stakes escalate when both sides realize they have been infiltrated.
The film's climax reveals that Costello is also an FBI informant, leading to a series of violent confrontations. In a shocking turn of events, Sullivan kills Costello after learning this information. However, as Costigan attempts to reveal his undercover status to Sullivan, he discovers that Sullivan is actually the mole he has been seeking. The film culminates in a tragic ending where Costigan is killed by another corrupt officer, and Sullivan, believing he has escaped unscathed, is ultimately ambushed and killed by Sergeant Dignam, played by Mark Wahlberg.
Upon its release, The Departed received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances. It grossed over $291 million worldwide on a budget of approximately $90 million. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Scorsese—his first Oscar win despite multiple nominations throughout his career. The film's gritty portrayal of crime and moral ambiguity resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its status as one of the defining films of the 2000s.
The Departed is notable not only for its intense narrative but also for its exploration of themes such as loyalty, identity, and the psychological toll of living a double life. Its all-star cast delivers powerful performances that enhance the film's complex character dynamics. The movie remains a significant entry in Scorsese's illustrious career and continues to be studied for its cinematic techniques and storytelling prowess.