The Departed (2006) is a crime thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, featuring an ensemble cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. It is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs.

Plot Summary:

Set in Boston, the story follows two men on opposite sides of the law. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob led by the ruthless Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Meanwhile, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a criminal who has infiltrated the Massachusetts State Police as a mole for Costello.

As both sides become aware of the other’s existence, Costigan and Sullivan are tasked with uncovering the other’s identity before they are exposed. The film is filled with suspense, double-crosses, and moral dilemmas, leading to a violent and unpredictable climax.

Themes:

• Identity and deception – Both main characters live double lives, blurring the line between good and evil.
• Loyalty and betrayal – Trust is a dangerous currency, and no one is safe from betrayal.
• Corruption and power – Crime and law enforcement are deeply intertwined, questioning who the real villains are.

Awards & Reception:

The Departed won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Scorsese), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. It is widely regarded as one of the best crime films of the 21st century.

More About The Departed (2006)

Development & Inspirations

The Departed is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong crime thriller Infernal Affairs, but Martin Scorsese and screenwriter William Monahan infused it with a distinctly Bostonian setting, inspired by real-life crime events. The character of Frank Costello, played by Jack Nicholson, is loosely based on Whitey Bulger, a notorious Irish-American mobster who led the Winter Hill Gang while acting as an FBI informant.

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Deeper Character Analysis

Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio)

A young cop with a troubled family history, Costigan is recruited to go undercover in Frank Costello’s mob. His psychological state deteriorates as he struggles with the stress of maintaining his cover, making him one of the most tragic figures in the film.

Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon)

Raised under Costello’s influence from childhood, Sullivan becomes a high-ranking officer in the Massachusetts State Police while secretly feeding information to the mob. His charm and ambition mask a deeply insecure individual whose loyalties are ultimately self-serving.

Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson)

A sadistic and charismatic crime lord, Costello is a force of chaos. He plays both sides, being a crime boss while also serving as an FBI informant. His unpredictability makes him both terrifying and fascinating.

Sergeant Dignam (Mark Wahlberg)

A no-nonsense police officer, Dignam is one of the few straight cops in the film. His aggressive, foul-mouthed attitude masks his dedication to justice, making him a standout character who delivers the film’s shocking final act.

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Symbolism & Themes

• Rats & Deception 🐀
  • The entire film revolves around moles (rats) within both the police and the mob. The final shot of a rat crawling along a balcony is a direct metaphor for betrayal and corruption.
• Identity & Duality
  • Costigan and Sullivan are mirror images of each other, both pretending to be something they’re not. The film explores what happens when a person’s identity is built on lies.
• Fate & Karma
  • The film’s unpredictable and violent ending suggests that no one escapes justice—whether it’s by law or by the bullet.

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Memorable Quotes

• Frank Costello: “I don’t want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me.”
• Billy Costigan: “You sit there with a mass murderer. A mass murderer. Your heart rate is jacked, and your hand—steady.”
• Dignam: “Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe f** yourself.”* (One of the film’s most iconic lines.)

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Shocking & Unpredictable Ending (SPOILERS)

After a tense cat-and-mouse game, Costigan manages to expose Sullivan but is unexpectedly killed before he can achieve justice. However, in the film’s final moments, Sergeant Dignam avenges Costigan by assassinating Sullivan in his apartment—delivering poetic justice.

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Awards & Legacy

• Academy Awards (2007)
  • 🏆 Best Picture
  • 🏆 Best Director (Martin Scorsese) (His first Oscar win)
  • 🏆 Best Adapted Screenplay
  • 🏆 Best Film Editing
• The film is often considered one of Scorsese’s best works and one of the greatest crime thrillers ever made.

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