When I heard that Martin Scorsese was adapting the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs I was intrigued as it didn’t seem like something I thought he would be interested in doing. I saw Infernal Affairs before I saw the adaptation and it was interesting as it seemed to be influenced by Scorsese’s style and the way he shot his gangster films.
I didn’t get to see The Departed during the first theatrical release, but when I saw that it was being rereleased, I slipped out of work a little bit early one day and caught it in the theatre.
Knowing the broad outlines of the characters and plot allowed me to notice the style a bit more that I would have the first time through. While the film is violent, it didn’t seem to dwell on it as much as Scorese’s other gangster films. At this point in his career Scorsese could make a film in his sleep, so it is very interesting to see the things that he tries out in terms of constructing a film in the visuals, plot and the editing. The added twist with the Departed is seeing how some shots match the original with most of the plot intact with changes that reflect Scorsese’s sensibilities and strengths. It isn’t Scorsese’s best film, but it’s filled with some great performances (one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s best that I’ve seen) and is solid.

Very good movie, but a ridiculously bad ending.

I really don’t understand why everyone loves this movie…maybe everyone’s just prematurely drooling over it because it has Martin Scorcese’s name on it? I don’t know, from the very first time I saw the previews, I never really though the plot sounded even remotely interesting. Spy vs. Spy movie, who cares? Matt Damon, who cares? Leonardo DiCaprio, who cares? Jack Nicholson—okay, so i love Jack Nicholson, but I must say, his likeability does not come from his having played hardcore mob bosses.

Overall I enjoyed the movie—in comparison with your average big-screen film, but not at ALL enough to TELL someone about it. It was definately not worth seeing again, or even MENTIONING in everyday conversation.

This is smart movie that will pretty much surprise you in the end. The acting is Oscar-worthy.

This movie’s story line is from the Hong Kong movie Mou gaan dou(2002). http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338564/

I didn’t watch the movie above yet. I enjoyed this movie and was anxious all the way through because I didn’t know the ending. Great character development.

Nothing like a mob movie to make you miss Boston

Really great. And the fact that David O’Hara is in it makes it just fantastic.

On Saturday evening I went with Solar to see Martin Scorcese’s new film, The Departed. While I’d read good reviews, I was concerned that it was going to be too suspenseful for my liking (not really a fan of suspense of horror, I’m afraid). I can report that while there’s plenty of blood and shooting, there’s not really a horror element to it, or any suspense. What a relief!

The film is set in Boston, which was cool. There’s something very satisfying about seeing your city on the big screen, and realizing that there really some things about it that are iconic. The film itself is excellent – I really enjoyed it. You have to be prepared for a fair amount of shooting (without giving too much away, there’s barely anyone left alive by the end of the film), but the film (despite its length) is fast-paced, with plenty of twists and interest.

So good. Brilliant acting, great plotline, very violent, but done nicely. Funny, clever.. I loved this film. So much so that I am tempted to pay another £6 and see it in the cinema again.

on Saturday night, Benjamin and I saw this movie at the Neptune with my father-in-law and Benjamin’s friend Jimmy. The movie has an excellent cast and a solid, if imperfect, story. As you’d likely expect from a Scorsese mob film, it’s violent. Despite the sometimes extreme violence, I enjoyed it.

Spoiler warning?

I really liked this movie. It was more violent than I tend to like, but it wasn’t as graphic as it might have been. I’m always appreciative of movies (and books) that aren’t afraid to kill off important characters – I find them more realistic and therefore easier to suspend disbelief (that’s the heart of entertainment!)

I hadn’t realized that Serious Actor Mark Wahlberg was going to be in the movie, but I am increasingly (grudgingly) admitting to myself that he’s actually a pretty good actor.

“Infernal Affairs” 1, 2 and 3 debuted at AFI Fest two years ago. Director Lau talked about the American remake (it had already been bought by then) and I’m curious to see how it developed.

How do you beat this cast? I haven’t liked many of Scorcese’s recent movies—I feel that he’s been coasting—but hope that this could be as good as Goodfellas.