The Departed

it’s a remake of the Hong Kong classic called Infernal Affairs, which if you ask me, was one of the best chinese movies ever made.

this film was done by Martin Scorsese, who did wonderful shows like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Gangs of New York, The Aviator… just to name the few that I’ve watched by him.

I initially questioned the casting call of Leonardo Di Caprio to play the role of Tony Leung in the show, since I’ve always thought Tony Leung was more of a bad ass than a clean cut person. I didn’t know who else I would cast in that role though, seeing how I can’t fathom anybody else but Tony Leung himself doing what he did best.

but suprisingly, Leonardo Di Caprio pulled the role out really well. although it was not as splendid, and as convincing as the way Tony Leung did it, I felt that there was a personal conviction in what he did. he really acted well under the guise that he had no more family ties, and really looked like a troubled soul.

I liked the way that although it could be seen as a blatant rip off of the Infernal Affairs series, I liked the way Scorsese woved certain characters into the show that had no parallels. for example, Mark Wahlberg had no chinese equivilent in the original series. Jack Nicholson played a much MUCH more sinister, borderline lunatic *think The Shining* Eric Tsang. there were many departures from the original as well, although I felt that this was utterly necessary as I wouldn’t want to be seeing an exact tit for tat replica of the chinese remake.

I wouldn’t spoil it for anyone else who hasn’t watch it. but I’m telling you guys, give this show a go. do not go in there with the pre-conceived notion and hype that it must and will live up to the original Infernal Affairs. judge in on a seperate palate, and appreciate the direction that Scorsese decided to take with his wonderful masterpiece.

yes, I am a Scorsese fan. so… (=