The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning crime epic pits undercover cops against mob infiltrators in a deadly game of mirrors set in South Boston.
The Departed - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Departed
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Cantonese
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 4, 2006 (Philippines - R-13), October 5, 2006 (United States - R), October 6, 2006 (Canada - 18A), October 6, 2006 (United Kingdom - 18), December 7, 2006 (Germany - 16), November 29, 2006 (France - TP), October 31, 2007 (India - A), October 12, 2006 (New Zealand - 16), October 6, 2006 (Australia - MA 15+), November 10, 2006 (Brazil - 18), November 17, 2006 (Mexico - C), October 27, 2006 (Italy - T), October 27, 2006 (Spain - 18), November 23, 2006 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Ha-Shtoolim (IL), Parakit hoad faengtua koan chaopho (TH)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, Initial Entertainment Group, Vertigo Entertainment, Media Asia Films
- Production Countries: Hong Kong, United States of America
The Departed - Plot
To take down South Boston's Irish Mafia, the police send in one of their own to infiltrate the underworld, not realizing the syndicate has done likewise. While an undercover cop curries favor with the mob kingpin, a career criminal rises through the police ranks. But both sides soon discover there's a mole among them.
The Departed - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold from both sides of the law:
Cops or criminals. When you're facing a loaded gun, what's the difference?
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The Departed - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Martin Scorsese
Main Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio
- Matt Damon
- Jack Nicholson
- Mark Wahlberg
- Martin Sheen
- Ray Winstone
- Vera Farmiga
- Anthony Anderson
- Alec Baldwin
- Kevin Corrigan
Writers
- William Monahan
Producers
- Brad Grey
- Brad Pitt
- Graham King
The Departed - FAQs
What is the ending of The Departed explained?
The Departed ends in a brutal bloodbath. Colin (Damon) kills Sullivan's handler, then is himself shot by Dignam (Wahlberg) in the film's final scene. Nearly every major character dies, underscoring the film's nihilistic thesis that corruption and violence consume everyone caught in their orbit, regardless of which side they serve.
Is there a mole on both sides in The Departed?
Yes. That double-mole structure is the film's central dramatic engine. Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) is a cop embedded in the Irish mob, while Colin Sullivan (Damon) is a criminal planted inside the Massachusetts State Police. Both men race to unmask the other before their own cover is blown.
Where can you stream The Departed right now?
The Departed is available to stream on AMC+ (via Amazon Channel) and Philo. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand offers it as a rental. Availability may vary by region.
Is The Departed based on a true story?
The Departed is not based on a single true story, but it draws inspiration from real events. It is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. The South Boston Irish mob setting echoes the real-world criminal empire of Whitey Bulger, who famously operated as an FBI informant while running organized crime.
Who are the main actors in The Departed?
The Departed features Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson in the lead roles, supported by Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, Alec Baldwin, and Kevin Corrigan. Wahlberg earned an Academy Award nomination for his sharp-tongued performance as Sergeant Dignam.
Did The Departed win any major awards?
The Departed swept the 2007 Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Director for Martin Scorsese, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay for William Monahan. It was Scorsese's first Oscar for directing. The film also won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture — Drama.
What is the age rating for The Departed?
The Departed is rated R in the United States by the MPA for strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content, and drug material. It is strictly intended for adult audiences. International ratings vary: 18 in the UK and Australia's MA 15+, among others.
How long is The Departed and what genre is it?
The Departed runs 151 minutes (2 hours and 31 minutes). It belongs to the Drama, Thriller, and Crime genres. The film is a remake of the acclaimed 2002 Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs, transplanted by director Martin Scorsese to the gritty underworld of South Boston.
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