The Departed (2006) Review

     As so often in Oscar History...this was a clear cut instance of making up for past slights (especially the passing up of "Gangs of New York" and "The Aviator").

 That in no way implies that "the Departed" is a bad film....( it is in fact a crackling return to the tough and vital crackling good action of his early career)....it just lacks the vision, stature, and elegance of his later masterpieces).

 The DVD does a striking job of highlighting the film's strengths...especially the charisma of the carefully handpicked cast. 

The dark violence and unrelenting coldness will be sure to put off more sensitive viewers...(with "No Country For Old Men" and "There will be Blood" following this as top Best Picture Contenders it is safe to call this the Academy's "Black, Blue, and Red all over" period...).

 A must for fans of the Oscars, the Director, and any of the stars...and sure to be much better respected in the future than some of the winners from earlier in the decade...