After a pair of flawed Oscar-hunting epics, Martin Scorsese has returned to the gritty, violent mob drama that has always been his strong suit, and the result - "The Departed" - is his best film since 1990's "Goodfellas."
With young stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon finally fulfilling their promise, and wily veteran Jack Nicholson adding another indelible character to his rich gallery, "The Departed" gets off to a ripping start and doesn't let up until its third or fourth twist ending.
One can quibble about too many endings, and about a love triangle that belongs in another story. But no one can complain about not getting their money's worth. "The Departed" is a movie-movie of the first rank.
You're right. Hollywood USUALLY does love violence and R-rated movies. I'm at the point where I avoid them. Besides 'The Nativity Story,' I also recommend 'The Queen.'
Yeah, and Hollywood loves Quentin Tarantino's movies, as well. Maybe Mel should change his name to Sam Peckinpah, Jr.