I've seen it, but I'm sure those that haven't are SO GLAD that you made your post without a spoiler tag. [/sarcasm]
While I wholeheartedly agree that Infernal Affairs is the better movie, the Departed held it's own. I'd confidently give it a B+/A- grade. I think there were some aspects that Scorsese put in his movie to make it "his own" (like Wahlberg/Baldwin) that didn't need to be in it, it's still a great movie. Actually, I think Wahlberg/Baldwin's characters and memorable quotes helped make up for the lack of darkness Matt Damon had in the movie. if you haven't seen either movies, don't read page 2 of this thread. not a MAJOR spoiler, but still it's still a spoiler nonetheless
I haven't seen The Departed but saw Infernal Affairs and thought it was great. Haven't seen the sequels yet either. Andy Lau is about as good an actor as Matt Damon but I think Tony Leung is a better actor that DiCaprio. If Tony Leung was an American actor I'm convinced he would've won a few Oscars by now. While Infernal Affairs was overall great I didn't like the happy ending tacked on at the end.
Infernal Affair was more like a fancy version with two of the most popular Chinese actor in Asia. It is a great movie. The Departed is more like a real life version with allstar cast. People are more likely to bash "The Departed" because it's a remake, however, I'm not bashing it, and I'm not going to see it either.
This movie looks great, I've seeing the commercials for weeks. Its got everybody, Damon, Nicholson, Baldwin, DiCaprio, Wahlberg. Cant wait to see it.
Honestly, I had no clue it was a re-make going in... and I'd like to think I'm more well-read/knowlegable than the average "non-bbs joe" going to see the latest movies every week. Thus, it will do very well... and deservedly so. Its not just a bunch of big names trying to do their thing (like the Yankees were). Its big names all acting their asses off... showing why they get paid like they do... combined with a stellar plot, with awesome writing.
non-spoilers The Departed had a different personality. It was funnier and more violent. I liked Infernal Affairs a lot more. I thought it hit harder emotionally, but they both follow similar plot lines up to a point, so I wasn't surprised of any twists.... Despite artistic differences in direction, I think whoever's favorite is the movie they saw first.
btw, the night watching this movie, i slept and had a long dream full of...the same stuff that this movie was full of. pretty insane dream
As a film on its own, The Departed is really quite good...and I suppose had I not seen Infernal Affiars before then certain scenes in the The Departed would have felt more impactful. But it was a good movie, and I liked the touch of humor brought into it by Baldwin and Walhberg (Alec Baldwin has really ballooned up). But as a remake, it definitely falls short of Infernal Affairs. And my biggest problem - and this is a problem with ALL Hollywood remakes - is that it just was too direct. Infernal Affairs was a lot more subtle in handling certain characters fates, which I felt made it a lot more impactful and emotional than Departed. I'll also add that I wish the ending held strickly to Infernal Affairs and it's sequel; I've only seen Infernal Affairs (and not 2 and 3) and I felt the ending was perfect as it was, especially regarding a certain character. And then my other big complaint is how they cut Mat Damon's characters' girlfriend out completely and used the psychologist to play both parts; so his storyline wasn't quite as meaninful. Still a good movie, but IA is definitely the better.
The movie was decent. Didn't think it deserved a 92 rating on RT. I didn't like the cinematography and there was no musical score.
I am in your boat, is Infernal Affairs available at Hollywood Video or Blockbuster? I saw "The Departed" last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Leo is really becoming a great actor, he was great in "Gangs of NY", "The Aviator" and did very good in this one. Overall, all the actors did a very good job. Nichelson was great as always. This movie felt like "Donny Brasco" meets "Heat", both excellent flicks. I hope Scorcese finally wins the BIG one, even if this is not his best work.
We'll the Boston Irish have their own movie. Just like the Italians with Goodfellas and the Latins with Scarface. This is good news because up untill friday all they had was Goodwill Hunting or Fever Pitch. Speaking of which was anyone expecting Damon to go into a "how you like them apples" rant. I liked the original better, seemed to have more depth of charachter. But you can't deny that Scorsese can craft an excellent genre picture. It's a must see for the fall.
This movie was damn good, every actor was great capped off by Nicholson who was brilliant. Very exciting and well thought out storyline and plot, some complex intricacies in the story and some pretty funny exchanges between the characters. A well spent 2 1/2 hours.
as far as the acting, leo was okay, damon just didn't seem like a guy in the situation he was in. He should have seemed more stressed given the situation of his character. leo had good scenes with the shrink, but he didn't seem like a man in his situation. I kept thinking of the stress it seemed johnny depp was under in Donnie Brascoe and Leo doesn't even come close. too much stuff going on I guess. Honestly the best acting in the movie to me was Martin Sheen.
