‘Masterpiece’ gangster film Tarantino fans ‘will enjoy’ | Films | Entertainment

The critically acclaimed crime thriller featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, The Departed, is now available on Prime Video.

First hitting the screens in 2006, the film centres around Billy Costigan (DiCaprio), an undercover Boston police officer who infiltrates an Irish mob led by gangster Frank Costello, portrayed by Jack Nicholson.

At the same time, the mob boss dispatches his spy Colin Sullivan, played by Matt Damon, to keep tabs on The Massachusetts State Police.

As both organisations realise they have a traitor in their midst, Billy and Colin must uncover each other’s identities before they are exposed.

The drama, directed by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, is an English adaptation of the 2002 Hong Kong crime drama Infernal Affairs.

Upon its debut, The Departed was met with widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, earning five Academy Award nominations, including a nod for the prestigious Best Picture award, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Remarkably, the thriller scooped four awards, with Scorsese clinching the Best Director accolade. It also bagged the Best Picture award, as well as the Best Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay honours.

But the praise didn’t stop there, as cinema-goers were quick to hail this as Scorsese’s best work, with some dubbing it ‘cinematic gold’ and lauding its action-filled plot.

One viewer was ecstatic on Google Reviews, exclaiming: “Brilliant, just cinematic gold. Scorsese’s directing style and approach to creating such a masterpiece is just exquisite.

“If you love an action-packed crime drama, with an abundance of shooting and graphic violence, then this film is for you.”

They continued with high praise, writing: “If you enjoy a Tarantino film, then you will definitely enjoy this.”

Rotten Tomatoes users were in agreement, with one stating: “This really is a absolute must see movie if you’re into the gangster type of movies,” and they went on to say: “Great movie I have literally lost count of how many times I’ve watched it now.”

Another admirer enthused: “An absolute must see. I loved every minute of the film. A great plot for an iconic movie.”

On IMDb, a reviewer succinctly put it: “Best Scorsese film. Period.”

The Departed is streaming now on Prime Video.