The Departed (2006)

“No one gives it to you,” rasps the opening voiceover by mobster Frank Costello (Nicholson). “You have to take it.” A crane shot swoops across the street and into a storefront – the place is Boston, the time Some Years Ago – and we see a wide-eyed kid sat at the drinks counter, straw in mouth, as Costello collects a protection fee from the quivering owner. The kid’s head is down, eyes averted, but he can’t resist a sideways glance as the menacing, charismatic man in conspicuous shades and loud clothes pauses to direct a lewd comment at the owner’s teenage daughter. She grimaces before breaking into a coy smile.

Read the full The Departed review