Photo by: Warner Bros.

Who has the power to assemble a brilliant cast, revitalize an old story, and create one of the best films of the year?

Director Martin Scorsese does it again, delivering an extremely powerful film that meets what fans have come to expect over his many years in the business.

He is known for the raw violent realism of which “The Departed” is no exception. His most acclaimed works include “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas.” “The Departed” follows in their wake.

Those who are familiar with Hong Kong cinema know that “The Departed” is based on a 2002 film called “Infernal Affairs.”

In both films an undercover cop and an informant from the mafia simultaneously infiltrate each other’s organizations.

In “The Departed,” Irish Mob Boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) sends Collin Sullivan (Matt Damon) to be his eyes and ears inside an elite Boston police unit whose current objective is to take down Costello and his operation.

Unbeknownst to him, the police have also infiltrated his operation through undercover agent William Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio).

The director is not the only one who deserves credit for the film.

The acting in the movie is phenomenal. DiCaprio masterfully portrays Costigan, who is easily the most distressed character in the movie.

Nicholson, as the insane Costello, is so believable it is almost frightening. Much of the supporting cast is comprised of veteran actors as well.

Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen and Mark Wahlberg all play Boston cops, and are compelling.

This is not an average mob-themed film.

For instance, in many films about organized crime there is more interaction between rival families and organizations, but this film focuses on the stories of the two men undercover.

It is an intelligent and fresh perspective on the world of crime itself.

As the plot develops, audiences feel the tension between Costigan and Sullivan as they square off in a contest of who can be the best mole.

The most interesting component of the movie is how both characters struggle in their own unique way when thrown into a world that they don’t know.

Costigan struggles with the morality of impersonating what he hates most, and Sullivan with the perks and stability of being a respected police detective vs. life working under an insane mob boss.

Both characters, though Costigan more so than Sullivan, are in constant fear for their lives.

The film is told through the eyes of these two men who are both living a lie for the sake of their respective groups.

One of the larger themes of the film is identity, since neither character has anyone he can confide in.

The suspense doesn’t end there as many twists and turns propel the plot.

Those who have an aversion to violence and human brutality may wish to skip this one, as it contains some harsh scenes of death and gore.

It is no secret that a film directed by Scorsese about organized crime will have this level of intensity. Scorsese has always proven his talent.

Yet choosing to forgo this film solely based on this fact is a decision that could end in regret.

With extremely well written dialogue and thoroughly engaging acting, “The Departed” is no doubt one of the best movies of the year.

Whether audiences are fans of mafia-style films or not, this production features the best of the best with a quality cast and quality screenplay.