To take down South Boston's Irish Mafia, the police send in one of their own to infiltrate the underworld, not realizing the syndicate has done likewise. While an undercover cop curries favor with the mob kingpin, a career criminal rises through the police ranks. But both sides soon discover there's a mole among them.

Featuring outstanding work from an excellent cast, The Departed is a thoroughly engrossing gangster drama with the gritty authenticity and soupy morality we come to expect from Martin Scorsese.

'The Departed' is lauded for its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and Martin Scorsese's direction. Themes of moral ambiguity, intense undercover operations, and the crime-law enforcement dynamic are highlighted. Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson receive acclaim. However, some critics find it lacks the depth and emotional resonance of 'Infernal Affairs', noting pacing issues, an uneven screenplay, and unnecessary additions. Despite these criticisms, 'The Departed' is widely regarded as a significant contribution to the crime thriller genre.