Every few years or so a film comes out that redefines a genre. Martin Scorsese’s latest drama, “The Departed,” accomplished just this. With an extremely well-written screenplay, a terrific cast and the best director to never win an Oscar, “The Departed” gives introduces a new age of gritty cop dramas.

Based off of the 2002 Hong Kong film, “Wu jian dao,” and set in south Boston, it is the story of undercover cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) who is given the assignment of infiltrating an Irish-American organized crime ring headed by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson).

On the other side of the game is a detective-turned-informant named Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) who is struggling with keeping an investigation going while playing for the other team. With Costigan and Sullivan suddenly in danger of being uncovered for who they are, both go to desperate measures to expose the other man in time enough to save themselves.

Brilliantly acted and directed, "The Departed" gives you Scorsese tension and drama combined with the classic style of a big-name cast. Some other cast members include Alec Baldwin, Mark Wahlberg and Martin Sheen. Up-and-coming actress Vera Farmiga does a fantastic job as a psychiatrist/ love interest thrown into the middle of the investigation.

Unlike the director’s other recent attempts ("The Aviator" and "Gangs of New York") this film does not feel forced and does not catch you looking at your watch for how much longer you have to endure it. On the contrary, it moves along quite well and keeps you wrapped up in the excitement.

Sifting through the loads of crap that are coming out these next few weeks shouldn’t be difficult, seeing as this is the only movie worth the $9.50 right now.

All in all, being extremely enjoyable and also gritty makes "The Departed" a must see. It may be the best movie of 2006.

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