The Departed

Based on "Infernal Affairs", the Hong Kong film.

My Review:
Failure. It was an embarrasment, really. A true study of what Hollywood can do to the perfect story. I didn't think it was possible to go wrong with that script, nor did I ever imagine that Scorcese would turn out to be such a schmaltzy uncourageous director. I mean, a rat in the window at the end? The dog doesn't like the Matt Damon character? Could it be more Spielbergesque?

The Original: a good cop struggles daily with good and bad and his own character, and a bad cop struggles with his own conscience.
Departed: good cop is good, bad cop is bad. Even dogs don't like him.

Infernal Affairs: gang boss is a gang boss.
Departed: Heeeeeere's Jack doin' his schtick, unfetered by the director.

Infernal Affairs: Good Cop has a thing for cop shrink.
Departed: Both cops sleep with cop shrink; because there is no point in bringing in a plot element unless you can milk it.

Infernal Affairs: Film about rats.
Departed: Film about rats. And just in case that plot element escaped you, they ended with a rat on a window ledge.