It took "Departed" in 2006 for Scorsese to finally get his first Oscar for the Best Film awaiting through the several nominations he earned for almost each of the films he directed including "Taxi Driver," which is hailed as one of the quintessential film-noirs. The film was especially popular for the performances of Robert De Niro as a former marine veteran and Jodie Foster as a 12 year old prostitute, both of whom earned Oscar nominations for their roles. Though unlovely and inadequate in its motives, the best thing of the film is the picturesque depiction of hell of a metropolis including the gangsters and pimps. Besides, it stands an epitome of the period gained through the vivid characterization, which is to haunt your mind for a time. No wonder if you are a serious film buff, you will enjoy the ensemble of Hollywood talents in their early days including Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, and Harvey Keital. While watching it, I couldn't help myself from comparing it to Scorsese's less known movie "Bringing Out the Dead," following the similar theme.

Rating: 2 stars out of 4