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.
"The Departed" is a thrilling crime drama set in Boston. The story follows two young men, Colin and Billy, who lead double lives. Colin pretends to be a regular police officer while secretly working for a powerful gangster, Costello. Billy, on the other hand, is a real police officer undercover, pretending to be a criminal working for Costello. The movie is full of twists and turns as both men try to complete their missions without being discovered. You’ll learn vocabulary related to crime, law enforcement ("detective," "warrant," "arrest"), and relationships ("cousin," "uncle," "girlfriend"). The fast-paced dialogue and diverse accents will challenge your listening skills. The movie explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, identity, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. You’ll encounter a wide range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to anger and determination, expressed through intense dialogue. The language used in the movie is realistic and often includes slang, curses, and Boston accents. This will expose you to natural English conversations, even though some of the language is not appropriate for everyday use. Paying attention to how characters express themselves will help you understand how tone and word choice convey meaning. While some of the language is coarse, learning English with "The Departed" can be highly beneficial. It provides excellent listening practice due to the rapid-fire dialogue and diverse accents. You’ll expand your vocabulary with both formal and informal language, and the complex plot will keep you engaged. The movie also offers cultural insights into the city of Boston and the dynamics of organized crime. Just remember that while the movie portrays realistic language, not all of it is suitable for everyday conversations.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in The Departed:
