The Departed

The Departed (Martin Scorsese, 2006) is a crime film that shows both sides of the law. The "goods" and the "bads". I'd recommed its soundtrack. I am sure you have heard it before.

  

Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a cop who is assigned to infiltrate the mob syndicate run by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is a member of the forementioned mob infiltrated in the state police as an informer. This is a film about the opposites side of the same fight.

I think that the film itries to make the viewer identify himself with both of them. 

Personally, I identify myself with Billy Costigan. I do not prefer him just because Leonardo DiCaprio, but also because I can understand his reasons, why he does what he does. This does not happens with Colin Sullivan.

Madolin (Vera Farmiga) knows Colin and Billy. Even more, she feels attracted by both of them. This is a film about both sides of an only conflict, but it also shows how similar both sides may be.

Frank Costello gives a grotesque and extravagant vision to the film.

Up in the air

Up in the air (Jason Reitman, 2009) tells us the story of Ryan (George Clooney), a solitary businessman. The very first part of the movie is very funny, since we realize how well he manages in his way of life.

Ryan seems to enjoy his life. The problem begins when he meets Alex (Vera Farmiga). And what begins with sex, becomes guadually something more. 

I am not telling you the end of the movie but I will say that Jason Reitman seems not to be a fan of the classic romantic comedy. As in Juno (Jason Reitman, 2007) the main character, Ryan, must face a problem. At the end of Juno, the main character is happy, even if the end is bittesweet. At the end of Up in the air, things are not perfect either. But in both films, the protagonist learns a great lesson.