Title: Goodfellas
Starring: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino
Synopsis: “As far back as I could remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” Often cited as not only Martin Scorsese’s greatest film but also one of the best films of all times, Goodfellas chronicles the rise and inevitable fall of real life mobster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), along with his friends James Conway (Robert De Niro), Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci), and Paul Cicero (Paul Sorvino), as well as his relationship with his wife Karen (Lorraine Bracco).
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo5jJpHtI1Y]
Using the non-fiction crime novel Wiseguys as the basis for the story as well as mostly improvised dialogue from the cast, Scorsese created a timeless masterpiece that has since served as a hugely significant influence in the crime genre. His impeccable attention to detail along with some fantastic editing and a truly iconic soundtrack allow us to slip easily into the explosive world of organised crime in 1970s New York. Brutal yet stylish with incredible performances all around, Goodfellas puts us right inside of the head of a notorious criminal and gives us a near pitch perfect portrayal of the life of New York City gangsters.
Watch if you Liked: Scarface, The Godfather, The Departed
Rating: 10/10: ‘Quintessential’ doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Words by Samantha King