The Irishman (2019)

Although the running time genuinely intimidated me — two hours are a lot for me so you can imagine my feelings toward a three hour and a half long film —, Martin Scorsese's The Irishman was on the top of my 2019 watch-list as I appreciate most of the director's work and I was really interested in seeing what he could do with all the freedom Netflix would grant him. And, there's no other way to put it, Scorsese's latest film didn't meet my expectations, it blew them as it is a tremendously enthralling, fascinating, charming, surprisingly funny and yet serious gangster film and easily Scorsese's most involving, engaging film on an emotional level.

American Gangster (2007)

Genre

Biography | Crime | Drama

Director

Ridley Scott

Country

USA

Cast

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin, Ted Levin, Armand Assante, John Ortiz, John Hawkes, RZA, Lymari Nadal, Yul Vazquez, Ruby Dee, Idris Elba, Carla Gugino, Joe Morton, Ritchie Coster, Jon Polito, Kevin Corrigan, Norman Reedus

Storyline

Incorruptible detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) works to bring down the drug empire of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a heroin kingpin from Manhattan, who is smuggling the drug into the country from the South East Asia.

Opinion

I don't mind gangster movies yet I don't watch a lot of them because I'm sick and tired of those stereotyped Italian gangsters and those shootout scenes that last an eternity. Ridley Scott's "American Gangster" is different though. With a rather limited action, this film is an intense crime film as well a great biopic elevated by its performances.

Based on real life gangster Frank Lucas's life, the story never feels new as it reminds of that of other crime films, but it still is engaging and very interesting because it's the story of a black man who came from nothing and that was more influential than the Italian mob.

What I liked the most is that Scott did not try to mask Lucas's violent life, he did not glorify Lucas's lifestyle like most films of this genre do, but he portrayed him for the man he was. I don't know however how accurate he was since I don't know the story of Lucas.

Another point in favour is the (almost) lack of action and violence. Usually drug-related films are plenty of pointless shooting sequences and are extremely violent as well. Scott was able to tell the story without all of that.

What really makes the film memorable though is the acting. First off Denzel Washington who is - in my opinion and against that of others - the perfect fit to play Frank Lucas, and delivers a great performance as the ambitious, calm and fearless Frank Lucas was. No less important is Russell Crowe who also delivers a good performance in the role of the detective trying to bring down Lucas' empire, a character that was interesting at times, but unfortunately nothing more than a womanizer most of the time.

Legend (2015)

Genre

Biography | Crime | Drama

Director

Brian Helgeland

Country

UK | France | USA

Cast

Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Christopher Eccleston, David Thewlis, Taron Egerton, Chazz Palminteri, Paul Bettany, Colin Morgan, Tara Fitzgerald, Aneurin Barnard, Paul Anderson, Duffy, Kevin McNally, John Sessions, Alex Giannini, Sam Spruell

Storyline

The true story of London's most notorious gangsters, twins Reggie and Ronnie Kray (Tom Hardy). As the brothers rise through the criminal underworld, Ronnie advances the family business with violence and intimidation while Reggie struggles to go legitimate for local girl Frances Shea (Emily Browning).

Opinion

The story of the Kray twins is very fascinating, but Brian Helgeland doesn't manage to do it justice with "Legend", this mediocre film that would have been unwatchable if it wasn't for Tom Hardy's performances.

While the trailers were great and made me had quite high expectation for it, the film mainly fails because instead of telling the story of the Kray twins like one would have expected - let's be honest here, I, and I bet everyone else, was expecting a gangster film - it tells a story whose central character is Frances Shea, Reggie's girl, and the entire story is told from her point of view.

Director Brian Helgeland seems to focus more on the relationship between Reggie and Shea, than the actual criminal life, thus resulting in some things Reggie says and does that doesn't make a lot of sense. And Reggie and Ronnie's stories are never really told.

Another disappointing thing is that "Legend", even though the pacing is quite slow yet the film is never boring, builds tension towards a climatic end that does never really happen.

I will give Helgeland credits though for recreating this noir-looking London, and for trying to bring gangster movies back.

As I mentioned above, the best part of the film is Tom Hardy's performances. Like he has done before, he completely disappears into the characters, delivering a more humorous performance as Reggie Kray and a more powerful and quite intimidating one as Ronnie Kray.

Ultimately "Legend" may not be a great film, but it's definitely worth checking out because of two of Hardy's best performances.

Goodfellas (1990)

Genre

Biography | Crime | Drama

Director

Martin Scorsese

Country

USA

Cast

Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Frank Sivero, Frank Vincent, Tony Darrow, Mike Starr, Chuck Low, Frank DiLeo, Johnny Williams, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Adonis, Catherine Scorsese, Gina Mastrogiacomo, Debi Mazar, Margo Winkler, Welker White, Julie Garfield, Paul Herman, Christopher Serrone, Charles Scorsese, Michael Vivalo, Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico, Frank Pellegrino, Tony Ellis, Elizabeth Whitcraft, Illeana Douglas, Anthony Powers, Tony Lip, Joseph Bono, Kevin Corrigan, Tobin Bell, Vito Picone

Storyline

Based on a true story, the film revolves around Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his two unstable friends Jimmy (Robert De Niro) and Tommy (Joe Pesci) as they gradually climb the ladder from petty crime to violent murders.

Opinion

Here it is, the best mafia-themed film since The Godfather. Perfect direction, perfect cast, perfect editing, perfect writing: flawless. You don't even need to like gangsters to adore this film.

Flashy, captivating, engaging, brilliant, and witty, Goodfellas is a timeless masterpiece, with a Martin Scorsese at the top of his game, and more comedy than many films of that kind can claim. 

Let's start with the writing. Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi really did their best with the screenplay. As a matter of fact it is one of all time best. The dialogue is brilliant and sharp, and filled with memorable quotes.

Unlike other gangster movies, there are no families here. Everything revolves around the lives of three goodfellas, we learn about their impeccable style, what their principles are, and in which aspects they differ. Their lives are told through parties, wives, and lovers. What is really shown to us is an everyday Mafia story.

Scorsese shows violence without too much of a glorification - as usually happens in these kind of movies - and exempt himself from expressing any moral judgment. He does nothing but showing a reality. Period.

The pace is brilliant: the 146 minutes fly by, and there is none a single dull moment. That is because Martin Scorsese manages to make every single thing in the film important, and engaging, from the brutal cold blooded murders, to the details regarding the preparation of the sauce. 

The extraordinary editing by Thelma Schoonmaker and the delightful cinematography by Michael Ballhaus also contribute in the making of this masterpiece. The wonderful soundtrack perfectly emphasizes the passing years, and each piece is always at the right place at the right time.

Young-ish, handsome, and charismatic, Ray Liotta gives an excellent performance as Henry Hill. Robert De Niro does a great job as Jimmy, and well adapts to this secondary role. However, the real star of the film that really stands out is Joe Pesci, spectacular and terrifying as Tommy, genuinely deserving the Academy Award. Also, Lorraine Bracco does an excellent job as Karen, Henry's wife.

Quotes

Henry Hill: For as long as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster. To me that was better than being president of the United States. To be a gangster was to own the world.

The Godfather: Part III (1990)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Al Pacino, Andy García, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Sofia Coppola, Eli Wallach, George Hamilton, Joe Mantegna, Richard Bright, Bridget Fonda, Raf Vallone, Franc D'Ambrosio, Donal Donnelly, Helmut Berger, Don Novello, John Savage, Mario Donatone, Vittorio Duse, Enzo Robutti, Al Martino, Jessica DiCiccio

Storyline

In the midst of trying to legitimize his business dealings in New York and Italy in 1979, aging mafia don Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) seeks to vow for his sins while taking a young protégé (Andy García) under his wing.

Opinion

Many years - and films - later, Francis Ford Coppola returns with the third, final, and not needed chapter of the saga featuring the Corleone family. 

Notwithstanding doesn't achieve the greatness of its two predecessors, The Godfather: Part III works quite good as a standalone film, and is still a quite respectable sequel, though a little slow and not much involving in some parts.

Still written by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, the story is way too detached from the first two films. The religious background, and the business with the Vatican are way out of place, as the disjointed scene of the death of Michael Corleone, or the romance between Michael's daughter Mary, and Michael's nephew Vincent Mancini - Sonny's illegitimate son. Still it has a certain moral improvement, violence is no longer celebrated, and there is even the repentance of Michael, that confesses his sins nearly in tears.

Following the "Never change a winning team" proverb, Coppola recollaborates with cinematographer Gordon Willis, and the result is an outstanding photography.

The acting is so-so. On the one hand we have a still brilliant Al Pacino - though I didn't really like Michael's new personality -, and a great support given by Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy García and an outstanding Eli Wallach, who plays Don Altobello. On the other hand we have the director's real-life-daughter Sofia Coppola. She has the same strange expression for most of the film, she acts like a spoil girl, and she constantly speaks in the same tone.

Quotes

Michael Corleone: Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.

Michael Corleone: Never let anyone know what you are thinking.

The Godfather: Part II (1974)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo, Morgana King, G.D. Spradlin, Richard Bright, Marianna Hill, Gastone Moschin, Troy Donahue, Dominic Chianese, Amerigo Tot, Joe Spinell, Bruno Kirby, Frank Sivero, Maria Carta, Francesca De Sapio, Giuseppe Sillato, Roman Coppola, John Megna, Julian Voloshin, Larry Guardino, Danny Aiello, John Aprea, Leopoldo Trieste, Salvatore Po, Harry DEan Stanton, James Caan, Abe Vigoda, Gianni Russo

Storyline

The early life and career of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in 1920s New York is portrayed while his son, Michael (Al Pacino), expands and tightens his grip on his crime syndicate stretching from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to pre-revolution 1958 Cuba.

Opinion

Perfectly working both as a sequel - and prequel as well - and as a stand alone film, The Godfather: Part II is a magnificent, exciting, deep, emotional film that not only portrays a Mafioso family, but also a man whose legacy is too heavy to be carried by himself only.

Still fantastically written by Mario Puzo, one of the strengths of the film is the comparison between younger Vito, played by Robert De Niro, and Michael. While Vito is both a peaceful family man, and a ruthless man when it comes to business, Michael is an insecure man that hides himself behind a mask of ruthlessness.

The direction by Francis Ford Coppola is flawless. Moreover he recollaborated with many of the crew members of the first time, and the result is, again, an outstanding photography by Gordon Willis and an Oscar worthy set design by Dean Tavoularis, and co.

The acting is superb. Al Pacino is mesmerising as Michael Corleone. Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and John Cazale provide top performances, although three people stand out among the supporting cast: Robert De Niro, flawless portraying young Vito Corleone, Lee Strasberg, portraying Hyman Roth, and Michael Gazzo, portraying Frank Pentangeli.

Quotes

Michael Corleone: There are many things my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

The Godfather (1972)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Abe Vigoda, Al Lettieri, Gianni Russo, Sterling Hayden, Lenny Montana, Richard Conte, Al Martino, John Marley, Alex Rocco, Morgana King, Salvatore Corsitto, Corrado Gaipa, Franco Citti, Angelo Infanti, Johnny Martino, Victor Rendina, Tony Giorgio, Simonetta Stefanelli, Louis Guss, Tom Rosqui, Joe Spinell, Richard Bright, Julie Gregg, Jeannie Linero

Plot

When the aging patriarch (Marlon Brando) of a famous crime family decides to transfer his position to one of his subalterns, a series of unfortunate events start happening to the family, and a war begins between all the well-known families.

Opinion

I've been trying hard to find some flaw, but the truth is it's literally impossible since there isn't even a moment in the film that isn't great.

The Godfather is a superb, exciting, entertaining, captivating film filled with grand emotions and, as well as a magnificent portrayal of power, betrayal and family - or of organized crime, if you prefer. Maybe the greatest film of all time, it should be a synonymous of the word masterpiece.

Beautifully written by Mario Puzo, the long running time - almost three hours - flies by, without the need of explosions, magic tricks, 3D, car chases, or whatever else nowadays directors believe makes a great film.

Francis Ford Coppola doesn't miss a beat, and the result is a flawless direction. The cinematography by Gordon Willis is outstanding, and some of the scenes can be considered the best in history of cinema. The musical score is simply amazing and memorable.

The acting couldn't be nothing but superb, and there is nothing more pleasing than watching a film starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. Marlon Brando delivers an extraordinary performance as Don Vito Corleone. Al Pacino is perfect as Michael Corleone. Top performances also from the rest of the cast.

Quotes

Don Corleone: I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn't need a friend like me. Now you come and say "Don Corleone, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me "Godfather." You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder - for money.

Don Corleone: I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.

Michael: My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.

Michael: Only don't tell me you're innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and makes me very angry.

Scarface (1983)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Brian De Palma

Country

United States

Cast

Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert Loggia, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Paul Shenar, Harris Yulin, Arnaldo Santana, Michael P. Moran, Ángel Salazar, Mark Margolis, F. Murray Abraham, Míriam Colón, Michael Alldredge, Ted Beniades, Sue Bowser, Paul Espel, Pepe Serna, Richard Belzer, Ben Frommer, Dennis Holahan, Carlos Cestero, Victor Millan, Gregg Henry, Dante D'Andrè, Santos Morales, Roberto Contreras, Geno Silva,  Al Israel

Plot

In 1980, Tony Montana (Al Pacino), a Cuban refugee arrived in Miami with his friend Manny Ray (Steven Bauer), takes over a drug cartel, up to become the right hand man of boss Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia). In a short time, driven by greed, Montana kills Lopez to take his place and to "win" the gorgeous Elvira (Michelle Pfeiffer).

Opinion

Directed to perfection by the great Brian De Palma, Scarface is an absolute masterpiece. It's 170 minutes pass quickly, and the film is never boring. The sequences perfectly render the drama of the protagonist. 

The extraordinary performance of Al Pacino - without which the film wouldn't be the same - overshadows the contrast between capitalism and communism.

Quotes

Tony Montana: You wanna fuck with me? Okay. You wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little friend!

Tony Montana: I always tell the truth. Even when I lie.

Rating

8.4/10