The Standard

Rating: 9/10 (28 March 2018)

"Goodfellas" (1990) is a crime drama masterpiece. The film is from the perspective of Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, as he rises through the Italian Mob. His Jewish-Italian heritage may not allow him to become a Made Man, but his drive and puts him in position to be the right-hand man of Mob Boss, Paul "Paulie" Cicero, played by Paul Survino. His eventual partners James Conway, played by Robert De Niro, and Tommy DeVito, played by Joe Pesci, may have bigger plans than just being a right hand. Martin Scorsese paces this film as if the viewer has been implanted into the film. Through his pacing, he helps the audience feel what it would be like in a crime family. Times where you would anticipate fast paced action, he provides a calm similar to a professional hit. While other times, if the situation is out of control, he makes you feel like its out of control through his timing.
The point of this film can flow in any direction depending on the viewers interpretation. Since the film is based on a true story, Scorsese may have wanted to simply tell an enlightened story of Henry Hill. I believe the film is a heavy hitting look inside a crime family. The payoff was unexpected in relation to the knowledge of certain characters. Depending on the viewers personal morals, the payoff is magically all over the place. The viewer may even be torn, like myself, who believes in honor and justice equally. This film should be on everyone's watch list. "Goodfellas" is the gold standard.