A true crime masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (14 March 2008)

One of my favorite films of all time, second only to A Few Good men, this darkly comic and boldly violent gangster epic is a true masterpiece. Featuring career-best performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco as well as a career-making one from Joe Pesci, who fully deserved his Academy Award.
The film follows a 30-year period in the lives of Henry Hill (Liotta) and his association with the Italian Mafia. The script features some of the most laugh-out-loud moments ever in a serious crime drama (all the good bits are delivered with extra zing by Pesci), and also some of the most expletive-filled rants (once again, courtesy of Pesci). The violence won't be for all tastes, but it's necessary in this story, especially when the script constantly surprises you and you start realizing that you have no idea who might live and who might die or who's going to jail and who'll live happy ever after.
Because as Henry soon finds out, once you're in the family, there's no way out. Special mention has to be made of Scorsese's brilliant directing, which includes some glorious unbroken tracking shots and a 60's Motown soundtrack that's to die for. A classic in every sense of the word.