Martin Scorsese's Best Movie

Rating: 9/10 (29 January 2016)

Martin Scorsese is considered one of the best modern directors out there, and it's easy to see why with films such as Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), and The Departed (2006.) But it's THIS film that's considered his best directorial effort. I agree whole heartedly with this statement because, while The Godfather (1972) is considered to be the best mafia movie of all time, Goodfellas is the most accurate mafia movie out there.
It tells the story of Henry Hill, a real life gangster who "as far back as he can remember has always wanted to be a gangster." Henry narrates the movie, and describes what he loves about the gangster world. The gangster world, which is portrayed in a very realistic manner, will become part of his life for the next 25 years. While in real life his character wouldn't be very likable, he is portrayed as likable...for a gangster. One cannot say the same for his colleague Tommy DeVito.
During his life as a gangster Henry goes through all the things gangsters go through: Drinking, drugs, murder, jail etc. His character progresses mainly through the fact that, in the early parts of the film, he is carefree, reckless, and, at times, a little obnoxious. At the end of the film he is far more cautious, cares more about those around him, and even turns on his fellow gangsters and sends them to jail, despite knowing that he will never be a gangster again.
What adds impact to the story is the fact that Henry Hill was a real person, who committed real crimes, and who worked for real gangsters. It is the perfect glimpse into the mafia world, much like The Godfather before it, and as a result; I give it 9/10