Goodfellas (1990) - As Far Back as I Can Remember, I Always Wanted to Be a Gangster!

Rating: 10/10 (17 June 2012)

Considered as one of Martin Scorsese's timeless classics, "Goodfellas" is probably one of the greatest films to ever be made. Based on the true memoir of the Lucchese crime family, later turned into an book entitled "Wiseguy", by Nicholas Pileggi, "Goodfellas" shows the memoir of Henry Hill, and his association with his infamous crime family, as they go through the rises and falls of their lives. In a terrific all-star cast, Scorsese has gathered some of the biggest names in movies from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Paul Sorvino, Lorraine Bracco, and Joe Pesci, all delivering one memorable performance after the other. Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco, however, steal most of the screen time, both delivering respective performances, and they know how to show their stuff. Although delivered limited screen time, Robert De Niro and Paul Sorvino delivered memorable performances, revealing how they became stars in the first place. But it's Joe Pesci's Oscar-winning performance that makes the movie, stealing almost every scene he's in. Director Martin Scorsese has totally knocked the ball out of the park with this movie. "Goodfellas" is the movie that precisely shows how extraordinary a director that Scorsese is. He perfectly captures the true gangster life, and tells the story in such a brilliant profession. Everything about this movie is filmmaking at it's finest. From the incredible performances by the ensemble cast, the brilliant well-written dialouge, directing, editing, cinematography, and music. By the way, this movie has some of the best writing ever put to film. The dialouge feels authentic and realistic, and it reveals the realism of it all. The violence is brutal and bloody, and some moments will leave you speechless. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of gangster films, or film in general, everybody will find something to love in "Goodfellas". Although this movie lost the Best Picture Oscar to "Dances with Wolves" in 1990, "Goodfellas" was a more better choice. This is an authentic, powerful, and excellent piece of work from the great Martin Scorsese. This is also one of my favorite movies of all time. "Goodfellas", in my review, "original and authentic, an excellent masterpiece".