Quintessential Scorsese

Rating: 10/10 (11 May 2006)

An absolute point of reference in Scorsese's work, one of the most plastic, colorful and violent gangster-saga ever told. Some of the best character-study of Scorsese's career, alongside Taxi Driver, Raging Bull or Casino(clearly an annotation on Goodfellas, but nonetheless brilliant, too), to name but a few. Teaming up once again with long time friend De Niro and Pesci, and versatile Liotta(his first person narrative, a Scorsese trademark, is one of the best i've ever seen) he delivers THE gangster movie of the 90's. The story of a kid who just wants to become a gangster, teams up with the meanest fellas in the neighborhood, and goes on to lead a life of crime and excess, and ultimately pays the price.
Joe Pesci is truly on top of his game in this one, almost stealing the show, and creating the best almost likable ruthless and funny bad-guy ever seen on screen("What the f**k is so funny about me ???"-bit is priceless).
As long as the likes of Spielberg, Lucas and Clint Eastwood will continue to be awarded Oscars, I hope that Scorsese will never be a part of that charade and just continue to not compromise, because he's clearly in a league of his own.