An ingenious and masterful piece of film-making, once again, from Mr. Scorsese

Rating: 10/10 (22 February 2013)

One of the finest films in history, Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas is a true phenomenon and stands out as the leading film in the gangster movie genre.
The film tells the story of the life of mobster, Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta, and his and his fellow "wiseguys" Jimmy(Robert De Niro), Tommy(Joe Pesci) and boss Paulie(Paul Sorvino). The casting for the film is absolutely spot on,as every character is played with complete conviction and credibility. Everyone in the film has insecurities and conflicting emotions shown throughout, and whats amazing about these characters is how their personalities lead them into dissolution.
Despite how disturbing these mobsters are, the maniacal and unpredictable Joe Pesci especially, there is something likable about them, and even as Liotta's character slowly goes from rise to fall into a life of excessive drug abuse, it still feels as if he is the protagonist in the film.
Another actor deserving a mention for a brilliant performance in the film is Lorraine Bracco, who plays Karen, Henry's first wife, from first meeting her character when she goes out with a reluctant Henry, you wouldn't believe throughout all the troubles she sticks by Henry and eventually succumbs to his lifestyle, as quoted "it turns her on".
The sense of family in the mob is ever present in the film, with Paulie acting as a father figure for Henry, who is inspired by Jimmy and Tommy, and the three embark down a violent road of crime, from robberies to murder, meanwhile getting married and having children.
Another brilliant feature of the film is the soundtrack, a brilliant selection of songs spanning over twenty years that set the scenes. From Tony Bennett's "Rags To Riches" to Derek and The Dominoes' "Layla", each song is combined perfectly to comment on the actions in the film.
The screenplay for the movie, based on Nicolas Pileggi's book "Wiseguy" is completely flawless, gripping and intense throughout, keeping the audience fixated on how the characters are going to respond or take action next.
Personally, for me this is Martin Scorsese's best film and one of my favourite films, it captures the life of this young boy turned gangster perfectly with iconic scenes again and again, making it a memorable spectacle to watch.