Cinematic Beauty

Rating: 10/10 (3 October 2017)

How is it possible for a gangster film to bring a tear to one's eye?
I've lost count of the number of times I've watched this film, although every time it leaves me overwhelmed. The first thing which makes this film, for me, is the music; its genuine authenticity, being scored by a genuine Italian maestro, is unmistakable which, together with its stunning cinematography, gives the film its true and honest character. Beyond this, the storyline is excellent, although it does help to watch the film more than once given the extensive character list. On top of this, the cast is simply outstanding, each perfectly suited and giving clear distinction and definition to their character and each delivering a performance which they have surely not surpassed in their respective careers. It is easy to single out Pacino, Brando and Caan as the standout performances, each of which are excellent, however the supporting roles are equally impressive and go beyond support, sharing the intricacies of each character, their inter- relationships and their moral struggles in the face of organised crime and family values.
Without wanting to give anything away, the closing scene is, in my opinion, one of the best moments in cinema.
Quite simply, this is not a "gangster film". It is a masterpiece which needs no categorisation, it needs just to be enjoyed.