Truly Unforgettable

Rating: 10/10 (28 November 2019)

I was fortunate enough to see this film in a cinema several weeks ago and I revisited it again on Netflix. For 3 1/2 hours I was taken on an unforgettable journey with these amazing actors bringing these characters to life.
The film really takes it time to delve deep into these characters lives and relationships and that was appreciated and made for such a powerful and moving experience. It's a sprawling tale spanning many decades and events in history.
No surprise that the film is so well made. Everything is pitch perfect from the camera work, music, costumes and production design.
Needless to say the acting is phenomenal. Al Pacino easily does his best work for at least 20 years as Jimmy Hoffa and reminds us how great he is. Joe Pesci is truly outstanding, such a different character to what he is typically know for but he is unforgettable in this role. But towards the end of the film it hit me how great Robert DeNiro can be. The film centers on his character and he carries it with such a masterful performance. Also one of his best roles for at least 20 years. I hope they all receive the recognition they deserve. It's such a special treat to see them share so much quality screen time together in a film deserving of their talents. It's cinematic history.
The film is so dense and has so much to say. For days after seeing this film I couldn't stop thinking about it and the more I thought about it the more I liked it. I think it's typical of Martin Scorsese's movies that you need to give them time to digest to truly appreciate what he's created. I found the extended epilogue to be really haunting and heartbreaking. For me that's what really brought this whole saga together and realised what the filmmakers were trying to say. I found myself reflecting on my own life and legacy and it's definitely changed my view on life. Very few films I've ever seen had such a profound effect.
I loved this movie. To me it stands shoulder to shoulder with the best crime films ever made and really is one of Martin Scorsese's best films. He's created something really incredible here and it's already one of my all time favorite movies. A masterpiece and an instant classic that will never be forgotten.