A reflective somber, poignant, mafioso masterpiece that only Scorsese could make.

Rating: 10/10 (2 January 2020)

Going into the film, I went in with expectations which was my first mistake. I went in thinking it was going to be Goodfellas or Casino like in terms of the pacing and character build-up.I was immediately informed on how the movie would be in the opening scene where the camera moves throughout the old age home with "In The Still Of The Night" playing in the background. This opening sets the tone for the movie and from then on, I viewed the film in a different manner.
Instead of the previous gangster films mentioned directed by Scorsese, the film has more resemblance to films like Barry Lyndon and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button where these films were more reflective and it felt as if you've lived Frank Sheeran's life first hand.
The stellar acting by De Niro, Pacino and Pesci help keep the characters exciting and the jam-packed, witty dialogue that only a few will fully understand keeps the film fresh and aids audience in breezing through the film. The camera shots, sequences and editing are A grade in this flick which help build on the specific emotion that Scorsese intended the audience to feel.
The poignancy is what stands out in the final hour of the movie and personally I would put this film in my top 5 Scorsese films based on 3 separate viewings which confirms my judgement. Well done Scorsese!