Worth the wait

Rating: 9/10 (11 February 2020)

I feel lucky to get to experience a Martin Scorsese crime epic during its release. I've always wondered what it would be like to live through one of cinema's greatest directors making his trademark genre of film. No, it isn't quite Goodfellas or Casino, but the Irishman is still a very worthwhile entry into the crime genre and it does have something meaningful to say. There is a brilliant extended sequence where you're anticipating an action to occur and for most of it you get to observe the gut-wrenching emotions on Robert DeNiro's face. Al Pacino and Joe Pesci round out the legendary acting trifecta and both bring their A-game as well.
The de-aging visual effects were spotty at times, but you do sort of get used to it. Yes, the length could have been shortened, but at no time was I ever bored. The most noteworthy aspect of the film is the focus on contemplation of a life of crime and the attempt at reconciliation for said amoral actions. This is something that hasn't really been explored in previous crime films, so it was refreshing to see. It is without a doubt the standout part of this film and elevates the Irishman near the level of its Scorsese predecessors.