A Masterpiece of cinema

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2019)

Having read the reviews I decided to see this at the cinema before it comes to Netflix. I am very glad I did. This is without doubt for me, Scorcese's finest work, a truly, epic masterpiece of cinema. As with all Scorcese's best work, it haunts you for days afterwards.
The three and a half hours does not seem excessive, I barely moved, neither did the rest of the cinema audience. This film did not drag or slowdown for me at any point. The de-ageing effects are only jarring at first sight but the eye adjusts, and it really helps the film's coherence to have the same actors playing the younger and older characters. As for the acting, well, De Niro is at his very best, particularly as the elderly Sheeran. Pacino plays Hoffa slightly over the top but then perhaps Hoffa was really like that. Joe Pesci is outstanding as Buffalino, quietly spoken for the most part, but with that underlying menace. And it's wonderful to see the excellent Stephen Graham (Provenzano) looking like he belongs with such a distinguished cast. His scenes with Pacino, in particular, are electric. There are some very amusing scenes, the lake house back and forth dialogue about lateness is hilarious in it's banality as is the car scene banter about the frozen "fish". The audience were laughing, but it seemed like nervous laughter. That underlying menace leaches out of the big screen.
Some have commented on the lack of dialogue for Anna Paquin (Peggy). That's is actually the point. It's what she doesn't say that it devastating. It is beautifully restrained and she holds the screen perfectly. Lucy Gallina (as a young Peggy) is also riveting, playful and affectionate towards Buffalino while accusing her father with just a look.
De Niro comes to into his own in the post-Hoffa part of the film. Again, there are some very funny moments to leaven the mood. The coffin purchase scene is as funny as it is tragic. The scene in the bank where a frail Sheeran goes to see Peggy could almost have descended almost into mawkishness under a different director and played by an ordinary actor, but De Niro pulls it out of the bag. You almost feel pity for Sheeran, but you just can't and neither should you.
As with all Scorcese's best, it pays to watch and listen carefully right until the last frame ( ref.Taxi Driver). The film's final line spoken by De Niro, is utterly chilling.
If you don't get to see this at the cinema, then watch it on the biggest TV screen you can find. Then watch it again.