Watchable, well crafted, but nowhere near top dramas on mob. Seven stars.

Rating: Null/10 (7 December 2019)

Really is this on the level of the first Godfather or on the Waterfront?? Of Goodfellas, Donnie Brasco, either Scarface or any given pair of Sopranos episodes?
I don't think so and I will tell you why.
Firstly there is not single element of the inescapably of mob life in this film. Specifically the relentless need to earn and kick up that is at the core of it.
Irishman is more on the level of iceman, which is to say functions as a good but not great exploration of one aspect: the hitman. But doesn't not delve into the real driving force once someone is in the mob or the culture of the mob. For example is it brave enough to show the non corrupted union members who spoke out being intimidated, beaten or murdered? No.
The Irishman is a good movie, it is done by one of our best filmmakers and good actors. Pesci's minimalist portrayal is especially good. Pacino does well but is he on the level of Lee J Cobb's mob corrupted union official in Waterfront? No. Is this really anything but a mediocre performance by De Niro? No.