Strong 3.5 // An ruminative exploration of aging and loss

Rating: 7/10 (25 December 2019)

Another notch in the belt for Martin Scorsese. It's a restrained and surprisingly somber affair that primarily explores the process of aging and loss - loss of family, friends, vitality, and era. At 3.5 hours the deliberate pacing and ruminative tone become a bit of a challenge, though the length is instrumental in truly exploring these themes and achieving the impact of the final act. If you've seen mafia films before there are some familiar beats here, though the acting and Scorsese's execution are so top-notch that the familiarity doesn't detract from the experience. It's not the most exciting film in his cannon and it's unlikely to become a personal favorite, though it's always a pleasure to spend a few hours absorbed in an experience so richly crafted.
Strong 3.5/5