Engrossing epic crime drama in both runtime and scale

Rating: 9/10 (13 December 2019)

Scorsese returns to the gangster genre with the epic The Irishman.
Told through flashback and present day we follow Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran (DeNiro) form a close relationship with mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci). After becoming Bufalino's trusted right hand man Sheeran is given the task of helping union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino) where a long lasting friendship is forged.
Scorsese has made a film that's epic in both runtime and scale. Set over decades from the 50s to 80s The Irishman is predominantly about ageing, loyalty, loss, regret and conflicted friendships within the criminal underbelly of the mafia.
At 3 1/2hrs The Irishman is long but never feels that way thanks to the captivating performances of DeNiro, Pacino & Pesci (who steals every scene he's in and makes you wonder why he retired so early). Pesci must be favourite for an Oscar for sure! The supporting cast is also excellent, especially Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale and Brit Stephen Graham but Anna Paquin is severely underused with barely a line of dialogue to deliver.
The CGI is also to be commended. Flawlessly taking years off the three main protagonists.
So, The Irishman is a compelling drama, a little hard to follow at times with so many names to remember and criminal shenanigans going on, but which Scorsese strikes gold again in a genre he is so familiar with. A film I will definitely revisit and one of the best films of the year.