A mature addition to Scorsese's legacy

Rating: 8/10 (2 January 2020)

I had a hard time getting into the rhythm of this film at first, it's pace is slower than I'm used to from Scorsese. It feels more subtle and although I personally think a half hour could have been cut from this film, the point was to slowly build this man's (The Irishman) life.
DeNiro plays Frank with such authenticity, I was really sucked in by his performance. His acting really was tightly handled with each expression letting you in on his own inner world coping in the world of the mob. All the performances are impressive. Sometimes Pesci's character is tender, sometimes intimidating and sometimes wise. He is much more toned down than what you've seen before. It's the acting of great talent and wisdom. Pacino turns in a realistic performance that is primed to make you feel as frustrated and yet, loyal to the character as all the other characters around him. You really understand the conflicts, tension and years long relationship between the three main characters.
The direction is unmistakably Scorsese, it has his signature but it seems definitely mature and more patient than many audience members might expect. I think it will be hard for some to understand the choices made in the film. This is a film about aging and time, regret and denial, betrayal, trust and mentorship. It's not really a mob movie, it's about the effects of true to life crime.
Frank's regret is apparent yet he continues to suppress it down, hardly apologizing even in his later years confessional yet, one moment escapes his grasp. "What kind of man makes that call?" It's a heartwrenching depiction of his pain in losing his friend and consequently his daughter by not just his actions but by who he became. That's the story and it's a powerful one but it's not going to knock you over with overt story. You have to pay attention.
Overall, I thought this was a moving film and one worth mulling over. It was too long and I thought it could have popped more in a few places. Still, what great acting and direction. I will probably watch it again, soon.