Top-notch Martin Scorsese film with a fantastic performance by Leonardo Dicaprio

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2015)

Many know Martin Scorsese for his critically acclaimed crime-dramas such as Taxi Driver (1976), Goodfellas (1990), Casino (1995), and Gangs of New York (2002). Some might have never guessed he would take a leap into the comedy genre since his 1983 black comedy, King of Comedy. Martin Scorsese and Leonardo Dicaprio make their fifth collaboration in The Wolf of Wall Street, an intelligent biopic comedy about crime, corruption, and cheating against the law enforcement, that should have landed multiple Oscars.
Based on true events set in the late 80s and early 90s, Leonardo Dicaprio plays Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who takes a job at Wall Street, only to get laid off when the company suffers a severe downfall. In an effort to regain wealth, Belfort raises his own financial company, Stratton Oakmont, with the help Donnie Azoff (played by Jonah Hill). He begins living a life of extreme wealth, sex, and drugs by defrauding financial investors that eventually draws unwanted attention by the FBI. Leonardo Dicaprio gives one of the most mesmerizing performances of his career. He has long-lasting impressions with his performances on many of Martin Scorsese films such as Gangs of New York, The Aviator, Shutter Island, and The Departed. In this film, he does a job at being funny, charismatic, and faithful on his portrayal of Jordan Belfort. Many scenes left me laughing hysterically, but at the same time, shocked by some of Belfort's actions. There are several scenes include Belfort gets high on hardcore drugs like quaaludes and cocaine. I was pretty shocked by these scenes but most of the time, they're funny. Jonah Hill also gives a hilarious and decent performance as Jordan's Belfort'a assistant. Martin Scorsese did an amazing job on mixing his unique style of filmmaking with a comedic tone.
Yes, the film runs for three hours but it manages entertaining throughout its time. Many viewers however, have expressed negativity for the excessive sex and nudity that goes on the film. The film does push the envelope with frequent sexual content and nudity from both genders. However, it never gets extreme to the point where it makes the film look pornographic. This film also now holds the record of the most F-bombs used in a film. Nonetheless, the film is very enjoyable, funny, and a must-see for everyone. But when I mean everyone, I don't include anyone under the age of 17. Overall, I was pretty disappointed that this film didn't land any Oscars, especially Leonardo Dicaprio (although he was nominated). This film deserves more than what it received. It is wild and astonishingly entertaining comedy done by the surprising comedic efforts of Martin Scorsese, and stands as one of his best films since The Departed.