Goodfellas
Goodfellas
Henry Hill recounts his life in the mob, from his teenage years to his eventual downfall. Immersed in organized crime, he experiences wealth, power, and violence alongside friends Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito. The film blends crime, drama, and dark humor, exploring loyalty, ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of criminal life. Themes of family, morality, and the fleeting nature of power underpin the story.
Hakihiko reviewedJuly 22, 2025
A Sharp, Stylish Descent into Crime
"Goodfellas" is a masterclass in crime storytelling, brought to life by Martin Scorsese's energetic direction and a gripping script. The film charts the rise and fall of Henry Hill in the mob world, blending dark humor, brutal violence, and unforgettable characters in a way that's both entertaining and unsettling.
The cast is outstanding. Ray Liotta holds the center with a strong performance, while Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are magnetic-Pesci in particular delivers an iconic, intense portrayal. The voice-over narration and fast-paced editing give the movie a distinct rhythm that keeps it engaging even at over two hours.
If there's a reason for docking a couple of points, it's that the second half, while still strong, loses a bit of the tight momentum and feels slightly repetitive in places. Still, this doesn't detract too much from what is a brilliantly crafted film with razor-sharp direction, great music choices, and unforgettable scenes.
Overall, "Goodfellas" is a stylish, compelling crime drama with fantastic performances. It's easy to see why it's considered a classic-even if not perfect, it comes pretty close.