The moment you hear, “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster,” you’re plunged into a cinematic masterpiece that redefined the gangster genre. Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is more than just a film; it’s a visceral experience that chronicles the electrifying rise and fall of Henry Hill, an Irish-Italian American swept away by the lure of the Mafia in his New York neighborhood.
From the gritty streets of the 1950s to the tumultuous 1980s, we witness Henry’s world spin out of control in a narrative that balances allure with impending doom. Revered as one of the greatest films ever made, it often stands shoulder to shoulder with the iconic The Godfather. Yet, even the legendary Roger Ebert deemed Goodfellas the superior work, stating in the Chicago Sun-Times, “No finer film has ever been made about organized crimeâ€â€not even The Godfather.”
Upon its release, Goodfellas was met with resounding applause, with USA Today calling it “a whopping good time.” Its stylistic boldness and hard-hitting realism struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it’s regarded as “hard-hitting and stylish,” an argument for Martin Scorsese’s pinnacle as a director. The film captivates not just the critics, scoring a stellar 94%, but also resonates deeply with moviegoers, boasting an impressive 97% audience rating. Over on IMDB, it holds a striking 8.7 out of 10, solidifying its status as a cinematic triumph.
In a 1990 review for New York Magazine, David Denby described the film as “the greatest film ever made about the sensual and monetary lure of crime.” With a screenplay co-written by Nicholas Pileggi and Scorsese, the film unfolds with relentless energy, each scene flowing seamlessly into the next, crafted like an exhilarating trailer that leaves you breathless. Empire magazine praised its impact, placing it eighth in their iconic ‘100 Best Movies of All Time to Watch,’ trailing behind The Godfather by just five spots.
The narrative’s propulsion mirrors the high-voltage life of its protagonist, Henry Hill, capturing the drug-fueled chaos that turns charm into madness. As the film states, “Just like the cocaine that turns effortlessly charismatic gangster fanboy Henry Hill into a reckless maniac,” the viewing experience offers a rush that’s irresistible. This frenetic editing style, honed by editor Thelma Schoonmaker, ensures you’re drawn into the heart of the action in a way few films can replicate.
Ultimately, it’s not just a movie; it’s an emotion, a journey through the highs and lows of a life steeped in crime. The famous closing lines linger long after the credits roll, echoing the haunting reality of living a life stunted by choices made in the shadows. Scorsese, Pileggi, and Schoonmaker crafted a cinematic feat that’s both exhilarating and sobering. In a world where many films come and go, Goodfellas stands as an unmatched tale of ambition, desperation, and the racial complexities of the American Dream.
No other film compares to the intoxicating experience of Goodfellas. To truly grasp its brilliance, one might only find solace in another viewing, reliving that electrifying rush time and time again. For those who love cinema’s finest, it’s an essential part of the conversationâ€â€and always will be.