GoodFellas (1990)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Mark W

  
  For many, this is the best film ever made and it certainly ranks as one of director Martin Scorsese's finest moments. Personally, "Raging Bull" would be my favourite but there's no denying the abundant brilliance throughout this. Scorsese is on comfortable ground… More
  For many, this is the best film ever made and it certainly ranks as one of director Martin Scorsese's finest moments. Personally, "Raging Bull" would be my favourite but there's no denying the abundant brilliance throughout this. Scorsese is on comfortable ground here and it shows. Based on the real life story of Henry Hill - low level New York mafia member turned F.B.I informant. We're shown his life from childhood, his induction to the local 'family', and his subsequent rise in status. Then it all starts to go wrong as Henry gets involved with drug dealing and loses the trust of his partners in crime. Scorsese keeps the film flowing and fascinating by using the technical possibilities of his craft. There are flash cuts, freeze frames, crash zooms and montages, all expertly executed and aided by cinematographer Michael Ballhaus. There is rarely a moment when the camera is static. It moves and weaves through the lives of the characters bringing a real sense of excitement and vibrancy - the Copacabana nightclub tracking shot is a sublime piece of camerawork alone. The actors all deliver exceptional performances; Joe Pesci is frighteningly volatile and may have been the only Oscar winner but "The Sopranos" Lorraine Bracco (Oscar nominee) and Ray Liotta are a revelation as the strung out couple who get in way over their heads; Paul Sorvino is intensely reserved and Robert DeNiro, as always, is class. However, my only criticism is his character takes a back seat to the others and is a little underused. Whenever called upon though, his subtle exchanges are very powerful. This is a film that has influenced so many since it's arrival. Quentin Tarantino (with his eclectic use of music as the soundtrack and sudden bursts of violence) and Paul Thomas Anderson (with his long tracking shots and numerous characters) are a couple of notable directors that have so obviously learned from Scorsese's expertise. Comparisons with "The Godfather" are inevitable but this has a different, more working class, feel to it. The people's lives are more accessible and less like the operatic Corleone's. The arguments and opinions will rage on between them but rest assured that this stands it own ground. A Tour de force crime film that never let's up and boasts career highs for all involved. Quite simply, it's a cinematic masterpiece.

• Coxxie M

  
  This movie throws your BALLS TO THE WALL. then it makes you apologize to the wall, when it knows very well that you didnt throw yourself into the wall, and this pisses you off even more because you have popped-open, bleeding balls, and then it pisses on the wall and tells the wall it… More
  This movie throws your BALLS TO THE WALL. then it makes you apologize to the wall, when it knows very well that you didnt throw yourself into the wall, and this pisses you off even more because you have popped-open, bleeding balls, and then it pisses on the wall and tells the wall it will kill its children if it tells anyone what it saw. and of course, the wall cant talk, but even if it could, it would still just like, sit there all quiet like a bitch... this movie is really good.

• Matt G

  
  Brutal, profane, honest, and bashful; mafia movies are a treasure of mine, and GoodFellas manages to put its place in my number one spot. It's just an all around cool film, and Martin Scorsese's best. Utterly devoid of any flaws whatsoever, with a fantastic lead from Ray… More
  Brutal, profane, honest, and bashful; mafia movies are a treasure of mine, and GoodFellas manages to put its place in my number one spot. It's just an all around cool film, and Martin Scorsese's best. Utterly devoid of any flaws whatsoever, with a fantastic lead from Ray Liota.

• Kyle F

  
  GoodFellas has the perfect balance of dark intensity and fun. The dialogue is razor sharp and the acting is so perfect all around that what happens on screen seems exceptionally realistic. While the running time may be a bit excessive, it isn't noticeable until after the movie… More
  GoodFellas has the perfect balance of dark intensity and fun. The dialogue is razor sharp and the acting is so perfect all around that what happens on screen seems exceptionally realistic. While the running time may be a bit excessive, it isn't noticeable until after the movie is over.

• Graham J

  
  Giving the Godfather 1 & 2 a run for their money, this may be the greatest gangster film of all time

• Brad W

  
  Goodfellas is a amazing and masterful gangster film that is very close to being one of my favorite films ever made. The plot is not one to take lightly, we are not only following this mans life in the mob world, we get to see how he got into the life of the mob world, and grow to… More
  Goodfellas is a amazing and masterful gangster film that is very close to being one of my favorite films ever made. The plot is not one to take lightly, we are not only following this mans life in the mob world, we get to see how he got into the life of the mob world, and grow to enjoy and love almost every single character because of how weird they are or how crazy they are and they are just so unusual that it makes them hard not to be interesting, and the story that follows these characters never got boring for me, I truly enjoyed Goodfellas start to finish. The cast is incredible, ray Liotta has been in some crappy movies before, but his one performance in one of the greatest mob films ever makes up for a lot of it. Robert DeNiro is great as always, it seems whenever DeNiro and Scorsese get together it will be a genius piece of film. Joe Pesci is probably my favorite, his character is so funny and insane that it is almost impossible to hate, I loved his performance. Goodfellas will likely be remembered as one of the greatest gangster films ever, and it really deserves that title to the fullest.

• Eric A

  
  Full of style and flavor; easily one of the best mobster movies ever made........ it's up there with The Godfather.

• Zach B

  
  With Gangster/ Mob films, there are three names that only need to be known: Frances Ford Coppola, Sergio Leone and Martin Scorsese. With the later director, he is known for making some of the greatest films that dealt with the Mob, and this film will always be his masterpiece in the… More
  With Gangster/ Mob films, there are three names that only need to be known: Frances Ford Coppola, Sergio Leone and Martin Scorsese. With the later director, he is known for making some of the greatest films that dealt with the Mob, and this film will always be his masterpiece in the genre. Originally based on a true story, this film is blunt, real, and almost the polar opposite of the legendary The Godfather. What makes this film work, other then the fantastic directing and acting along with it's well made script, is that this film is serious, but fun in how it is less of a film and more of an account of one teenager who wanted to be in the world of Mobsters, but then as an adult gets much more then he bargained to get. Now, when I first saw this film, I will admit that I was not that big of a fan of thsi one due to me being a die-hard The Godfather fanatic. But, if you push aside the bar that Coppola and Mario Puzo had created, then this film could rival the great Gangster legacy. Okay, let's get to the details. For directing, what can be said about Martin Scorsese? He is a man that constantly pushes the envelope with any film he has done, and this being one of his two main gangster films, he blows the doors wide open. While there are some similarities to Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In America, the direction is not as dead serious as OUATIA was and that actually works for the benefit of this film. While Scorsese's next mob film was Casino, this will be the best of him in terms of direction. Now acting. Featuring a strong cast of actors that work with Scorsese on numerous other projects, they all give their best acting with this film. Everyone from Joe Peci's (Who one an Academy Award For Best Supporting actor) acting in turning his scenes into some of the best dark comedy pieces of cinema that would make Stanley Kubrick proud, to Ray Liotta being this cocky, naive kid that his just along for the ride, to even Paul Sorvino (who would later be in Repo! The Genetic Opera) being Liotta's mentor into the world of crime, the cast just goes out of it's way to be beyond excellent. Now the script. Being based on a true story, this film takes many liberties to staying with the spirit of the original, while being it's own film. As a film, this is well written, hilarious, somber, wise, foolish, and just a completely great script that had written a great film. Finally the score. being made up of rock and soul songs from the 1960's to 1980's, this soundtrack really brings you into this world and makes you feel like you are part of it. Besides, I just love how Cream's Sunshine of your Love is used as Robert De Niro's theme in this film. Brilliant. If a soundtrack is able to have this much impact on you, then you know it has to be great. Overall, this is a near perfect film which only flaw is the pacing during the first viewing. Otherwise, this is probably the second greatest Gangster film of all time. Worth checking out.

• Drew S

  
  Mobster movies are boring.

• Sajin P

  
  To me, this was just a decent enough mob movie, and is way overrated to be considered among the greatest. Given the performances, would have liked to see Deniro's and Pesci's characters given some more screen time.

• Kristijonas F

  
  A Martin Scorsese mafioso-classic and easily one of the best movies of the decade.

• Jameson W

  
  Nominated for 6 Academy Awards, GoodFellas is one heck of a movie. I'm a huge Dances With Wolves fan, but I can't believe this film did not win Best Picture. It is wow! Brilliant performances, great action, blood, interesting story.....this film cannot be missed. The… More
  Nominated for 6 Academy Awards, GoodFellas is one heck of a movie. I'm a huge Dances With Wolves fan, but I can't believe this film did not win Best Picture. It is wow! Brilliant performances, great action, blood, interesting story.....this film cannot be missed. The cast is great here. Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino all give great performances. Joe Pesci is especially great. I loved the "Why am I funny" scene....hilarious. Ray Liotta also gives a very strong performance. He's extremely convincing as the main character. Wonderful direction by Martin Scorsese. This is definitely one of his best films! Each scene is flawlessly executed....the pacing is wonderful, also! Absolutely fantastic, brilliant film!

• Richard C

  
  A very great gangster movie. A lot of people say this is the greatest gangster movie of all time. I don't know about that but it's certainly one of them. I think I still like The Godfather better. A lot of people say this is also the greatest movie of all time. This movie… More
  A very great gangster movie. A lot of people say this is the greatest gangster movie of all time. I don't know about that but it's certainly one of them. I think I still like The Godfather better. A lot of people say this is also the greatest movie of all time. This movie just isn't for me. I really liked it but I can't give it 5 stars like everybody else. Maybe I need to see it again which I probably will but not soon. I don't really have a real problem with the movie but there wasn't anything to make me say wow that was amazing. It just has a steady pace throughout the movie and it never really picks up to where there's a big edge of your seat scene and there wasn't really a climax. It was different then what I expected. I really liked it but there wasn't anything in the movie to make me love it. Maybe if I see it again I'll see what everbody else sees in the movie. Grade: B+

• Jennifer D

  
  I love me some violence and gangster films. Who did I like? Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci. (Like that's not obvious or something) What did I love? The narration. While hailed as a cinematic no no, I thought it served the story well. Kept it light, moving and… More
  I love me some violence and gangster films. Who did I like? Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci. (Like that's not obvious or something) What did I love? The narration. While hailed as a cinematic no no, I thought it served the story well. Kept it light, moving and interesting. Scorsese does his crime and filmic storytelling well doesn't he? And I must say I am getting really good at knowing when a hit is coming. You can just smell it. Can't say Joe Pesci didn't have it coming, but hey.

• Spencer S

  
  The first thought, the very first thought you'll have is, "Oh my god, that was a lot of stabbing," and then, gradually, "This is the best movie ever!" Frivolous violence, fresh storylines, and performances by De Niro, Liotta, and Pesci that will astound you.… More
  The first thought, the very first thought you'll have is, "Oh my god, that was a lot of stabbing," and then, gradually, "This is the best movie ever!" Frivolous violence, fresh storylines, and performances by De Niro, Liotta, and Pesci that will astound you. It was almost an educational film about being a gangster in the 60's and 70's. I thought I'd get whacked just from shouting, "Holy Christ," half the time. It was wonderful...astounding...it was good.

• Albert K

  
  One of the best mobster/crime movies of all time. Joe Pesci is phenomenal. Robert De Niro is incredible as always. Everything is meticulously detailed. Incredible movie.

• Jeff "

  
  Goodfellas is one of the greatest gangster films ever made. Martin Scorsese has crafted an amazing film. Goodfellas follows the real story of mobster Henry Hill. Scorsese has as usual assembled here a fine cast of actors, and Goodfellas is one of the best mob films since The Godfather… More
  Goodfellas is one of the greatest gangster films ever made. Martin Scorsese has crafted an amazing film. Goodfellas follows the real story of mobster Henry Hill. Scorsese has as usual assembled here a fine cast of actors, and Goodfellas is one of the best mob films since The Godfather and Once Upon A Time In America. Goodefellas is a phenomenal achievement and is a landmark in the gangster genre. No other film in the genre shows the real side of the mob like Goodfellas. Scorsese is able to convey the realism of the mafia underworld, and Goodeflellas gives us a taste of that. With Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, Martin Scorsese cemented his reputation as a top notch director. With Goodefellas, this was the film that elevated Scorsese to the status of legendary filmmaker. With Goodfellas, Scorsese strips away the romanticized family image of the mob as a family business, and Scorsese delivers a film that really shows a raw and nasty lifestyle. Thr cast of Goodfellas is incredible. Ray Liotta delivers his greatest performance ever. This is quite possibly the best performance of his career. The other actor that delivers something great on screen is Joe Pesci, the guy has an awesome ability to deliver a great performance in a gangster film. Hell Pesci's best performances have always been gangster films. Liotta and Pesci are the best actors in the film, and I'm not trying to say that the rest of the cast is bad, quite on the contrary, but for me, those are the two actors that really shine, as the film focuses very much on the characters that Liotta and Pesci portray. Goodfellas remains a timeless classic in the gangster genre, only a few directors have made their mark in the gangster genre, and only a few films are landmarks. The Godfathe, The Godfather II, Once Upon A Time In America, Heat and this one. As you can see the list of epic crime films is short, and Goodfellas has a secured its place amongst the greatest crime films of all time.

• Alexis N

  
  The Sopranos on steroids. It's Bloody and tough, the acting is so believable. There are drugs, money, guns, bodies in trunks and mafia style bad-assery.. it has it all. If only it was an hour shorter. It's a long one.

• Chris W

  
  I really can't decided whether this movie, or one of the frist two Godfather films is the greatest Mafia film of all time. Whereas those movies provide a great look into the higher levels of the mob world, this one gives a look into the working class lower levels populated by the… More
  I really can't decided whether this movie, or one of the frist two Godfather films is the greatest Mafia film of all time. Whereas those movies provide a great look into the higher levels of the mob world, this one gives a look into the working class lower levels populated by the working class wiseuys, and it is just as fascinating and brilliant. This is just brilliant cinema in general. The story is fully realized, the direction and camera work are flawless, there are some incredibly well done sequences, and it's just an all around satisfying film to experience. Trust the reputation and check this out- it truly is one of the best films of the 1990s, and basicaly the late 20th Centurty in general.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  A treat for the eyes, but not for the soul. Didn't feel a connection to the story but, at the same time, found myself with a dropped jaw a few times. Guess it's one of the movies you know it's good and can't explain exactly why, while not being able to cite its… More
  A treat for the eyes, but not for the soul. Didn't feel a connection to the story but, at the same time, found myself with a dropped jaw a few times. Guess it's one of the movies you know it's good and can't explain exactly why, while not being able to cite its flaws. Cast is solid, but not mind-blowing. Everything about this film is sort of overrated. For great mob flicks, watch "The Godfather". For great Scorsese, watch "Casino".

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