Goodfellas

A perfect portrait of the brutality and cruelty of people who assume the role of demigods who decide the life and death of others. De Niro, with his fluffy shoulders and swaggering gait, is flawless. Ray Liotta in the only role he can be proud of. Joe Pesci would successfully reprise the role of the murderous brute a few years later in Casino. A mafia saga that would be a big mistake not to watch. (13/04/2003)

Goodfellas is awesome, it exudes life experience and it is very likely one Martin Scorsese’s best film. Robert De Niro is excellent and Joe Pesci is truly unforgettable and deservedly received an Oscar. A masterpiece of world cinematography. (09/03/2004)

It may not be the best film among gangster movies, but it is certainly a significant above-average. In comparison, for example, with the French film A Prophet, it lacks the feeling of absolute authenticity and, on the other hand, I feel a certain, albeit not big, effort to make the gangster environment more attractive, which is understandable for commercial reasons. Probably the most remarkable role by Ray Liotta, who later couldn't capitalize his talent as he probably imagined. The film depicts the arrival of an ambitious boy among the local gang and his gradual rise in the criminal environment, which eventually leads to his arrest and cooperation with the police. Scorsese is an experienced director and in these waters, he feels at home, and he relied on a number of top actors perfectly corresponding to the viewer's ideas about mafia bosses and their buddies. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci already have a patent for similar roles. Overall impression: 90%. (11/03/2010)

Scorsese is a household name in the realm of mafia films today, and Goodfellas, made by him, is a shining diamond that stands out from afar. Like The Godfather, Goodfellas doesn’t rely on heavy doses of action and shootouts, but rather on a well-crafted story, incredibly witty dialogues, and the best ensemble cast around. The main trio of actors made no mistakes throughout the film that would cause me to rethink my opinion. The dialogues delivered by Liotta as the narrator had me laughing out loud multiple times. De Niro's stone-faced demeanor was flawless once again. And Pesci? He’s a demon who undoubtedly deserved an Oscar for his supporting role. I wouldn’t want to befriend such a hot-headed man with a gun at his side, knowing I could lose my head at any moment. If the other actors shone, Joe Pesci simply doesn’t seem like he’s from this planet. An unforgettable performance, in my opinion. Another strength of the film was its portrayal of the absurdities in the everyday lives of mobsters, which a normal person can hardly imagine. It’s a true experience that won’t easily fade from my memory. And the scene with Pesci’s removal? I haven’t seen such an unpredictable and brilliantly conceived scene in a long time. I give it 91%. (26/01/2017)

If Leone hadn't made Once Upon a Time in America and Coppola had never made The Godfather, this would definitely be the best gangster movie of all time. It is “only” the third best. I don’t like the ending much. I should be, well, different. (19/09/2007)