GoodFellas (1990)
The true story of Henry Hill, a half-Irish, half-Sicilian Brooklyn kid who is adopted by neighbourhood gangsters at an early age and climbs the ranks of a Mafia family under the guidance of Jimmy Conway.
Details
Budget
$25,000,000
Rating
8/10 (13190 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Winkler Films
About GoodFellas
Martin Scorsese's 1990 crime drama "Goodfellas" offers a look into the lives of gangsters in New York City, drawing from the true story of Henry Hill. The film, set primarily in the 1970s, follows Hill's rise and fall within an organized crime family, exploring themes of loyalty, violence, and the ultimate consequences of this lifestyle.
Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book "Wiseguy," the movie delves into the daily realities of the mafia, covering aspects like drug trafficking, murder, and prison. It is recognized for its unflinching portrayal of brutality alongside moments of dark humor. The narrative does not romanticize the criminal underworld; instead, it presents a detailed account of its operations and the personal toll it takes on those involved.
"Goodfellas" has garnered significant critical acclaim, reflected in its high ratings across platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. Its runtime of 145 minutes allows for an extensive exploration of the characters and their intertwined destinies within the Brooklyn crime scene. The film stands as a prominent entry in the crime epic genre, offering a biographical perspective on a specific period of organized crime in America.
Why you might be searching for GoodFellas
People often search for "Goodfellas" because of its memorable characters, the specific dialogue and intense scenes involving figures like Joe Pesci's Tommy DeVito, and its realistic depiction of mafia life. Queries sometimes involve plot points like particular acts of violence or the protagonist's eventual downfall, or the distinct style of the film.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes "Goodfellas" as a definitive gangster film, praising Scorsese's direction, the script, editing, photography, soundtrack, and the collective performances of the cast. They note that the film delivers a stark, unromanticized view of the Mafia lifestyle, balancing brutality with humor and maintaining audience engagement throughout.
Read the full reviewA reviewer points out that Martin Scorsese, while detailed in his crime films, focuses less on the crime itself and more on the surrounding elements. They suggest the film explores themes of liberation and breaking stereotypes through Ray Liotta's character, Henry, and uses voice-over narration to create a documentary-like sense of reality.
Read the full reviewA review highlights Ray Liotta's strong performance as Henry Hill, detailing how his character is drawn into the mob and forms connections with figures like Jimmy (Robert De Niro) and Tommy (Joe Pesci). The reviewer notes Scorsese's careful development of these characters, their loyalties, and ruthlessness, while acknowledging a slight drop-off in pace during the final half-hour.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer praises "The Goodfellas" as a masterpiece, commending Martin Scorsese's raw and unflinching portrayal of organized crime. They specifically mention the performances of Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci, the flawless storytelling, sharp dialogue, iconic scenes, and a perfect soundtrack as reasons why the film is a classic they can rewatch.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "GoodFellas" on AMC with a subscription. It's also available to rent for $3.99 on platforms like YouTube.
"GoodFellas" is based on the true story of Mafia associate Henry Hill and his life from 1955 to 1980, adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's 1985 nonfiction book "Wiseguy."
At the end of "GoodFellas," Henry Hill becomes a federal informant after realizing Jimmy plans to kill him, leading to Paulie and Jimmy's convictions. Henry, Karen, and their children enter the witness protection program, leaving their glamorous criminal life for a mundane existence, which Henry laments. Director Martin Scorsese ended the film with Henry regretting his new average life, hoping the audience would feel angry at him and the system that allowed it, and the final shot of Tommy shooting at the camera is a reference to "The Great Train Robbery," signifying that danger will always follow Henry.
"GoodFellas" is widely considered a gangster classic and is highly acclaimed by critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 94% of 166 critics gave the film a positive review, with an average rating of 9.00/10, with the consensus calling it "Hard-hitting and stylish."