The Irishman - Review - Antonia Manolache

I do not like crime films. While I was growing up, I preferred watching a comedy or a romance to watching a movie with gangsters - which makes the fact that I am reviewing this film somehow ironic. Anyways, crime films felt boring to me: mobsters killing people and doing dirty work looked too far-fetched to relax and enjoy. Be it the hysterical madness of old “The Godfather” series, or the “The Wolf of Wall Street”, to me it is all the same.

Considering all of this, imagine my own surprise when I watched a crime movie that I actually liked. To start with, it is not a typical movie, the story is told in flashback, either in voice over or to the camera, with Frank looking directly toward us, as he was being interviewed. Actually, the thing that I like the most is Frank’s life story, which is based on true events, this movie telling a story that needed to be told. Long story short, this guy ends up getting himself into a world of trouble that he never expected. So this movie follows the evolution of Frank Sheeran in the Italian mobster family Bufalino, Russell becoming like a father to him, also capturing in the spot the friendship between Frank and Jimmy Hoffa. I can’t spoil you the pleasure of watching this movie by telling you more, but I can assure you that the ending of this movie will surprise you.

Moving on, the fact that this movie unites the trio: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci is another reason to watch it. These three are one of the best and oldest actors that have ever been, and the chance of seeing them acting together is an actual pleasure. And the way that the characters are outlined is just beguiling. The film manages to create a very good parallel between the two aspects of a mobster: on the surface, we have the appearance of an insensitive man who can kill someone in the blink of an eye, but in essence it is the story of a big hearted man who cares a lot about his family and friends for whom he would do anything to keep them safe and happy.

Overall, I can now say that “The Irishman” has probably become the first crime movie in my life that I truly liked. I admit that I would not have watched it if my teacher hadn’t made me watch it, but I am glad she did. So if you are looking for a movie that can keep you on the edge of your seat and also make you laugh, this movie is for you. The “The Irishman” is a fine example of taste, talent and hard work put together. A great movie to watch on your own or with your friends or family.

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