Goodfellas

Name: Goodfellas
Genre: Biography, Drama, Crime
Released: September 1, 1990
Duration: 146 min
Rating: 90
Cast: Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro

1990

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 21 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 1184 Ratings

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8.7

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8.7	User Score Universal acclaim based on 1184 Ratings

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Goodfellas

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Movie Details & Credits

Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: September 1, 1990 | R

Starring: Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro

Summary: Based on the bestselling book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, Scorsese's film profiles nearly 30 years of mob life in New York City.

Director: Martin Scorsese

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 146 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Josh Larsen

The movie’s morality lies in its form. Read full review

100

Gene Siskel

All of the performances are first-rate; Pesci stands out, though, with his seemingly unscripted manner. GoodFellas is easily one of the year's best films. [21 September 1990, Friday, p.C]

100

The Guardian Peter Bradshaw

Goodfellas is a compelling, black-comic nightmare. Read full review

100

Mick LaSalle

Ferocious brutality is presented without commentary or judgment, yet with unmistakable moral understanding and vision. [21 September 1990, Daily Notebook p.E-1]

100

David Sterritt

Stunningly acted. [21 September 1990, The Arts, p.12]

Film.com John Hartl

An appalling masterpiece.

Stanley Kauffmann

Scorsese's style, fierce as it is, doesn't accomplish what he clearly expected of it. Often, in many arts, fresh treatment can redeem familiar subjects, but it doesn't happen here. [Oct 22, 1990]

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User Reviews

Eon

Oct 27, 2006

There isn't much to say about it, that's never been said already. :) I just love those type of movies. Cheers.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

rollingstone82

Aug 13, 2010

An amazing film that shows mob life at its grittiest, goriest, lowest levels.

I loved Goodfellas. Every time I watched it, it still felt great. But one thing really perked me. How is it a classic? It is one of the best movies I ever watched but why is it so revered? I watched it anotherAn amazing film that shows mob life at its grittiest, goriest, lowest levels.

I loved Goodfellas. Every time I watched it, it still felt great. But one thing really perked me. How is it a classic? It is one of the best movies I ever watched but why is it so revered? I watched it another time just to keep my eye out for details.

Now I understand.

It isn't easy. Especially to praise a film with countless violence and seemingly aimless profanity (300 f words total). But Goodfellas isn't about that. It's about the story. It's about the array of characters. It's about the suspense. It's one of the most accurate portraits of mob life, specifically those in the lower end of the food chain.

THe story is narrated by Henry Hill, an ex-mobster who explains his dreams of becoming a gangster. Through Henry's eyes, being a gangster was everything. Money. Cars. Girls. Respect. Nobody would dare talk rough to a gangster. And the cops could care less too. Our main man Henry, narrates his 30-year career as a mob member from parking cars to setting cars on fire to dealing drugs to carrying out dastardly schemes (the infamous Lufthansa heist). In the end, Henry is forced to give up his mob life and expose his fellow gangsters after learning his best friend is going to kill him. Even then, he still misses his old life stating that he is now a regular guy aka a nobody, a "schnook".

Robert De Niro is charming yet cunning as Jimmy Conway. He smiles but behind is a greedy desire. He makes sure he gets what he wants and those who don't follow him get whacked. Joe Pesci, the show stealer, gives a fiery performance as the short-tempered Tommy De Vito. He wants respect and one word is enough to make him go berserk. Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco both give fine performances even though they are the most thankless roles in the film.

Dialogue is a highlight even if it is laced with numerous profanity. But the music is something that really adds to the success. The eclectic rock soundtrack fits its scenes like a modern-day orchestra. Scorsese is able to fit a piano version of Layla and a montage of dead bodies so perfectly. That is a rare gift.

Once again my favorite director stuns me with another classic that I now fully realize as a classic. It may not be his best (that would be Taxi Driver) but it definitely is one of them.… Expand

18 of 28 users found this helpful1810

cameronmorewood

Nov 7, 2012

Goodfellas is one of the greatest films ever made. It showcases the mob like no other film ever has, even The Godfather. The difference between the two films is this. The Godfather feels scripted professionally, like every line has a place in the film. Goodfellas feels wild and ad-libbed,Goodfellas is one of the greatest films ever made. It showcases the mob like no other film ever has, even The Godfather. The difference between the two films is this. The Godfather feels scripted professionally, like every line has a place in the film. Goodfellas feels wild and ad-libbed, especially by Pesci, who is phenomenal.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

jjarocki

Mar 24, 2020

Goodfellas is an amazing film, pitch perfect in every detail. Scorsese tells the rise and fall of Henry Hill with the ease of talent and panache that only years in the industry can bring. This film feels like a real look at the world of these men, with each of our main characters fullyGoodfellas is an amazing film, pitch perfect in every detail. Scorsese tells the rise and fall of Henry Hill with the ease of talent and panache that only years in the industry can bring. This film feels like a real look at the world of these men, with each of our main characters fully fleshed out to the point where we understand them all perfectfully. Helped along by Thelma Schoonmaker working at her best, there isn't a frame that feels out of place.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

m7md1001m7md

May 21, 2017

best movie ever i love mafia movies and this movie is the best mafia movie ever i even think this movie is better than the godfather (which is also a great movie btw) the end was good and i loved the characters

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

Everlong

Apr 28, 2012

Goodfellas can easily be considered one of the greatest films ever made during the 90's. What makes it so brilliant, you ask? Without a doubt, it's number one quality is it's PLOT. Utterly captivating from the first scene the plot delivers one of the best cinematic experiences you will everGoodfellas can easily be considered one of the greatest films ever made during the 90's. What makes it so brilliant, you ask? Without a doubt, it's number one quality is it's PLOT. Utterly captivating from the first scene the plot delivers one of the best cinematic experiences you will ever encounter.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

ocd6766

Oct 20, 2019

I've watched this film several times now and each time I've grown to dislike it more and more. There are no life lessons to be learned from this movie, viewing this film will not enrich the spirit, rather it will leave a dark stain on your soul.

2 of 29 users found this helpful227

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