The Irishman (2019)

Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
Runtime: 209 minutes

Synopsis: A mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa.

Performances: 10/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Special Effects: 7/10
Costumes/Makeup: 10/10
Editing: 9/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Score/Soundtrack: 10/10

Verdict: A Martin Scorsese Picture. When you see these 4 words on a poster, you just know that you’re in for a treat. Add the names of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci next to that magical phrase, and you’re guaranteed to have one of the finest films of the year.

“The Irishman” is a movie that shouldn’t have worked. No studio in Hollywood was ready to commit to a three-and-a-half-hour long epic crime biography with a budget north of $100 million (it eventually reached $160 million due to massive reshoots and CGI work), and from a business perspective, it’s completely understandable. But Netflix came to save the day, and for that I am thankful. “The Irishman” is the type of movie only Scorsese can pull off so magnificently. It’s a directing tour-de-force that never drags for a second and further proves that the Italian-American director is an all-time great. Despite the scale of the project, Scorsese manages as always to inject life into the narrative by presenting a thriving atmosphere and layering fascinating characters. Characters played by legendary actors who deliver their best performances in years and whose names will definitely be in the conversation come awards season. Aside from spotting a couple of continuity mistakes here and there and not entirely being on board with the deaging process (especially in one particular scene in which De Niro beats up a man), I really don’t have anything negative to say about what is certainly a picture that will be excessively talked about in the days to come as I do feel that more mainstream audiences won't enjoy it as much as I did. And I for one cannot wait to be part of that conversation.

FINAL GRADE: 9/10