The Irishman (2019)

Genre: Drama

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci

Running Time: 209 minutes

Based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, by Charles Brandt, The Irishman is the story of Frank Sheeran, who went from meat truck driver to working as a hit man for the Bufalino mafia family and for Jimmy Hoffa. Sitting in a senior home, Sheeran, portrayed brilliantly by De Niro, reflects upon his life.

This epic crime drama is what you get when a great movie director such as Martin Scorsese takes on a project he really cares about and he hires the right cast to get the job done. Over the course of 3.5 hours, the director weaves a compelling tale while going back and forth in time through his story. And he never loses us along the way.

Robert De Niro is magnificent in the lead role. Many have lamented that he was done and way past his prime because of his recent output, but De Niro just proved he still has it when the project is right. Beyond the makeup to make him look younger and older, De Niro’s whole physiognomy changed for this role. He walked differently, even, and he made you believe this character.

Al Pacino is also brilliant as Jimmy Hoffa. Again, you forget the actor at work and you believe the character. It was a nice treat to see Joe Pesci again.

All things considered, this is a wonderful film that I plan on seeing again and again to fully measure its brilliance through time.

Rating: «««««