Release: 1990-09-12
Runtime: 2h 25m (145 minutes)
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.
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Genres: Drama, Crime
Cast: Robert De Niro, Samuel L. Jackson, Debi Mazar, more
Robert De Niro
as James Conway
Samuel L. Jackson
as Stacks Edwards
Debi Mazar
as Sandy
Joe Pesci
as Tommy DeVito
Ray Liotta
as Henry Hill
Lorraine Bracco
as Karen Hill
Mike Starr
as Frenchy
Tobin Bell
as Parole Officer
Paul Sorvino
as Paul Cicero
Illeana Douglas
as Rosie
Michael Imperioli
as Spider
Kevin Corrigan
as Michael Hill
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.
Three decades of life in the mafia.
Goodfellas is a 1990 American film that portrays the lives of mobsters in New York. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is based on Nicholas Pileggi's book Wiseguy. The screenplay was co-written by Pileggi and Scorsese, with Irwin Winkler as the producer. The main cast includes Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino. The film chronicles the rise and fall of Mafia associate Henry Hill and his associates from 1955 to 1980.
The film premiered at the 47th Venice International Film Festival on 09 September 1990, where Scorsese received the Silver Lion award for Best Director. It had its U.S. release on 19 September 1990. With a budget of $25 million, the film grossed approximately $47 million and gained critical acclaim. It has been referred to as "arguably the high point of Martin Scorsese's career" by various reviewers.
Goodfellas received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, with Pesci winning for Best Supporting Actor. The film also picked up five BAFTA awards, including Best Film and Best Director. Critics often regard it as one of the greatest films of all time, especially within the gangster movie genre.
The story begins in 1955 when Henry Hill becomes fascinated with the Mafia lifestyle in his Brooklyn neighborhood. He first works with local mobsters, including Paulie Cicero, Jimmy Conway, and Tommy DeVito, gradually getting involved in more significant criminal activities.
As the story unfolds, we see Henry and his crew engaging in various crimes, from hijacking trucks to committing the infamous Air France heist. Henry's life becomes increasingly chaotic as he juggles his criminal endeavors with his personal life, particularly his relationship with Karen.
The film is notable for its dynamic storytelling and visual style, featuring fast-paced edits and voiceovers that draw viewers into the characters' lives. Scorsese's direction and the cast's performances, especially Pesci's, are often highlighted as standout elements of the film.
Scorsese initially wanted to name the film Wiseguy but later changed it to Goodfellas to avoid confusion with other projects. The film is based on true events, and while it captures the essence of the Mafia life accurately, it includes some dramatized elements for storytelling purposes. The film has also inspired many others in the genre, influencing television series like The Sopranos.
In addition to its success, Goodfellas has received numerous accolades throughout the years, being preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
Overall, Goodfellas remains a landmark in cinema, showcasing the allure and dangers of the gangster lifestyle, all while delivering exceptional storytelling and powerful performances.
