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A perfect portrait of the brutality and cruelty of people who assume the role of demigods who decide the life and death of others. De Niro, with his fluffy shoulders and swaggering gait, is flawless. Ray Liotta in the only role he can be proud of. Joe Pesci would successfully reprise the role of the murderous brute a few years later in Casino. A mafia saga that would be a big mistake not to watch. (13.04.2003)

Scorsese’s grand work about gangsters from a slightly different perspective than we are used to, for instance, in The Godfather. This isn’t about the top ranks of the Mafia, but simply about the pawns for whom this is a job like any other. Perfect acting performances and unforgettable dialogs are just the tip of the iceberg of this perfectly cut and faceted diamond. (24.08.2007)

For many years Scorsese's best, the life role of the central trio and the second best gangster movie after The Godfather. The mafia has never been so dark and filled with adrenaline. (05.08.2005)

It may not be the best film among gangster movies, but it is certainly a significant above-average. In comparison, for example, with the French film A Prophet, it lacks the feeling of absolute authenticity and, on the other hand, I feel a certain, albeit not big, effort to make the gangster environment more attractive, which is understandable for commercial reasons. Probably the most remarkable role by Ray Liotta, who later couldn't capitalize his talent as he probably imagined. The film depicts the arrival of an ambitious boy among the local gang and his gradual rise in the criminal environment, which eventually leads to his arrest and cooperation with the police. Scorsese is an experienced director and in these waters, he feels at home, and he relied on a number of top actors perfectly corresponding to the viewer's ideas about mafia bosses and their buddies. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci already have a patent for similar roles. Overall impression: 90%. (11.03.2010)

Martin Scorsese is simply an expert at this genre. It’s like he was born to make mafia movies. The traditionally super Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are joined by Ray Liotta possibly in his best role ever. And by the way, did any of you notice the young Samuel L. Jackson? :-D (14.04.2008)

Goodfellas is awesome, it exudes life experience and it is very likely one Martin Scorsese’s best film. Robert De Niro is excellent and Joe Pesci is truly unforgettable and deservedly received an Oscar. A masterpiece of world cinematography. (09.03.2004)

If Leone hadn't made Once Upon a Time in America and Coppola had never made The Godfather, this would definitely be the best gangster movie of all time. It is “only” the third best. I don’t like the ending much. I should be, well, different. (19.09.2007)

Goodfellas has become a legend in its own right. Scorsese shows us the criminal world of the time without unnecessary exaggerations and believably, and, with a generous help of typologically perfect actors and a diverse soundtrack, he builds the period atmosphere and helps us understand almost perfectly the specific mood of the members and hangers-ons of the Italian mafia. All of this, of course, wrapped up in formal mastery, thanks to which the viewer has not the slightest chance to fall out of the perfectly matched rhythm, which conductor Scorsese expertly dictates with the aforementioned soundtrack (the music makes me want to experience that time so much), a fabulous cast (the central pair rock, with Pesci deserving the crown) and a great script that pits the protagonist against first his morals (his father), then his family life and finally against his own, while never ceasing to build and enthral with its psychological plausibility. And also, it's extremely funny and inventive (stop-motion, later inspired by Steven Soderbergh, for example; at times grotesque but always relevant violence; cool camera rides in interiors; shifting narrator positions to support complex story development). I like Casino better, but Goodfellas is very close to perfection. 90% (20.06.2015)

I simply don't remember "The Godfather", I can't remember everything, even though I have seen this legendary movie as well. However, I am quite curious if it is really that brilliant because it has a huge competition in "The Sopranos". Martin Scorsese showcases his knowledge of the Italian-American environment and once again shows us how capable he is of capturing human stories, especially the destruction of their lives. Robert De Niro takes a step back this time to allow Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta to stand out much more, especially for Liotta, it is definitely a life-changing role. (05.11.2013)

One of the best mafia movies ever made. Maybe now (fresh from a sixth viewing) the best one ever. Scorsese's Goodfellas is in every way a masterpiece without compromise, where you literally devour every shot and every line. I really don't like to get too nostalgic about the fact that "they don't make movies like this anymore" and that "this just could never get made today". But I'll make an exception in the case of Goodfellas, because quite frankly I can't imagine anyone coming close to Martin Scorsese's mastery. Apart from the excellent casting (the phenomenal Joe Pesci at 163 cm and the incredibly stylish Robert De Niro, who has precious little space here), Goodfellas stands out for its storytelling style and overall almost inimitable directorial style. Can you honestly think of any other gangster film that is incredibly entertaining despite its chilling subject matter? The opening alone, with a voiceover by "young Ray Liotta", lets you know that you're really in the top league here. It's admirable that Martin Scorsese really doesn't lose his breath for a moment and manages to keep the viewer glued to the screen for the entire running time. Every time I watch Goodfellas, I am overwhelmed with sheer joy that something like this could have been made and that it hasn't aged a bit, even after all these 30 years. The elegance, the style, the charm, the lightness, and at the same time the unabashed fun within a very edgy story is intoxicating and inimitable. "That was it. No more letters from truant officers. No letters from school. In fact, no more letters from anybody. Finally after a few weeks, my mother went to the post office to complain." (19.11.2019)