Goodfellas (1990) – Story, Cast & Review

Goodfellas (1990) – Story, Cast & Review

Introduction:
Goodfellas (1990) is a groundbreaking crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the true story of mob associate Henry Hill, adapted from Nicholas Pileggi’s book Wiseguy. With electric performances from Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci, the film dives deep into the seductive and brutal world of organized crime. Stylish, fast-paced, and brutally honest, Goodfellas redefined the gangster genre and remains one of Scorsese’s greatest masterpieces.

Story:
The film chronicles three decades in the life of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a kid from Brooklyn who grows up idolizing the gangsters in his neighborhood. “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster,” he narrates — and with that, his journey into the world of crime begins.

As a teenager, Henry starts working for local mobster Paulie Cicero (Paul Sorvino) and quickly rises through the ranks alongside his reckless friends Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and the volatile Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). Together, they engage in a series of high-stakes robberies, shakedowns, and schemes that earn them both wealth and notoriety.

Henry marries Karen (Lorraine Bracco), who becomes both horrified and entranced by his criminal lifestyle. But as time goes on, paranoia, drugs, and violence consume Henry’s world. Tommy’s unpredictable temper leads to deadly consequences, and the infamous Lufthansa Heist begins a downward spiral that ends with betrayal, fear, and collapse.

By the end, Henry’s glamorous life of power and excess comes crashing down, forcing him to choose between loyalty and survival.

Cast:

• Ray Liotta as Henry Hill

• Robert De Niro as James “Jimmy” Conway

• Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito

• Lorraine Bracco as Karen Hill

• Paul Sorvino as Paul “Paulie” Cicero

• Frank Sivero as Frankie Carbone

• Michael Imperioli as Spider

• Tony Darrow as Sonny Bunz

Review:
Goodfellas is not just a gangster film — it’s a kinetic, immersive experience that captures both the thrill and the horror of the criminal underworld. Martin Scorsese’s direction is masterful, blending raw realism with stylish flair. His use of narration, tracking shots, and classic rock soundtrack creates an unmatched sense of energy and authenticity.

Ray Liotta gives a career-defining performance as Henry Hill, portraying his rise and fall with charisma and emotional vulnerability. Robert De Niro brings quiet menace and charm as Jimmy, while Joe Pesci delivers one of the most terrifying and unpredictable performances in cinema history as Tommy DeVito — a role that earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Lorraine Bracco is equally powerful as Karen, whose conflicted relationship with the mob life adds emotional depth and realism.

The film’s pacing is relentless — Thelma Schoonmaker’s editing keeps every moment sharp and dynamic, while Scorsese’s iconic long take through the Copacabana nightclub remains one of the greatest shots in film history. The soundtrack — featuring The Rolling Stones, Cream, and Derek and the Dominos — perfectly complements the film’s energy and era.

Beyond the blood and glamor, Goodfellas is a meditation on greed, loyalty, and the intoxicating allure of power. Scorsese strips away the myth of the “honorable gangster,” revealing instead a world fueled by ego, violence, and inevitable self-destruction.

Verdict:
Goodfellas is a cinematic landmark — fast, fearless, and unforgettable. With impeccable direction, stellar performances, and a style that influenced decades of filmmaking, it remains the definitive gangster film of modern cinema.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Disclaimer: The above video is embedded from YouTube for informational purposes only. 

We do not host or distribute any movie content. All rights belong to the original owner/channel.

Disclaimer: This website does not host, stream, or distribute any movies. All videos embedded on this page are directly from YouTube and belong to their respective owners. The content on this website is provided for informational, review, and entertainment purposes only.