The Irishman [CRITERION COLLECTION] (Blu-ray) [2020]

At its core, this film depicts the events behind, and build-up to, one of America's most notorious mysteries - the disappearance of union boss Jimmy Hoffa in 1975. The film is entirely based on Frank Sheeran's version of 'the truth' (in much the same way Wiseguy/Goodfellas was Henry Hill's version of 'the truth'). But personally this is what fascinates me about this film. If Sheeran was telling the truth, then what Scorsese has produced is an as-close-to-life depiction of what actually happened to Jimmy Hoffa as we will ever see. Anyone familiar with the Hoffa case will find this utterly engrossing and thought-provoking.Cinematically, it is also visually compelling, vividly depicting the era to such an extent that you do not even question it. However I accept that not everyone will agree with me about certain elements of the movie. Personally I did not find the 3.5+ hours run time a problem, I ended up watching the film in 45 minute sections over a week as though it were a show. And the de-ageing has caused some controversy, and I admit I initially found myself thinking of Henry Hill in Goodfellas (where a different actor played the younger Henry) and Vito Corleone in the Godfather films (where de Niro himself played the younger Vito!). But overall I became unaware of it very quickly, once drawn into the story. My one gripe would be that much of the dialogue is essentially redundant, of the mumbled "What am I gonna do?" and "Nah, nah, forget about it" gangster type. It made me think how these characters could stand to be in each other's company for any length of time, since trying to get a straight answer without repetition or answering a question with another question seemed impossible for them. But, hey, maybe this is how these guys talk, so perhaps it is me who needs to get more streetwise.That aside, for me this film is pure brilliance, certainly up there with the Godfather, Scarface, Goodfellas, Casino and a handful of other mob films that are genuinely outstanding classics. It's great in particular to see Pesci in another mob film, and it has made me appreciate what a contribution to cinema he has made, even if he goes back into retirement again after this movie. I hope I am wrong, but I suspect we may never see a movie like this again, where gangster-playing icons appear in the same film - De Niro, Pesci, and Pacino. Or such a thought-provoking take on a historical American mystery. Thank you, Martin Scorsese, for bringing these actors together and painting such a vivid picture.

And very interesting

Great film.good price.great stars in it.

I had quality issues with this, screen kept flickering, but it was through a scart to HDMI cable, so old technology connection to new technology. But in all fairness it played beautifully on my new DVD HDMI player. Amazon though, up to their usual high standards, second to none in terms of item scope, ease of ordering, payment and delivery. superb.

Superb picture quality on this criterion blu-ray.Obviously wasn’t going to be cheap,but that’s understandable.

Mob films are not my thing really, but this film just sucks you in on a roller coaster tense thrill ride, oh and Joe Pesci is absolutely fantastic in this.

Personal viewing and topping up my almost complete Scorsese collection of DVDs

My best gift this Christmas, and my best cinematic experience since Tarantino’s ‘Hollywood’. Yes, it’s arguably-fictitious flesh hung on a skeleton of real-life names, but all of the actors are well up to scratch - all those looks and seemingly-mundane lines, dripping with menace - including the lesser roles; and with Stephen Graham earning his chops among the legends. Superb, far-ranging sets, plus a soundtrack doubtless packed with Scorsese causes celebres, yet right on the money for aptness. I’m off, now, to watch it again…