The Irishman
Frank Sheeran was a real Teamster and alleged hitman connected to Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance
The brief
Scorsese's three-and-a-half-hour crime epic feels like watching old men reckon with their mortality rather than glamorous gangsters at their peak. De Niro carries decades of weariness in his face while Pacino brings manic energy as Jimmy Hoffa, but it's Pesci's quiet menace that steals every scene he's in. The pacing is deliberately slow and contemplative, more interested in the weight of accumulated choices than flashy violence. Perfect for anyone who loved Goodfellas but wants something that sits heavier in your chest afterward.
The verdict
If you have patience for slow-burn character studies and want to see legendary actors deliver some of their most emotionally heavy work, this is essential viewing that rewards your time investment. If you expect fast-paced gangster thrills or can't commit to nearly three and a half hours of contemplative storytelling, you'll find it tedious and overlong.
Watch with
- 👤 Crime film enthusiasts who appreciate slow pacing
- ⚠️ Viewers expecting typical Scorsese energy may find it sluggish
Heads up
- Graphic violence including beatings and shootings (moderate)
- Strong language throughout (frequent)
- Themes of murder and organized crime (frequent)
Credits
- Director
- Martin Scorsese
- Cast
- Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin
Official synopsis
Pennsylvania, 1956. Frank Sheeran, a war veteran of Irish origin who works as a truck driver, accidentally
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Both explore aging hitmen haunted by violence and moral decay.
Total runtime: 3h 29m + 1h 29m = 4h 58m
