An Al Pacino film hailed as an absolute “masterpiece” is available on Netflix, and viewers can’t stop singing its praises. The 2019 film, The Irishman, has garnered a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, captivating cinema enthusiasts worldwide. This American epic gangster film was directed and produced by Martin Scorsese, with the screenplay penned by Steven Zaillian. It’s based on the 2004 book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. The star-studded cast includes Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin and Stephen Graham from Adolescence.
The narrative centres around Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a lorry driver who becomes a hitman. He gets entangled with mobster Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and his criminal family, eventually working for Teamster Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino).
One Reddit user shared: “After watching KOTFM (Killers of the Flower Moon), I felt like rewatching the Irishman. I think this MIGHT be Scorsese’s best, definitely the best of the later half of his career.
“Might just be bias, but I think it’s better than KOTFM, but time will tell. Pacino and Pesci’s performances are still so entertaining, frustrating and scary.”
The post got a lot of people talking, and people were quick to share their views. They had all sorts of opinions about the film.
They added: “While De Niro definitely is better in KOTFM, his character in the Irishman is supposed be kind of be a simpleton, rather than a complex and scheming villain. Either way it’s just incredible how Marty is still blowing everything else out of the water this late in his career.”
Someone else replied: “The Irishman is definitely a late era masterpiece. While I loved Killers of the Flower Moon (my personal best pic of the year), I’m calling my shot that history will show Irishman as among Scorsese’s best work (in the same way that King of Comedy has been culturally re-appraised).
“A powerful film with monumental performances that also functions as a meditation/reflection of the Maestro’s own work in the crime genre. I do think it stands toe-to-toe with Taxi Driver and Raging Bull.”
Another chimed in with: “Arguably the best thing Netflix has ever produced – wish they’d back more filmmakers like Scorsese instead of the straight to DVD schlock they usually peddle.”
Someone else agreed, writing: “It’s so damn good. Kind of made me reevaluate Scorsese’s filmography and determine that the past decade (Wolf, Silence, Irishman, KOTFM) may actually be his best.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commenter also raved about the film: “Loved it, possibly my favourite movie of the last 10 years. A perfect encapsulation of Scorsese, De Niro and Pesci’s gangster collabs.”
The Irishman first graced the silver screen at the 57th New York Film Festival, before enjoying a limited theatrical release in early November. It later made its way to Netflix for streaming.
The film was met with critical acclaim, with Scorsese’s direction, as well as the production and costume design, earning high praise. The performances of De Niro, Pacino and Pesci were also lauded.
Moreover, it was crowned the Best Film of 2019 by the National Board of Review and featured in the American Film Institute’s top 10 films of the year.
The Irishman garnered 10 nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including a nod for Best Picture. Since its debut, the film has been widely cherished.