Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Robert De Niro | ... | James Conway | |
Ray Liotta | ... | Henry Hill | |
Joe Pesci | ... | Tommy DeVito | |
Lorraine Bracco | ... | Karen Hill | |
Paul Sorvino | ... | Paul Cicero | |
Frank Sivero | ... | Frankie Carbone | |
Tony Darrow | ... | Sonny Bunz | |
Mike Starr | ... | Frenchy | |
Frank Vincent | ... | Billy Batts | |
Chuck Low | ... | Morris Kessler | |
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Frank DiLeo | ... | Tuddy Cicero |
Henny Youngman | ... | Henny Youngman | |
Gina Mastrogiacomo | ... | Janice Rossi | |
Catherine Scorsese | ... | Tommy's Mother | |
Charles Scorsese | ... | Vinnie |
Henry Hill might be a small time gangster, who may have taken part in a robbery with Jimmy Conway and Tommy De Vito, two other gangsters who might have set their sights a bit higher. His two partners could kill off everyone else involved in the robbery, and slowly start to think about climbing up through the hierarchy of the Mob. Henry, however, might be badly affected by his partners' success, but will he consider stooping low enough to bring about the downfall of Jimmy and Tommy? Written by Colin Tinto <cst@imdb.com>
Scorcese & Pileggi's masterpiece on the life of Henry Hill as a Brooklyn NY mob wise-guy.
As much as the true events of Henry's life have more than likely been dramatised and glamourised to a certain extent, the essence of this film IMO is that it is still a brilliantly damning portrayal of the characters and lifestyle of mobsters.
The sham of the mafiosi is exposed - preaching loyalty, respect & principles - but when it comes down to it they are just two-bit criminals that'll stab each other in the back for money or power over others. Each of them has an inflated sense of self-worth and stature that comes with being a "wiseguy", breeding with it paranoia that others are not giving them the respect they deserve.
An example is De Niro's portrayal of Jimmy Conway. His outward persona is that of a calm and reasonable nature. But really he is a paranoid killer who at the drop of a hat would kill even his closest associates for money. I use associates rather than friends, as their relationships are of tolerance rather than kinship. Distrust, hate and jealousy through the forced smiles.
Interesting that given this, certain people envy their life-style and would have loved to have been a wiseguy. I personally couldn't think of anything worse that being tied for life with having to keep the likes of Tommy company, but whatever rocks your boat. Some people have actually paid to see The Dukes of Hazzard film, so I shouldn't be surprised.