Scarface (1983)

5 / 5  May '11
Tagline:  The world is yours...
Directed by:  Brian De Palma
Written by:  Oliver Stone
Actors include:  Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer
Genre:  Crime, Drama, Thriller
Length:  170 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
I've maybe only seen a handful of gangster films, but this one definitely takes the cake.  It's one of the rare occasions that a remake eclipses the original but it most definitely does.  I'm a big fan of [Artist435211]'s work but I'd have to agree that this is his masterpiece.  It's so insanely brutal and violent and it's got such a striking message to go with it.  Scarface ([Artist161806] in the role of his life) is a Cuban immigrant in Miami who gets involved in organized crime.  Before you know it, he's eyeing up the Bosses old lady ([Artist230874]), making deals on his own and getting into loads of trouble.  It really takes you through the rise and eventual domination of Scarface showing us all the gory details and betrayals.  It's brilliantly made, it's absolutely riveting and the details and characters are unforgettable.  Definitely one of the best movies I've ever seen, I'm really kicking myself for not seeing this earlier.

Availability:  On DVD

Goodfellas (1990)

5 / 5
Tagline:  Three Decades of Life in the Mafia.
Directed by:  Martin Scorsese
Written by:  Nicholas Pileggi
Actors include:  Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
Genre:  Crime, Drama, Thriller
Length:  146 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:

I never did get around to seeing this until just recently and I'm so glad I did for I completely get why it's regarded as one of the best films of all time.  Why?  Because I think you'd have to be pretty hateful to not enjoy it as it has something for anyone!  It's based upon the true story of Henry Hill, a gangster who starts out young and ends up extremely thick in the Mob.  It's really easy to follow, the characters are unforgettable, the violence is supreme the relationships between the characters are gripping as is the story.  The ruthlessly needless violent character of Tommy (Joe Pesci) is difficult to watch and he just brings the whole element of doom to the film.  Watching Henry rise from a young lad who runs errands to working his way up to the big time is fascinating and it even answers questions that I've had about how the Mob runs and everything else (not that I'm thinking of joining).  For those who don't like mobsters and stuff there is even the romantic element as part of this takes place through Henry's wife and her reactions to things.  I can't say enough good things about but I can say if you haven't seen it, don't be a fool go and watch it now!

Availability:  On Blu-Ray & DVD