Within a society fueled by brutality, where those inclined toward violence hold sway, a fresh cohort perpetuates established customs. Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas stands as one of cinema's most distinguished gangster films, establishing a standard for the genre. It represents an unusual instance where all artistic elements coalesce seamlessly—the direction, screenplay, editing, cinematography, impactful music, and notably, a cast performing at their peak. This is filmmaking of the highest caliber, signifying Scorsese’s return to form while also demonstrating the pinnacle of his directorial skill. The narrative, adapted from Nicholas Pileggi’s nonfiction book Wiseguy, offers an unvarnished depiction of Mafia existence. It's frequently harsh, interspersed with humor, unwavering yet visually striking, and consistently captivating from beginning to end, engaging viewers emotionally and stimulating their senses—particularly those who by 1990 had grown weary of formulaic entertainment. There’s no glamorization present; instead, it dismantles the romanticized image of the Mafia. Even amidst moments of violence and sharp dialogue, a sense of detached coolness prevails, stemming from a director whose childhood experiences in Queens, New York during the 1940s and 50s provided firsthand observation. Eccellente! 9/10

Source on TMDB