Watch The Irishman

The Irishman is a 2019 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, and stars legendary actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. The movie is based on the book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt and it follows the life of Frank Sheeran, a labor union official and hitman who recounts his involvement in the disappearance of his friend, Jimmy Hoffa, the former president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The film is set in the 1950s and 60s, and follows Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a truck driver turned hitman for the mob. Through his connections to Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci), the head of the Bufalino crime family, Frank works his way up in the criminal world, becoming a trusted confidante and enforcer for both the Bufalinos and the powerful labor leader, Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). At its heart, The Irishman is a character study of Frank Sheeran, a lonely man who is desperately seeking a sense of belonging in a world that values loyalty above all else. De Niro masterfully portrays the aging hitman, capturing the character's pain, regret and self-loathing, as well as his occasional moments of tenderness and humor. Pacino's portrayal of Hoffa is also remarkable, as he imbues the character with a mix of confidence, charisma, and paranoia. Pesci, who came out of retirement for the role, delivers a brilliant performance as the quiet and calculating Russell Bufalino. Scorsese's direction is also on point, with the film's pacing and structure perfectly conveying the slow, inevitable decline of the characters' lives. The movie's running time may be lengthy, but it doesn't drag, thanks to Scorsese's deft handling of the multiple storylines. The Irishman is also notable for its use of digital de-aging technology, which allowed De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci to play their characters across several decades. The technology is not perfect, but it mostly works, and the actors' performances shine through. Overall, The Irishman is a powerful, emotional and haunting meditation on mortality, loyalty, and regret. Scorsese has created a masterful piece of cinema that stands alongside his other crime epics like Goodfellas and Casino. It's a must-see for fans of the genre and for anyone who loves great filmmaking.