Which mafia film is the best of all time?
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Did You Know?
These two films are considered by most critics and fans as the best mafia movies ever and two of the best overall films of all time. Two actors appear in both movies: Robert DeNiro (Godfather Part II) and Frank Sivero. While both depict life in the mob, they have very different styles. Goodfellas characters have little morals while The Godfather series focuses on the opulence and family/loyalty aspects of crime families.
These two films are considered by most critics and fans as the best mafia movies ever and two of the best overall films of all time. Two actors appear in both movies: Robert DeNiro (Godfather Part II) and Frank Sivero. While both depict life in the mob, they have very different styles. Goodfellas characters have little morals while The Godfather series focuses on the opulence and family/loyalty aspects of crime families.
Goodfellas
Goodfellas was released in 1990 and is based on the nonfiction book Wiseguy, which follows the life of Henry Hill, a man affiliated with the mob. It was directed by Martin Scorcese and stars Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesici, Ray Liotta, Paul Sorvino and Lorraine Bracco. It’s considered one of the greatest films made and one of the best gangster films ever, perhaps only behind The Godfather. It was a huge critical success and was well received by audience members, grossing $47 million at the box office. It has become a classic among fans, with many airings on television.
The plot follows the criminal life of Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta), starting in 1955 Brooklyn, where he starts working for mafia men, including Paulie Cicero (played by Paul Sorvino). Over the years, he becomes more entrenched in the crime family. He befriends other mob associates Jimmy (played by Robert DeNiro) and Tommy (played by Joe Pesci), and the film follows the three on a series of crime sprees and illegal activities. Henry develops a serious drug habit and has a drug dealing business, which goes against the wishes of Paulie. In order to save his life, he becomes an informant and enters witness protection.
The movie was nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Joe Pesci won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. It was named as best film of the year on many critics’ lists and is ranked #92 on AFI’s 100 Years 100 Movies list.
The plot follows the criminal life of Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta), starting in 1955 Brooklyn, where he starts working for mafia men, including Paulie Cicero (played by Paul Sorvino). Over the years, he becomes more entrenched in the crime family. He befriends other mob associates Jimmy (played by Robert DeNiro) and Tommy (played by Joe Pesci), and the film follows the three on a series of crime sprees and illegal activities. Henry develops a serious drug habit and has a drug dealing business, which goes against the wishes of Paulie. In order to save his life, he becomes an informant and enters witness protection.
The movie was nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Joe Pesci won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. It was named as best film of the year on many critics’ lists and is ranked #92 on AFI’s 100 Years 100 Movies list.
Godfather
The Godfather was released in 1972 and was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and co-written with Mario Puzo, based on his bestselling book of the same name. It’s considered one of the best films ever and innovated the gangster film genre. The movie has an all star cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton.
It tells the story of the Corleone mafia family with Brando playing the leading role. Al Pacino portrays his youngest son Michael, who grows into the position of mafia boss. Filming took place in the New York City area and Sicily, Italy.
It was the highest grossing film of 1972 and at one time was the highest grossing film ever with an estimated box office of almost $300 million. It was a critical and commercial success and launched the careers of many of its stars, in particular Brando, who saw his career revitalized, and Pacino. The film contains many famous lines, such as “sleeps with the fishes” and “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”. The Godfather received 11 Academy Award nominations, with three wins including Brando for Best Actor. He famously refused to accept his award based on his objections to the treatment of American Indians in Hollywood. Following the success of The Godfather, two sequels were released: The Godfather Part II in 1974 and The Godfather Part III in 1990. Part II is considered an influential and important film while Part III was met with less critical and commercial success.
It tells the story of the Corleone mafia family with Brando playing the leading role. Al Pacino portrays his youngest son Michael, who grows into the position of mafia boss. Filming took place in the New York City area and Sicily, Italy.
It was the highest grossing film of 1972 and at one time was the highest grossing film ever with an estimated box office of almost $300 million. It was a critical and commercial success and launched the careers of many of its stars, in particular Brando, who saw his career revitalized, and Pacino. The film contains many famous lines, such as “sleeps with the fishes” and “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”. The Godfather received 11 Academy Award nominations, with three wins including Brando for Best Actor. He famously refused to accept his award based on his objections to the treatment of American Indians in Hollywood. Following the success of The Godfather, two sequels were released: The Godfather Part II in 1974 and The Godfather Part III in 1990. Part II is considered an influential and important film while Part III was met with less critical and commercial success.
