But, the true appreciation of the movie is only captured in repeat viewings. The first time thru... you cant catch all the subtle, yet important, character and plot developments.
Goodfellas has to be up there, and much easier to view the first time thru. But the movie dies out after they get into drugs.
I have always been a fan of A Bronx Tale. But I would not say its 'the best.' The Untouchables has to be up there.
By far the worst.. is that movie called "Mobsters" (IIRC) done around 1990 or 1991 with a bunch of young non-italian actors like Christian Slater.
Casino. It really establishes a sense of reality, immediacy and closeness--like it's happening almost in YOUR life, right now. None of the other "great" mafia movies have that quality to me.
I love the Godfather, and it would have to be considered the best of the genre, but I have a real soft spot in my heart for Miller's Crossing. Just love the way that whole movie comes together.
An honorable mention to Donnie Brasco, I don't know, it was like it shouldn't have been as good as it was.
My vote definitely goes to Goodfellas... not only because of the awesome amount of talent and energy that went into it, but because it is based on a true story. And that story was portrayed, with Henry Hill's blessing, warts and all.
I highly recommend the novel it is based on, Wise Guy by Nicholas Pileggi. In his words, it is the story of the day to day life of a working mobster. Lots of details that, due to time constraints, just could not make it into the movie.
I've gotta go with Goodfellas. Never before has there been such a direct, detailed and realistic depiction of mob life on film. Stunning in every regard.
The Godfather (and Part 2) is a great film, but it's really not so much about the Mafia as it is about a man's descent into evil and the price he and his family pays.
Godfather and Godfather Part II are great mafia films. I also definately agree with Shawn and George in that Casino is another great one. The Untouchables and Goodfellas are up there too.
Can't believe I forgot that one, Sean Penn, Ed Harris and Gary Oldman, great movie.
Since we've left the realm of pure Mafia movies (I mentioned Miller's Crossing and no one took issue with it) and have moved into gangster movies, I'll add:
The Long Good Friday The Krays Mona Lisa Ghost Dog (OK, it's a stretch, but so is my next choice) Bullets Over Broadway (one of the few Woody Allen movies I enjoy)
I don't mean to be picky, but is Goodfellas really about the Mafia? I thought a central point about the movie was that these guys couldn't be admitted to the inner circles of one of the families because they weren't pure Sicilians?
With that in mind, if it's a movie about the 'pure' mafia then it's got to be Godfather I and II equally. If it's about organised crime in general then Goodfellas by a narrow margin over The Godfather.
"I don't mean to be picky, but is Goodfellas really about the Mafia? I thought a central point about the movie was that these guys couldn't be admitted to the inner circles of one of the families because they weren't pure Sicilians?"
Well then that would make it about the mafia then right? Pesci's character was mafia-able...to be a made man.