The Irishman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Old guys use expensive CGI to look younger while they reminisce about killing people and eating ice cream, but mostly just argue about union politics.

🍿 The Irishman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Frank Sheeran’s Introduction to the Mob

The film opens with Frank Sheeran, an aging World War II veteran, reflecting on his life as a hitman. In the 1950s, Frank works as a truck driver and begins illegally selling goods from his shipments. This leads him to cross paths with ‘Skinny Razor,’ a local gangster. He’s quickly drawn into the criminal underworld after being accused of theft and is defended by Bill Bufalino, a union lawyer, setting him on a path toward organized crime.

Becoming a ‘House Painter’ for Russell Bufalino

Bill Bufalino introduces Frank to his cousin, Russell Bufalino, the head of a powerful Pennsylvania crime family. Frank’s wartime experience and willingness to commit violence impress Russell, leading him to recruit Frank as a hitman, euphemistically referred to as a ‘house painter.’ Frank rises through the ranks, carrying out increasingly dangerous assignments for Russell and the mob.

The Partnership with Jimmy Hoffa

Russell introduces Frank to Jimmy Hoffa, the charismatic and powerful head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Hoffa faces internal conflicts with rival Tony Provenzano and external pressures from the government. Frank becomes Hoffa’s trusted bodyguard and confidant, navigating the treacherous world of union politics and organized crime.

The Kennedy Era and Hoffa’s Downfall

The election of John F. Kennedy and the appointment of his brother Robert as Attorney General create further complications. Robert Kennedy launches a campaign against organized crime, targeting Hoffa and the Teamsters. Hoffa is eventually convicted of jury tampering and imprisoned, but continues to wield influence from behind bars, leading to further conflict and intrigue.

Hoffa’s Release and Power Struggle

After being released from prison, Hoffa seeks to regain control of the Teamsters, facing resistance from Frank Fitzsimmons, who has taken his place. His relationship with Tony Provenzano deteriorates further, creating a volatile situation. Hoffa’s actions and defiance of the mob’s interests create growing concern among the crime families.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro): A WWII veteran and truck driver who becomes a hitman for the Bufalino crime family and finds himself caught between loyalty and duty.
• Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino): The powerful and charismatic president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters with ties to organized crime, whose ambition and recklessness lead to his downfall.
• Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci): The quiet but influential head of the Northeastern Pennsylvania crime family, who mentors Frank and orchestrates events from behind the scenes.
• Angelo Bruno (Harvey Keitel): The boss of the Philadelphia crime family, who is one of Russell’s closest allies.
• Peggy Sheeran (Anna Paquin): Frank’s daughter who is initially close to Jimmy Hoffa, but becomes alienated from her father due to his criminal activities.
• Anthony ‘Tony Pro’ Provenzano (Stephen Graham): A Teamster leader with ties to the mob and a contentious relationship with Jimmy Hoffa, contributing to the conflicts within the union.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frank Sheeran: “I heard you paint houses.” – This is the first thing Russell Bufalino says to Frank, a code phrase referencing Frank’s profession as a hitman.
• Jimmy Hoffa: “It is what it is.” – Hoffa’s dismissive phrase, demonstrating his stubbornness and refusal to compromise, ultimately leading to his downfall.
• Russell Bufalino: “You might be demonstrating a failure to show appreciation.” – Russell’s calm but ominous warning, highlighting his power and the consequences of disrespect.
• Frank Sheeran: “I didn’t know what was coming. Or maybe, in my heart, I did.” – Frank’s understated narration, reflecting his growing awareness of the tragic events unfolding.
• Frank Sheeran: “He was a real friend.” – Frank says this to the priest, showing the complicated feelings he had for Jimmy Hoffa.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $159,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $8,077,835
• Worldwide Gross: $968,853

💥 The Irishman Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by ‘The Irishman.’ The performances were incredible, especially Joe Pesci – so subtle and menacing. The scene where De Niro has to… well, you know… with Hoffa? Gut-wrenching. I know it’s long, but the time just flew by. I walked away feeling like I’d just lived a lifetime.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Martin Scorsese films”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate historical fiction”
  • “Anyone who enjoys films with complex characters and moral ambiguity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence”
  • “Profanity”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• The New Yorker: “Scorsese’s ‘The Irishman’ is a sprawling, elegiac masterpiece that contemplates aging, regret, and the moral compromises of a life lived in the shadows. De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci deliver career-defining performances in this epic crime saga.
• Variety: “A masterful, if lengthy, exploration of power, loyalty, and the consequences of violence, ‘The Irishman’ showcases Scorsese’s unparalleled ability to craft immersive and morally complex gangster narratives, elevated by stellar performances from its legendary cast.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the de-aging technology may occasionally distract, ‘The Irishman’ is ultimately a compelling and thought-provoking reflection on mortality and the choices that define a life, anchored by the powerful chemistry between De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci.

Audience Reactions

Joe Pesci’s understated performance was a revelation!: The acting was superb, and everyone praised Pesci for his nuanced portrayal of a mob boss.

The ending was so poignant and haunting.: Many felt the movie captured the weight of regret and the loneliness of aging.

Overall Consensus: A generally acclaimed gangster epic with standout performances but criticized by some for its length and the CGI de-aging.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Ensemble)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 2004 non-fiction book ‘I Heard You Paint Houses’ by Charles Brandt.”
• “To make Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci appear younger, the production used cutting-edge de-aging visual effects technology, which significantly contributed to the film’s large budget.”
• “This marked the fourth collaboration between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, but only their first time having significant screen time together. They were previously in ‘The Godfather Part II’ and ‘Heat,’ but had limited scenes together.”
• “Joe Pesci came out of retirement to star in the film, after being repeatedly asked by De Niro and Scorsese. His performance earned him widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Irishman?

The Irishman is exclusively available on Netflix for streaming. There are currently no options to rent or purchase the film on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Irishman, you might like these similar films:

• Goodfellas (1990): A quintessential Scorsese gangster film with a similar narrative style and focus on the rise and fall of mobsters.
• Casino (1995): Another Scorsese crime epic exploring the themes of greed, power, and betrayal within organized crime.
• The Godfather: Part II (1974): Explores similar themes of power, betrayal, and the impact of organized crime on personal relationships across generations.
• American Hustle (2013): A modern crime drama with a sprawling narrative and a focus on the intersection of organized crime and politics in the 1970s.
• Donnie Brasco (1997): A crime drama exploring the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of organized crime on personal relationships, though told from a different perspective.

🛒 The Irishman Related Products

• The Irishman (Blu-ray): Own the epic on Blu-ray with stunning visuals and immersive audio. A must-have for any Scorsese fan’s collection.
• Funko Pop! Movies: The Irishman – Frank Sheeran: Add Frank Sheeran to your Funko Pop! collection. A stylized and adorable representation of the titular character.
• The Irishman: Screenplay: Dive deep into the script of ‘The Irishman’ and study the masterful storytelling and character development. A valuable resource for aspiring screenwriters and cinephiles.
• Teamsters Union T-Shirt: Show your allegiance (or ironic appreciation) with this vintage-style Teamsters Union T-shirt, a nod to the film’s central conflict.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Irishman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In the Still of the Night (I’ll Remember)” – performed by The Five Satins
• “A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation)” – performed by Marty Robbins
• “El Negro Zumbon” – performed by Flo Sandon’s

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ex-Mob Boss Rates 12 Mafia Movie Scenes | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered how realistic mafia movies are? This video has you covered! Former mob boss Michael Franzese rates the accuracy of famous mafia scenes, including those from The Irishman. Get an insider’s perspective on the authenticity of these cinematic portrayals.

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino Have an Epic Conversation | GQ

Two legends, one unforgettable conversation! Join Robert De Niro and Al Pacino as they chat about their illustrious careers, including their iconic roles in The Irishman.

How The Irishman’s Groundbreaking VFX Took Anti-Aging To the Next Level | Netflix

Prepare to be amazed by the magic of cinema! This video takes you behind the scenes of The Irishman, revealing the cutting-edge VFX that transformed Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci into their younger selves.

Pacino, De Niro & Pesci Discuss Their Acting Methods in Scorsese’s The Irishman | Netflix

Uncover the secrets of The Irishman’s captivating performances! Join legendary director Martin Scorsese and the iconic trio of Pacino, De Niro, and Pesci as they delve into their acting techniques and the nuances of their characters.

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