Illustrating the story of a culture that, on the surface, is polished with sophistication of ethnic pride in its: cuisine, music, community through family, religious practices, luxury of shiny jewels and fancy cars, the world of the Italian mafia is convoluted in its foundation of corruption.
Masterful manipulation of loyalty and what is owed to those in power, is the engine of control and overall drive of the plot in The Irishman. Once each character is pulled into the microcosm of money, women, doing “favors”, and appeal that these elements yield, it is usually too late to back out or see the dooming future to be.
Sure, most films about this underground culture of crime have been done before (some better than others), however, this is an exemplar of the genre that feels believable. As a viewer, given the length of its run time, its bleeding heart of a storyline is with you like the dedication it takes turning each page of a book. Many characters feel like someone you know and understand, pity in their missteps, and when it concludes, you’re left dreaming of the world it created in your mind.
Perfection is an illusion, though, The Irishman has graced the ground that is closest to it.
8.1
Through the Looking Glass 