Movie Watch Diary #3: The Irishman – A Long, Legendary Mob Epic with Lasting Impact
Welcome back to my Movie Watch Diary on Bookimov: Books & Movies! For my third entry, I tackled The Irishman (2019), Martin Scorsese’s sprawling gangster epic that’s been on my watchlist forever. Known for its length (a hefty 3.5 hours!) and its all-star cast, this movie lived up to the hype, especially in its gripping second half. I’m giving it a solid 8/10 for its powerful storytelling and unforgettable performances, despite a few quirks. Let’s dive into why this film left such a lasting impression—and I need your movie suggestions for my next diary!
The Irishman - A Slow Burn Worth the Time
The Irishman isn’t a movie you watch in one go—unless you’re hooked like I was by the second half. I spread it out over a few days, squeezing in time whenever I could, but the back half had me glued to the screen in one marathon sitting. Scorsese brings together three cinema legends—Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci—and their performances alone make this worth watching. De Niro plays Frank Sheeran, a real-life mafia hitman known as “The Irishman,” while Pesci is the quiet but deadly Russell Bufalino, and Pacino is the fiery Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa. Just seeing these icons share the screen is a treat.
The film is based on the 2004 book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt, a former prosecutor who chronicled Sheeran’s confessions about his life in the mob. The title comes from a chilling mob code for killing—Hoffa’s first words to Sheeran were, “I heard you paint houses,” referring to the blood splattered from a hit. The movie weaves a story rooted in real events, following Sheeran’s rise in the Bufalino crime family, his close ties with Hoffa, and his role in some of the mob’s darkest deeds, including Hoffa’s mysterious 1975 disappearance.
A True Story—Or Is It?
The Irishman feels authentic, with captions introducing real mob figures and detailing how they died—some violently, others quietly in their beds. These touches ground the story in reality, making you feel like you’re peering into the mafia’s secret world. However, the film has sparked debate. Sheeran claimed he killed both Hoffa and “Crazy Joe” Gallo, a mobster gunned down in 1972, but some experts dispute this. For instance, Gallo’s killer was reportedly shorter than the 6’4” Sheeran, and others, like Joseph Luparelli, confessed to the crime. Hoffa’s death remains an unsolved mystery, with skeptics like journalist Bill Tonelli arguing Sheeran’s confessions don’t fully add up. Still, Brandt and others, including forensic experts, back Sheeran’s account, citing corroborating evidence. Whether every detail is true or not, Scorsese crafts a compelling narrative that feels real and leaves a lasting impact.
What’s the Movie About?
At its core, The Irishman is a decades-spanning tale of loyalty, betrayal, and regret. It follows Frank Sheeran from his days as a WWII veteran and truck driver to his ascent as a trusted hitman for the Bufalino crime family. Under Russell Bufalino’s mentorship, Frank becomes entangled with Jimmy Hoffa, whose Teamsters union is a hotbed of corruption and mob influence. The film explores Frank’s conflicted loyalties as tensions rise between Hoffa and the mob, culminating in a fateful decision that haunts him into old age. Beyond the violence, it’s a meditation on the cost of a life in crime—lost relationships, moral decay, and the weight of time. Scorsese uses captions to punctuate the fates of mobsters, reminding us that even the most powerful meet grim or mundane ends.
Standout Moments and Mobster Life
The film’s attention to mob life is riveting. Scorsese shows the inner workings of the mafia—rivalries, deals, and betrayals—with a gritty realism. The captions noting how each mobster died (shot in a bar, died in prison, or even peacefully) add a haunting layer, making you reflect on their fleeting power. I loved how the movie humanizes these criminals, especially through Frank’s family. Despite being a cold-blooded killer, Frank is a father, and his daughter Peggy (Anna Paquin) grows distant, sensing his true nature. These family dynamics add depth, showing the personal toll of his choices.
The “painting houses” phrase is another chilling highlight. It’s mob slang for killing, with the “paint” being the blood left behind. When Hoffa says it to Frank, it’s a subtle but electric moment, signaling Frank’s entry into a dark world. The phrase, though questioned by some as undocumented mob lingo, adds poetic weight to the story.
My One Critique: The De-Aging Dilemma
My only gripe is the de-aging technology used to make De Niro, Pesci, and Pacino look younger in flashbacks. While the VFX is impressive, it doesn’t always convince—older actors moving like seniors in younger skin felt off. Casting younger actors might’ve been smoother, as some scenes looked unnatural. Still, this didn’t ruin the experience; the performances were too strong to care for long.
A Story That Sticks
The Irishman is more than a gangster flick—it’s a profound look at a life shaped by crime. Scorsese explores themes of loyalty, guilt, and the passage of time, with the final act hitting especially hard as Frank grapples with his legacy. The mix of real history, disputed confessions, and stellar acting makes it unforgettable. I give it an 8/10 and would rewatch to dig deeper into its layers. If you love mob stories or epic dramas, this is a must-see.
What did you think of The Irishman? Did the length scare you off, or did you love the slow-burn epic? Share your thoughts below! Also, I’m looking for my next Movie Watch Diary pick. Got a movie you think I should watch? Drop your suggestion in the comments, and it might star in my next post on Bookimov: Books & Movies. See you next time!
See also: Movie Watch Diary #2: Sisu – A Wild, Bloody Ride of Justice
