Goodfellas: The Story, the Heist, and the Legacy of Martin Scorsese's Mob Classic

Goodfellas is about crime, and how far some might go to achieve those wild aspirations. It's a movie with a great story but what makes it such an incredible film is that the movie's plot is inspired by a true story, based on the 1985 book called "Wiseguy", which was written by Nicolas Pileggi. What was truly impressive was the amazing group of talent working together on Goodfellas.

The Goodfellas Story:

You get to meet Henry Hill, who is played by Ray Liotta, in this story he was a small-time crook trying to work his way up in the mob.

Henry Hill goes through many interesting moments! While on this incredible journey to make his dreams come true, it takes a turn that brings a real gangster to his life.

Henry Hill eventually is asked to work with Paul Cicero, the mob boss, who has Paul Sorvino in this role.

Henry Hill eventually takes that long and impressive, though perilous, step and joins the mob but this doesn't mean he's going to live happily ever after! The gangster story, the heart of Goodfellas is full of the amazing but deadly encounters between Henry Hill and those he works with.

You can't ignore his incredible connection with the unforgettable, and very volatile gangster "Jimmy The Gent" Conway (a memorable Robert De Niro).
They end up becoming great pals. And a force in the city!
"Goodfellas" also gives us one of the more notorious characters Tommy DeVito played by Joe Pesci

What's cool about "Goodfellas" is that Henry Hill, eventually becomes a husband to Karen Friedman, and it appears that, just like the world of crime, love is complicated.

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The Lufthansa Heist

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The movie dives into the world of gangster movies but there was one big turning point that really makes Goodfellas an epic piece of entertainment. Henry Hill becomes even more well known, but it doesn't come without some serious costs, all related to the 1978 Lufthansa Heist. That was a massive hit that really shocked the whole nation at the time and now, through the cinematic experience of Goodfellas, it lives again!

We're about to look at how everything unravels but what makes Goodfellas such an interesting movie? It all leads to Henry Hill going on a major change and having to choose a whole new way of life, where he turns on the people he was close with.

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Paulie's Business Philosophy:

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The way this whole plot unravels for Henry Hill, the heart of the story is how Paulie's (the leader of the "family" in the movie) actions make this compelling to audiences.

Paulie's philosophy in this case is super interesting. He keeps his crew, from falling into drug deals. If he didn't keep them away from drugs, then he knew his team was more likely to become ratted out by the authorities.
If there was no loyalty from within Paulie, the big boss, was looking to ensure that they were secure and also protected.
That made "Goodfellas" a more thrilling story as he used public phones and took extra steps to make sure those under his command were safe! They needed to be very private as well and his philosophy extended to all levels, ensuring Paulie was protected too!
You will even see just how this impacts Henry Hill

Even though Henry Hill knows this! It seems there's an issue when he and his close friend end up in jail. They end up dealing drugs, creating a problem that he just couldn't leave! He took things too far when his boss learned of what Henry Hill was up to! Paulie wanted nothing to do with this dangerous business anymore and cut ties. The big boss felt betrayed because Hill brought in Tommy DeVito and Jimmy Conway, as he couldn't ignore this dangerous game anymore!

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Why Henry Became An FBI Informant:

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Henry Hill went from being part of a family, but got separated and ended up fearing the mob. As his fears became a real and tangible problem, the big decision had to be made! If he was going to survive, he needed a solution. He met with Jimmy Conway at "a diner." It seemed like an incredible moment. The big turn is Jimmy tried to lure Henry into a trap!

Jimmy asked Henry to do something he wasn't willing to, which would end his life. And so, the move to work with the FBI came in as a solution to stay safe and get protection, but not without his world falling apart!

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Was Jimmy Conway Going To Kill Karen Hill?

The movie "Goodfellas" gave us so much more to look at! "Goodfellas" gives us these heart-wrenching moments with Henry, where you really get a sense of what a complicated world crime really is!

Karen was seeking help from Jimmy Conway!
But he gave her a proposal. She didn't quite know the consequences!

You know Jimmy Conway has secrets and as we come to learn. It really was a move to make Karen Hill disappear. She took a fast escape! What she ended up doing was sharing her ordeal. The message that was communicated gave Henry Hill all the motivation he needed.

It appears Jimmy, was up to no good! And that Karen Hill was his target, because he'd been dealing drugs too! Jimmy kept his role in Paulie's crew but this wasn't a part of their agreement!

Why Was Tommy DeVito Killed?

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If there was ever a scene to be a moment you would talk about from "Goodfellas," it is this: Tommy DeVito's, death!

He was Italian.
"Made Men", for gangsters, were the heart of the mafia, they're the most well-respected! This meant "Made Men", could become much bigger parts of the mob. In the case of Goodfellas. it meant "Jimmy and "Henry" would gain a lot.
"Tommy DeVito" didn't have the best reputation!
Tommy DeVito is an impulsive, volatile character, in the series!

That leads us to another turning point: "Tommy" makes "a decision,", which was incredibly dangerous!

He makes this rash, uncalculated decision to kill a made man.
"Tommy DeVito" and his close allies were able to get rid of his victim but word got back to the Gambino Family and in an act of retribution "Tommy" is executed.
What's interesting about Goodfellas is it never reveals who's really responsible.

The End of The Film:

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For any movie fan or crime lover, Goodfellas will leave a lasting impression. The series gives viewers a haunting and incredible ending as "Tommy DeVito" re-appears for the final moment of the show! His iconic appearance and the choice to recreate something iconic, Scorsese is making Goodfellas as iconic and powerful as a film that can stand up to other films of its era, as this truly made a lasting mark on movie fans. This last moment of this scene in Goodfellas gives viewers one more insight, with a reference to the movie The Great Train Robbery. This was the first time someone would show their true sense of danger in a movie (this was 1903)! The real world doesn't have these elements in every story! The series doesn't disappoint!

But Goodfellas continues with its captivating twists that makes for an incredible experience. Scorsese even went into great detail, bringing back the truth.

Henry Hill went on to live for a long period and made his impact on this incredible era of crime, where his personal and family life was drastically affected.
Jimmy Burke got his own sentence for his crime. "Jimmy Burke" passed away due to complications.
Paulie ended his career as an established leader but he couldn't escape these mob events.

It is so easy to see why this has become an essential, powerful, film for fans everywhere! If you haven't had the chance to catch it on the big screen. If you haven't watched Goodfellas yet! What will stand out most? That a life of crime really will catch up to you and may just leave an impact! What really made it a cult favorite?

It's a film that takes place in the past, but the details of this story, it still is relevant and has its time and its message will likely linger with audiences for years.