The Irishman (2019): Full Movie Recap, Iconic Quotes & Hidden Facts

“The Irishman” (2019), directed by Martin Scorsese, is an epic crime film that delves into the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman who worked for the Bufalino crime family. The film is based on Charles Brandt’s book “I Heard You Paint Houses,” which is a reference to the euphemistic phrase for contract killing. The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks as an elderly Frank Sheeran, played magnificently by Robert De Niro, recounts his life’s work and involvement with notorious figures like Jimmy Hoffa. The film spans several decades, meticulously reconstructing post-war America and the underworld dealings that defined the era. Scorsese uses a combination of de-aging technology and period-appropriate set designs to transport audiences back into the mid-20th century, making the passage of time a central theme in the storytelling.

The film’s plot intricately weaves through the intersections of organized crime and American politics, focusing particularly on Sheeran’s relationships with mob boss Russell Bufalino, played by Joe Pesci, and the influential labor leader Jimmy Hoffa, portrayed by Al Pacino. As Sheeran becomes more deeply enmeshed in the criminal underworld, his loyalty is tested in profound ways. The narrative is driven by Sheeran’s internal conflicts and his struggle with the moral implications of his actions. Hoffa, who is portrayed as both charismatic and volatile, becomes a central figure in Sheeran’s life, leading to a dramatic exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the costs of power.

Scorsese’s direction and the performances by the cast received widespread acclaim for their depth and complexity. The film serves as a meditation on aging, mortality, and the passage of time, themes underscored by its extensive use of flashbacks and the reflective narration by Sheeran. The narrative structure allows the audience to witness the transformation of its characters over several decades, emphasizing the consequences of their choices and the inevitable decline that comes with age. The Irishman is as much a crime saga as it is a poignant reflection on the human condition, with Scorsese employing his trademark style to highlight the moral ambiguities and personal dilemmas faced by those involved in organized crime.

“The Irishman” also stands out for its technical achievements, particularly in the use of digital de-aging technology to allow actors like De Niro, Pesci, and Pacino to portray their characters across different stages of their lives. This innovation sparked discussions about the future of filmmaking and the boundaries of technology in storytelling. Despite its lengthy runtime, the film’s deliberate pacing and attention to detail create an immersive experience that invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of loyalty, identity, and the legacy one leaves behind. With “The Irishman,” Scorsese not only crafts a compelling narrative but also delivers a profound commentary on the cycles of violence and the inescapable march of time.

Best Dialogues and Quotes from The Irishman (2019)

“It’s what it is.”

This phrase is a resigned acceptance of circumstances, reflecting a life philosophy of acknowledging reality without resistance or complaint. It suggests a stoic approach to life’s inevitabilities.

“I heard you paint houses.”

This seemingly innocuous statement is loaded with subtext, referring to the violent acts Frank is known for. It underscores the notion that communication often involves reading between the lines, a life lesson in understanding unspoken truths.

“Three people can keep a secret only when two of them are dead.”

This darkly humorous quote highlights the dangers of trust and secrecy, a reminder that human nature often complicates relationships and that true confidentiality is rare.

“You don’t know how fast time goes by until you get there.”

Reflecting on the passage of time, this quote emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the moment. It’s a reminder to appreciate every stage of life before it’s too late.

“I chose us over him.”

This line highlights the complexity of loyalty and the difficult choices people make between personal relationships and professional alliances, illustrating the intricate balance between personal and public life.

“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”

This poetic sentiment speaks to the interconnectedness of life experiences, suggesting that life is a series of events that ultimately lead to a singular, unified experience.

“When you’re young, you’re invincible. Life teaches you otherwise.”

This quote reflects the transition from youthful arrogance to the wisdom gained through life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of humility and learning from experiences.

“It’s like the army. You followed orders, you did the right thing.”

Highlighting the theme of duty and obedience, this quote mirrors the conflict between personal morality and professional obligation, a common struggle in life.

“You can be a good man, or you can have power. But you can’t be both.”

This suggests the often incompatible nature of morality and authority, challenging the notion of ethical leadership and prompting reflection on the sacrifices made for power.

“The only time you should worry is when they stop talking about you.”

This reflects the idea that being the subject of conversation, whether positive or negative, indicates relevance. It’s a commentary on the nature of fame and attention in society.

“Everybody’s gonna die. Nobody’s keeping track of you.”

This existential view underscores the inevitability of death and the often-overestimated importance of individual actions, encouraging a focus on what truly matters in life.

“It’s hard to know what to say when you outlive your time.”

This reflects the disorientation and isolation felt in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the need for adaptability and acceptance of life’s impermanence.

“You win some, you lose some. But you live, you learn.”

This quote encapsulates the essence of resilience and personal growth, highlighting the value of both success and failure as teachers in life’s journey.

“This is the price you pay for the life you choose.”

This statement acknowledges the consequences of one’s decisions, emphasizing personal responsibility and the inescapable link between choices and their outcomes.

“It’s what it always is. Money.”

This cynical view points to the pervasive influence of money in human affairs, suggesting that financial motivations often drive decisions, overshadowing other values.

“You give me a ring if anything turns up.”

An informal request for communication, it underscores the importance of staying connected and informed, reflecting the value of relationships and networks.

“You don’t need to understand. You need to listen.”

This highlights the importance of active listening over immediate comprehension, advocating for patience and openness in communication and learning.

“You know, we all wanna go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.”

A humorous take on human nature, this quote reflects the contradiction between desires for reward and aversion to the necessary sacrifices, a common theme in life.

“You might be demonstrating a failure to show appreciation.”

This underscores the significance of gratitude and recognition in relationships, emphasizing how acknowledgment can strengthen bonds and improve interactions.

“All I ever wanted was for them to ask me to do the right thing.”

This expresses a desire for moral guidance and societal approval, reflecting the human need for validation and the struggle to balance personal ethics with external expectations.

Interesting Facts about The Irishman (2019)

The Film’s Length

“The Irishman” has a runtime of 209 minutes, making it one of Martin Scorsese’s longest films.

Digital De-Aging Technology

The movie utilized groundbreaking digital de-aging technology to make actors like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci appear decades younger.

Massive Production Timeline

Martin Scorsese spent over a decade trying to bring “The Irishman” to the screen, with the project first being announced in 2008.

Reunion of Legends

This film marked the first time Al Pacino and Martin Scorsese worked together, despite both being iconic figures in cinema for decades.

Based on a True Story

“The Irishman” is based on the book “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt, which tells the real-life story of Frank Sheeran, a hitman involved with mobster Jimmy Hoffa.

Budget Constraints

The film’s budget ballooned to around $159 million, largely due to the costs associated with the digital de-aging process.

Joe Pesci’s Reluctance

Joe Pesci was reportedly asked to play his role over 50 times before he finally agreed to star in the film.

Extensive Use of CGI

A significant portion of the film’s post-production involved CGI, not just for de-aging but also for creating period-accurate settings.

Oscar Nominations

“The Irishman” received 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, though it did not win any.

Netflix’s Role

Netflix stepped in to finance the film after traditional studios were hesitant due to its high budget, making it one of the most expensive films for the streaming service.

Real-Life Inspirations

The character of Frank Sheeran, played by De Niro, is based on a real-life mobster who claimed to have been involved in dozens of hits.

Extensive Filming Locations

The movie was filmed across more than 117 locations, capturing the essence of multiple decades throughout the story.

Scorsese’s Trademark

Martin Scorsese’s daughter, Francesca, makes a cameo in the film, continuing the director’s tradition of including family members in his projects.