The Irishman

I have always been a huge fan of Martin Scorsese's work. I heard him speak at Tribeca Film Festival on the topic of music in film and it was wonderful. I went into The Irishman as a huge fan and I was not disappointed. Yes, there was an under-use of women. Yes, there was a  lot of De Niro, Yes, there was a lot of Pacino. Yes, Joe Pesci knocked it out of the park. Yes, the period was captured perfectly. Yes, it was brutal. Yes, I jumped every time someone got shot. Yes, this was adapted from a story that may not be totally accurate. Still, I saw it in a theater and thoroughly enjoyed it.

12 Years a Slave

Slavery is an ugly piece of American history. In 12 Years a Slave we see the story of a man, legally free, living in the north, trafficked into slavery. The 12 year journey to freedom is devastating. This film does not look away from the brutalities suffered at the hands of those who regarded slaves as less than human. It brings you up close and makes you watch. Long takes, a dramatic score and outstanding performances bring this film into the audience's head and hearts. It will stay with you. This film is a must-see.