The disappearance of union boss Jimmy Hoffa, who vanished
without a trace in 1975, has never been solved. But that doesn't deter director
Martin Scorsese from solving the mystery in this epic historical drama, based
on the life of union official and erstwhile gangster Frank Sheeran (Robert De
Niro). Crime boss Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) initiates Sheeran into the seedy
mob underworld and introduces him to the charismatic Hoffa (Al Pacino). More of
a detailed character study than a relentless shoot-'em-up (the body count is
still high, but the camera does not linger long on the victims), the film is
problematic for viewers of faith in its presentation of three very bad men
devoid of conscience and possessing zero remorse for their evil actions, as
well as a theologically incorrect, confusing episode with a Catholic priest
(Jonathan Morris) on the nature of forgiveness and absolution.
Watch out for: Themes
requiring mature discernment, occasional bloody violence, implied adultery,
pervasive profane and crude language.
Rated: L, limited adult
audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling;
MPAA: R
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2020