Goodfellas

In the early hours of a day in 1955, a young Henry Hill is introduced to the world of organized crime. Captivated by the lifestyle and allure, he is drawn into the circle of local caporegime Paulie Cicero and his associates, Jimmy and Tommy, marking the beginning of his descent into the criminal underworld.

Henry, Jimmy, and Tommy frequently indulge in nights filled with glamour at the Copacabana nightclub. These outings serve not only as a social engagement but also as a way for Henry to solidify his relationship with the mob, where camaraderie and celebration often mask their criminal activities.

Amidst his chaotic lifestyle, Henry encounters Karen Friedman, a Jewish woman who initially hesitates to embrace his criminal ways. However, their connection grows, and she becomes enamored with the flashy lifestyle Henry offers, leading to their eventual marriage.

In 1970, the arrival of Billy Batts, a made man from the Gambino family, sends shockwaves through Henry's life. A disrespectful encounter in a nightclub escalates into a brutal murder, carried out by Tommy and Jimmy, highlighting the violent costs of their lifestyle.

By 1974, Karen's jealousy peaks when she discovers Henry’s affair with Janice. This confrontation forces Henry to confront the turmoil in his relationships, offering a moment of self-reflection amidst his entanglements with love and betrayal.

Upon his parole four years later, Henry becomes increasingly reckless, choosing to dabble in the cocaine trade against Paulie's warnings. This decision aligns him again with Jimmy and Tommy, setting the stage for high-stakes risks.

Henry, along with Jimmy and Tommy, orchestrates a massive heist at John F. Kennedy International Airport, netting them six million dollars in cash and jewelry. Their subsequent spending spree signifies both their success and the onset of their impending downfall.

In 1979, Tommy is tragically killed by former allies, believing he was about to be initiated as a made man. This shocking betrayal leaves Henry rattled and pondering the ever-looming dangers within their violent lifestyle.

By early 1980, Henry finds himself grappling with addiction, turning him into a shadow of his former self. A failed drug deal in Pittsburgh leads to his imprisonment, pulling him deeper into his tumultuous life of crime.

After Henry's release, Karen faces a difficult situation when she disposes of $60,000 worth of cocaine to evade FBI detection. This act of desperation not only strains their finances but also their relationship, culminating in Paulie severing ties with Henry.

Henry meets Jimmy at a diner, where he is presented with a nerve-wracking proposal for a high-stakes hit. His growing suspicions about being set up add to his anxiety, leading him to consider a life-altering decision.

Faced with increasing danger, Henry decides to turn informant, agreeing to enter the witness protection program. This pivotal choice represents a dramatic shift from his life of crime, as he seeks to protect his family from the very world he once embraced.

Henry's testimony proves vital in securing convictions for Paulie and Jimmy, who had once been his closest allies. With his cooperation, he and his family disappear into anonymity, leaving their old life behind.

Adjusting to a mundane life post-testimony, Henry mourns the loss of his exciting past as a gangster. The vibrant memories of thrills, crime, and camaraderie fade, leaving him permanently altered and longing for the life he once lived.

With his former life of crime behind him, Henry is left with the title of an average 'schnook.' The contrast between his past and present becomes painfully clear, as he grapples with the realities of an unremarkable life.