The Irishman

The Irishman

Year: 1978

Runtime: 108 mins

Language: English

Director: Donald Crombie

RomanceDrama

Paddy Doolan stubbornly resists progress as the early twentieth‑century world shifts from horse‑drawn transport to motor cars. Determined to preserve his way of life, the proud Irishman remains the last draught‑horse teamster, continuing to haul timber through the forest by the old, familiar method despite the encroaching modernity.

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Timeline & Setting – The Irishman (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Irishman (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s to 1970s

The movie takes place over a span of two decades, beginning in the 1950s and extending into the mid-1970s. This period was marked by significant developments in American history, including the rise of organized crime, the power struggles within labor unions, and political scandals like the Hoffa disappearance. The setting reflects the Cold War era, with its social and political upheavals.

Location

Philadelphia, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Detroit

The movie is set across several key locations in the northeastern United States, primarily in Philadelphia where Sheeran begins his journey, and in Pennsylvania's northeastern region where the crime families operate. A significant part of the story unfolds in Detroit, the city where Hoffa's murder takes place. These locations are known for their historical ties to organized crime, labor unions, and industrial activity.

🌇 Urban 🧱 Industrial 🏙️ American East Coast

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Main Characters – The Irishman (1978)

Meet the key characters of The Irishman (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank Sheeran

A union truck driver turned hitman for the Mafia, Sheeran is portrayed as loyal but morally complex. He navigates the dangerous world of organized crime, balancing personal bonds with violent responsibilities. His character embodies themes of loyalty, regret, and the weight of past actions.

🪖 Veteran 🚚 Union Worker ⚖️ Moral Ambiguity

Russell Bufalino

The powerful and reserved head of the Northeastern Pennsylvania crime family, Bufalino exerts significant influence over mob affairs. He is strategic, calm, and prefers subtle control over violence, guiding Sheeran through the Mafia's complex hierarchy.

🧊 Calm 🕵️‍♂️ Strategist 🔒 Secretive

Jimmy Hoffa

A passionate and ambitious union leader, Hoffa seeks to consolidate power within the Teamsters union. His outspoken nature and defiance of authority make him a target for organized crime and government intervention, ultimately leading to his mysterious disappearance.

⚒️ Union Leader 🗣️ Charismatic ⚖️ Corrupt

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Major Themes – The Irishman (1978)

Explore the central themes of The Irishman (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Violence

Violence is a recurring theme in the film, depicted through contract killings and mob hits. The story explores how violence is used as a tool for power and control within organized crime. It underscores the brutal reality of mafia life and its impact on personal and familial relationships.

🤝 Loyalty

Loyalty plays a central role in the narrative, emphasizing the bonds between criminals, the union workers, and their families. The characters' decisions are often driven by a sense of allegiance, which can lead to betrayal and moral ambiguity. The film examines the costs of loyalty in a corrupt world.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

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Unlock the Full Story of The Irishman

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Irishman in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Irishman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Irishman Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Irishman, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Irishman Summary

The Irishman Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Irishman with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Irishman Timeline

The Irishman Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Irishman that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Irishman Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Irishman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Irishman: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Irishman