"Three decades of life in the mafia."
GoodFellas - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.
— Henry Hill
Context:
This is the first line of the film, delivered by Henry in a voiceover as he looks back on his life, establishing his worldview and the foundation for all the events that follow.
Meaning:
This opening line perfectly encapsulates Henry's lifelong ambition and sets the entire narrative in motion. It establishes the film's central theme: the seductive allure of the criminal underworld from the perspective of someone who sees it not as evil, but as the ultimate aspiration.
Funny how? I mean, funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you?
— Tommy DeVito
Context:
During a gathering at the Bamboo Lounge, Henry tells Tommy he's a funny guy. Tommy takes mock offense, aggressively questioning Henry and making everyone at the table intensely uncomfortable before revealing he was just kidding. The scene was based on a real-life experience of actor Joe Pesci.
Meaning:
This quote is the centerpiece of one of the film's most iconic and tense scenes. It perfectly demonstrates Tommy's terrifying volatility and his ability to turn a casual compliment into a life-or-death confrontation. The scene masterfully builds suspense and reveals the constant danger of being around someone so unpredictable, where a single wrong word can lead to violence.
Never rat on your friends, and always keep your mouth shut.
— Jimmy Conway
Context:
Jimmy says this to a young Henry after Henry is arrested for the first time and refuses to talk to the police. It's a moment of mentorship that instills the core values of the mob in Henry from a young age.
Meaning:
This line, spoken by Jimmy to a young Henry, establishes the two most important rules of the mob's code of conduct. It represents the supposed bedrock of their world: absolute loyalty. The quote becomes deeply ironic by the end of the film, as Henry breaks this sacred rule to save himself from Jimmy, who in turn was planning to kill him, showing the ultimate hypocrisy of their code.
I got to admit the truth. It turned me on.
— Karen Hill
Context:
Karen delivers this line in a voiceover, reflecting on her feelings after Henry violently assaulted a man who had been harassing her. It's the moment she becomes fully immersed and complicit in his lifestyle.
Meaning:
This quote marks Karen's transformation from an outsider to an accomplice. After Henry brutally beats her neighbor and gives her the gun to hide, her fear is replaced by excitement. It's a crucial moment that illustrates the seductive nature of power and violence in the film, showing how even a seemingly ordinary person can be drawn into this dark world.
Now go home and get your fuckin' shinebox.
— Billy Batts
Context:
Made man Billy Batts says this to Tommy at a bar, teasing him about his humble beginnings. The insult infuriates Tommy, who, along with Jimmy, later brutally beats and kills Batts.
Meaning:
This seemingly innocuous insult is the catalyst for extreme violence and a major turning point in the plot. Batts' condescending remark about Tommy's past as a shoeshine boy deeply wounds Tommy's fragile ego, triggering a rage that leads to Batts' murder. This single line sets in motion the events that will ultimately lead to Tommy's own death, demonstrating how in their world, matters of pride and respect are deadly serious.