Movie Review: The Wolf of Wall Street

What it’s about: Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.

Genre: Biography, Comedy, Crime

Rating: 18

Director: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Jon Bernthal

Review: If anyone hasn’t seen The Wolf of Wall Street yet I strongly recommend you do. It is one of the most exciting, thrilling and entertaining films I’ve ever seen and without a shadow of a doubt, Leo’s best work yet. The Wolf of Wall Street is a true story about Jordan Belfort, depraved financier who works his way up to the very top of the stockbroking world and gets nicknamed Wolfie due to his amazing abilities to manipulate the stock market. He starts off seemingly harmless, just trying to get a good job and make a living for himself but due to his rise to power, he gets involved in drugs, prostitutes, crime and corruption and ultimately ends up in prison. This films is as close to the true story as it gets and it is quite simply a cinematic masterpiece.

Leonardo Dicaprio is one of the best actors of our time. In my opinion, he excels at every role he plays but he well and truly out done himself in this. The stage was his and he damn well made sure everyone knew and from the very first scene, he had you (like everyone he met) eating out the palm of his hand. He is mesmerising and although Jordan was an arrogant, disgusting bastard, Leo played the highs and lows of this man’s career and personal life with such ease and managed to capture every emotion. It’s not usually you get to see Leo pretty much naked (not complaining though), having graphic sex and doing drugs on-screen but it really does show how much of a versatile actor he has become. Co-star, Jonah Hill was amazing in this too. I’m so used to seeing him in cliché comedies such as Superbad and This is the End (just because they’re cliché, doesn’t mean they’re not good – I very much enjoyed both of those films) but this was a completely different direction for him but he played the role of Donnie, Jordan’s friend and co-worker phenomenally and I really hope he continues to push the boundaries with his career because I think people over-look how talented an actor he is. Jonah Hill and Leonardo Dicaprio make a unlikely but incredibly entertaining pair. The entire cast of this film was fantastic – Naomi, Jordan’s second wife (played by Margot Robbie) was absolutely stunning – both physically and her performance and there was a few familiar faces such as Matthew McConaughey, Joanna Lumley (who I adore and was simply breath-taking, as usual) and Jon Bernthal (aka. Shane from The Walking Dead).

As well as have a spot on cast this film was actually very funny, almost without meaning to be. There’s no forced jokes, it’s all just very witty and natural humour and that’s what makes this film so effortless. The only slight downside to this film which you should definitely keep in mind when you go and see it is that it’s 1 minute short of 3 hours long. Which is fine for hard-core Leo fans but not so much if you’re a fidget who gets leg cramp sitting in the same position for hours. Also please bare in mind that there is a lot of swearing (The F word was used 506 times in this film), a lot of drug use and nudity and is generally, absolutely filthy. I’m not saying it’s a criticism because the film wouldn’t have been genuine without it, but just be aware of it in case you or anyone you know is easily offended by such things – it’s definitely not for prudes! I personally don’t have a single bad thing to say about this film. As a huge Leonardo Dicaprio fan, I was completely drawn into his outstanding performance and I believe that is what made this film as successful as it is and I don’t think anyone else could have pulled it off better. With an amazing cast and a screenplay that will make you feel as high as the guys in the film, if you’re only going to watch one film this year – make it this one.