Get Gotti

This is an extremely comprehensive three-episode series on Netflix about the takedown and multiple investigations on known mafioso John Gotti of the Gambino Crime Family, NYC, USA.

There's plenty of testimonies from ex-members of the Gambino Crime Family to the law enforcement officers and judges and witnesses in taking him down.

Extraordinary accounts on an extraordinary man. Gotti sought fame and power and the ruthless rise to the top of the Gambino syndicate in whatever way possible in order to elevate his status as a legend amongst the five families.

He succeeded but in doing so it became his downfall. The strong arm of the law came in hard and it was brutal.

Bugged devices in his special operation bar and video footage of him and his gang members meeting casually on strolls around his protected areas.

There was FBI involvement and the surveillance was hot. Unfortunately due to the limitations of bugging technology in the 1980's it was difficult to accurately record conversations in the Gotti stronghold bar.

They tried multiple times and eventually got better. Historical footage and reenacting of this period is very well montaged by the filmmakers.

Dialogue is extremely strong in the documentary with the quirks from both law enforcement and the Gangsters on display. A unique insight into both operations and how they got their man.

It's a great American story and worthy viewing for any aspiring criminal as it shows that really crime does not pay. It's a vicious circle and you usually end up dead or in jail or on witness protection. The lucky ones get to do a bit of time and eventually walk free; often consulting the FBI/police on their specialist subject as part of a plea deal.

It's a great documentary and extremely well articulated. I've read the Real Godfathers' book and it's a very similar tone with the dialogue and how the mafioso acted.

This show should be used for the studies of young professional agents to understand the inner detail of the mob mindset. It's very accurate and very professionally done and highly-engaging. Excellent job. 8/10.

Well made and perfectly watchable but little more than an overview of the main events and certainly doesn't contain anything that hasn't been covered before in multiple docs and books before, often with a lot more info and context. In particular no mention of the fact there was at least one credible mob attempt to kill him after the Castellano hit, nothing about his son being run over and killed in 1980 (and the subsequent 'disappearance' of the driver), and nothing about perhaps the most absurd/arrogant murder attributed to him and caught on the ravenite tapes; having an underling 'whacked' for missing a couple of meetings!!

Netflix's Get Gotti (2023) is a slickly produced docuseries that dives into the rise and fall of John Gotti, the Teflon Don with a flair for the dramatic. Equal parts history lesson and crime thriller, it walks the fine line between admiration and indictment, showing how Gotti's larger-than-life personality made him both a media darling and a federal headache.

The pacing is sharp, the interviews are juicy, and the archival footage reminds us why Gotti was the gangster who wouldn't quit-until he did. It's got all the mob lore, courtroom drama, and wiretap paranoia you'd expect, wrapped in a binge-worthy package.

Is it groundbreaking? Not exactly. But it's a polished, engaging watch that understands its subject's mythos. If you like your true crime with a dash of old-school swagger and a pinch of federal persistence, Get Gotti is a hit worth taking.

Paul Castellano, the infamous head of The Gambino family is killed, waiting in the wings is his protégé John Gotti, who's keen to climb to the top, and keen for a celebrity status.

This really is a no holds barred look at the incredible story of John Gotti, from his rise, his celebrity, becoming the Teflon Don, and his eventual demise.

It's a fascinating watch, there are some incredible interviews, jaw dropping insights, and several moments where you'll almost struggle to believe what you are watching.

I'm glad Netflix decided to make it a three part series, and no longer, it never feels over long or dull, it's very punchy.

What struck me most was the lack of cooperation between the various strands of The Authorities, it seemed they each wanted the glory, surely he'd have been convicted a lot sooner had they worked together.

8/10.

This documentary series boasts a compelling atmosphere reminiscent of Netflix's acclaimed true crime productions. Its greay quality and seamless transitions, coupled with cut scenes capturing the nostalgia of 1980s New York, contribute to its visual appeal.

However, the disappointment lies in the absence of any groundbreaking revelations or fresh insights. As a dedicated enthusiast of mob-related cinema and documentaries, my anticipation for novel perspectives was unmet. I know the gotti story well. Very well, but the absence of even one shred of new content was profoundly disheartening.

Regrettably, this series merely comprises federal agents recounting their experiences of planting surveillance devices in buildings, lacking the depth necessary to delve into Gotti's story.

For those well-versed in titles like "Fear City" or the HBO production on Gotti (which I highly recommend), this documentary does not offer much beyond its polished aesthetics and period-specific charm.