Based directly on the real Henry Hill, whose life story forms the basis of the film. His rise, crimes, drug dealing, and entry into witness protection are accurately portrayed.

Based on James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke. The film accurately captures his charm, intelligence, paranoia, and role in the Lufthansa heist and subsequent murders. Name changed for legal reasons.

Based on Thomas "Two-Gun Tommy" DeSimone. His notorious temper, violent acts (like the Billy Batts murder), and eventual disappearance/murder are accurately depicted. Name changed.

Based on Paul Vario, a Lucchese crime family capo and mentor to the crew. His authority, business dealings (like JFK airport), and disdain for drugs are accurately shown. Name changed.

Based on Henry's real wife, Karen Friedman Hill. Her perspective, initial attraction, struggles, involvement in drug dealing, and cooperation with authorities are accurately portrayed.

Based on William "Billy Batts" Bentvena, a real Gambino family soldier. His murder following an insult to Tommy DeSimone is a factual, accurately depicted event.

Accurately portrays Henry Hill being drawn to the local mobsters in East New York, Brooklyn, and starting work for Paul Vario's crew as a youth.

The crew, particularly Burke's faction under Vario, was heavily involved in cargo theft and hijacking around the airport throughout the 1960s and 70s.

Henry Hill and Tommy DeSimone were key figures in this earlier, significant heist at JFK airport, netting around $420,000.

While a cinematic device, it accurately reflects the power, access, and VIP treatment mob figures like Henry Hill received in certain establishments due to their connections and money.

The brutal murder of William Bentvena by Tommy DeSimone (instigated by an insult) and Jimmy Burke, and the subsequent disposal of the body, happened largely as depicted.

Accurately depicts the largest cash robbery in US history at the time, masterminded by Jimmy Burke based on inside information, netting nearly $6 million.

Jimmy Burke became paranoid after the heist and systematically had many participants killed (Stacks Edwards, Morrie Kessler, etc.) to prevent them from talking, as shown in the film.

Tommy DeSimone disappeared and was presumed murdered, likely in retaliation for killing Billy Batts without permission. The film's depiction of him being lured to his death is accurate.

Despite Paul Vario forbidding drug dealing, Henry Hill built a large cocaine business, leading to his downfall and increased paranoia.

The film accurately portrays the intense pressure, drug use, and constant juggling leading up to Hill's arrest on narcotics charges by federal agents conducting surveillance (the helicopter).

Paul Vario disowned Henry Hill after his drug arrest, adhering to Mafia rules against drug dealing and cooperation with authorities.

Facing prison time and fearing for his life (believing Jimmy Burke would have him killed), Henry Hill agreed to testify against Burke and Vario, entering the Witness Protection Program.

The scenes showing relative comfort (cooking special meals, bribing guards) reflect privileges powerful mob figures like Paul Vario could obtain in prison during that era.

The film accurately incorporates Karen's viewpoint, her complicity in Henry's crimes (especially drugs), and her fear, based on her contributions to the book "Wiseguy".

Widely considered one of the most authentic cinematic portrayals of the day-to-day life, social rituals, codes, and atmosphere within a specific Mafia family's circle (Vario crew/Lucchese associates).

Meticulously detailed period accuracy in clothing styles, cars, hairstyles, music, and interior design, effectively showing the passage of time and changing trends within the mob world.

Realistically portrays the working-class neighborhoods, social clubs, specific bars (Bamboo Lounge), restaurants, and airport environments central to the crew's operations and social life.

Accurately captures the blend of flashy wealth, sudden extreme violence, strong bonds within the crew (until betrayal), importance of food/cooking, and family life existing alongside criminality.

The use of specific slang, cadence, profanity, and Henry Hill's confessional narration style are highly authentic, drawn directly from Pileggi's extensive interviews and reporting.

Shows the structure (capo Paulie, associates Henry/Jimmy/Tommy), the concept of "made men," and unwritten rules (like the prohibition on members dealing drugs, respect protocols).

Effectively portrays how criminal activities like hijacking, loan-sharking, and violence were seamlessly integrated into the characters' seemingly normal family and social lives.