User Reviews

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!!

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.

The whole Gotti story is completely overdone so I'm surprised this series even got commissioned, although it was a good watch in that it gave you the perspectives of people who'd also been there at the height of his power not just some grey FBI agents. Yes, that Mouw guy is still there, dining off his contribution, but a fair amount of the interviewees are from a range of backgrounds - his associates all still revel in the age of course, like it was the pinnacle of their lives - that Giovino woman especially almost can't get over her dalliance with fame and power.

The programme's main takeaway is that law enforcement seem idiotic as most of them were in direct competition to arrest the man himself instead of cooperating with each other. They overlook some of his more heinous crimes too, focusing mostly on the Castellano hit (not what he did to his poor neighbour John Favara). Also the prosecutor Giacalone comes out of this looking awful: she sent jurors home in limos (so they could be tailed and paid off) and later exposed an FBI informant who was then killed....totally incompetent and it's no wonder Gotti stayed free for so long.

It's mostly a nostalgic look back for a lot of these ex-wiseguys and agents, to a time when they were important, on both sides of the law. You almost can't believe this sort of criminal organisation was allowed to exist so brazenly back then now you look back at it. But overall RIP to all his victims, this guy was no hero.

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.

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.

Most of this portrayed Gotti as a fashion model instead of what he really was: an uneducated half-wit and murderous thug. He had a man tortured and murdered because Gotti's idiot son was killed riding a moped in the streets. The mafia are nothing more than bullies who gang up on individuals. They are jackals who produce nothing and live off of the sweat of others.

Most of the people in this series had nothing but good to say about the creep, even some of the law enforcement types. Why would an FBI agent congratulate Gotti after one of his acquittals? The news people covering the cases were equally as obsequious and heavy with praise for this low-life.

Overall, this was poorly done and adds nothing new to the story.

Gotti's crew want to be in his favor. Law enforcement want the prestige of being the ones who catch him. Prosecutors want the prestige of being the ones who convict him. Reporters want the prestige of being the ones invited to his parties - more concerned with being seen with him than covering him.

Everyone in the documentary seems to gleefully tell everyone how they were connected to him, whether they were for or against him. The filmmakers could've done more to explain how bad Gotti was. How mob members, neighborhood residents, law enforcement and the legal system were all in a cult-like infatuation with him. Instead it seems they're in the cult, too. It's almost a glorification of the guy.

The end result is you fell like you're watching people talk about that time they once met the cousin of Elvis Presley's barber's dog sitter.

Simply put. Don't watch this show. Netflix should be ashamed giving Diane Giacolone time. She ruined this whole show and should be in jail and shouldn't have a job. She's a complete imbecile and gave a death sentence to a man.

I honestly cannot comprehend how stupid one person can be.

If anyone has paid this woman to defend them then they deserve a refund. Netflix should re filmed this without her in the show. She should get zero airtime.

I suspect 10s of thousands stopped watching this show after listening to her for more than 5 minutes.

I'm so glad the case was thrown out after the reprobates she kulled together as witnesses.

I watched three episodes and found myself rooting for Gotti over the government. The lengths of overreach in their investigations were astounding - bugging an old widow's home?! The routine breaking and entering by the government should not be permitted - this is illegal when a civilian does it, why is this different? Three separate government organizations refused to collaborate so they could get the glory? Get it together! The government through weak case after case at this man, stalked his every move, and tried relentlessly to convict him, the man couldn't even get a few month break between cases. This was ridiculous and reminds viewers of how the government employees feel they are above the law and free to invade citizens privacy.