Writer: Lorraine Tan

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Watch this if you liked: “Wall Street”.

"The Wolf of Wall Street" is based on a true story of a young and promising broker, Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) who enters into Wall Street full of ambitions and dreams. However due to the financial crisis in 80s called Black Monday, his dreams were crushed and he is forced to look elsewhere to carve out a career in order to support his family.

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this is DiCaprio's fifth collaboration with Scorsese. This is one of DiCaprio's finest comedic performances, which includes moments like him thumping his chest along with fellow actor, Matthew McConaughey, who plays his boss. The script is also unexpected from the usual films relating to financial crisis, but it works because it portrayed a happier and more positive side of the crisis.

Along with riches, comes the aspect of sex and drugs. Belfort is lured to the dark side of the world, throwing extravagant parties and doing obscene acts, a stark contrast compared to when he first entered the industry. Belfort's fall has led to multiple issues in life, his wife, his addiction and the yearning to possess more money. It is rather sad to watch someone like Belfort waste his life away while being absorbed in money, sex, and drugs, and losing his main focus in life.

The film was a little too intense however, with all the drugs and vulgarities used loosely, and nudity on full display. Martin Scorsese could have done away with the scenes as this did not add much to the film. This isn't one of Scorsese's better films.

The running time of "The Wolf of Wall Street" is close to 3 hours, which is fine for a show like "The Lord of the Rings", but a tad too long for this film.

The story line has a good development; however there are a few unnecessary scenes where the film can do without. With that being said, give it a watch if you are a true blue Leonardo or Scorsese fan, or someone interested in the good and the bad of the financial world.

Cinema Online, 10 January 2014