I’ve become greatly interested in the stock market as I start to take control of my finances. Part of this interest has also spilled over into learning about the history of the market for the last 20-30 years. So it was quite timely when the movie The Wolf of Wall Street was released on Blu-Ray and DVD earlier this month.
Based on the book of the same name, the movie portrays the career of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he rises from low-level obscurity to the eponymous ‘Wolf’ during the heyday of the 1990s and its heady exuberance. Directed by the Oscar-award winning Martin Scorsese, the cast features such notable actors such as Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau, and Joanna Lumley. (It also has a neat cameo by the real Jordan Belfort as well.)
The film clocks in at three hours, but the story unfolds in such a captivating and engaging manner that you barely notice. Belfort sets up his own trading firm to push highly risky, near worthless, penny stocks on to an unsuspecting public. Using techniques ranging from high pressure sales tactics to outright lies and fraud, Belfort targets wealthy investors and encourages them to make big bets on the market all the while earning a very fat commission on each trade. The money quickly rolls in, leading to a life of wretched excess as Belfort and his fellow traders dive into a world of drugs, alcohol and women. DiCaprio seems to have really relished this role as he smoothly switches from an inspirational cult-like leader to a despicable drug-abusing philander.
While The Wolf of Wall Street may sound like a heavy movie to watch, in fact it’s really a black comedy where the extremes of Belfort’s life border on the absurd. Scorsese artfully portrays the trading house as the frat boy fraternity that it is – a drunken, drug-fuelled bender that never stops. When Belfort’s prized yacht is lost at sea you can only shake your head in disbelief. And as the noose from the FBI starts to close in you can’t help but feel a little sorry for the turn Belfort has taken.
The Wolf of Wall Street is a highly entertaining movie, with strong performances by the entire cast. Be forewarned that this is very much an R-rated film with scenes of drug use, sex, and liberal amounts of coarse language. (It’s reported that it broke the record for the number of times the “F” word was used in a film.) Nevertheless, it’s easy to see why it was an Oscar-nominated film. Get it on Blu-ray and DVD today!
kristen visser says
i have not seen this movie yet but have heard it’s really good! and i totally love Leo 🙂
Corry L. says
I really liked the movie but thought there was too much gratuitous foul language!
kelly young says
can’t wait to see this movie love him
Ryan says
I haven’t seen it but heard good things
natasha severson says
I started watching this movie then the silly thing just stopped. I’m going to have to try to watch it again!
sarah sar says
Leo DiCaprio really has grown and blossomed into a fine actor! I would love to see this money. It’s on my list!
Lindsay T says
I’ve heard great things about this movie! Thanks for the review
Gizele says
I like the actors in this movie.
Monique Shuell says
Saw it. it was pretty good. Thought Leo played the role well.
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
It’s a bit raunchy for me saw bits and pieces
Erika B says
Hubby and I watched this movie, and i love it!! It was so good!!!
kathy downey says
Have not seen this yet but i will soon i love his acting
Wanda Muise says
Loved it loved it loved it!!!!
Emily Linton says
I’ve never seen this movie before – really want to though!
Heidi C. says
I hate excessive swearing in movies but I love Leo so I will probably check this out.
Jamie Bertrand says
not my type of movie
jan says
I hadn’t any real interest in this movie, but then I saw it while flying. Pretty good.
Darlene W says
Leonardo Di Caprio is one of my favourite actors. I will be seeing this movie soon
Lynda Cook says
Haven’t seen this one yet, not to sure if I want to, there is only a few movies I like with Leo
Victoria Ess says
I haven’t yet seen this movie but am dying to.
Lori Jackson says
Oh man I cant wait to see this!! Ive heard so many amazing reviews!!
GARRY S says
heard it was funny
Judy C (Judy Cowan) says
I have not seen this yet but have heard good things about it so will have to check it out at some point!
nicolthepickle says
3 hours is long for a movie, and for me to stay awake. I do like funny though.
Debbie W says
I haven’t seen this one, but from what I am seeing I have mixed emotions. I like the actors but the foul language. It might be too much.
Kevin B says
I am not really a fan of Leo, but I do want to see this movie
Donnas says
I will have to watch this movie,
Wendy Arnott says
Wow, 3 hours? That is a long movie.. love movies based on real life events and people’s lifes. Also love movies that are historically accurate. Sounds like it may be an interesting venture to try out!
Kristine Ewald says
Would love to see this movie!
Jenn Andrews says
I really want to see this movie. Heard it was a good film.
angela m says
I watched this movie. I thought it was a good movie.
Teresa Claire says
I just started watching this with my daughter, Sara, on Mother’s Day. She had seen it at the theatre and loved it and wants me to see it too…I need to find the time to sit down and finish the movie!!
Bev says
I thought Leo did a great acting job in this movie.
Jenn E says
It was amazing! Leo is amazing.
Debbie Spence says
Haven’t seen it yet, but it’s on my radar!
Terri says
Looking forward to watching this.
Nena Sinclair says
I saw a part of this movie, but turned it off about 40 min in. I really like Leonardo DiCaprio, but this just wasn’t my kind of movie.
caryn s says
This looks like a great movie!
Elaine Buonsante says
The subject of the movie really interested me but I have heard that the language is not what I’m comfortable with.
Karen HIll says
Since this is based on a true story I would love to see it. Doesn’t hurt that Leo is in it either
Mishelle says
I have not seen this one yet but it looks like it shows what happened in that time with that unfortunate branch of people – Leo is captivating in his roles!
M
Fan R says
Haven’t seen the movie, may be one day.
Yuen C says
Looking forward to seeing this movie.
Shannon Gnocato says
I so want to see this. My husband has already seen it and says it’s really good (I hate it when he sees movies without me!)
Silvia D says
still haven’t seen it yet but on my wish list to see!
Doris H. says
I haven’t seen this movie yet. Your review sounds great. I definitely need to watch it!
Lori P says
This movie’s definitely on my list of Must-See movies!
Michelle B says
My husband would love enjoy this movie!
Michelle B says
My husband would enjoy this movie!
laurie says
I have heard this is going to be a great movie I would love to see it
Christy Martin says
I so want to see this! I don’t have much interest in the stock market, but like watching the hype, energy and wheels spinning. I love Leonardo too.