Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut

Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut

In the world of organized crime, loyalty is everything. The code of silence, known as omertà, is a fundamental principle that governs the behavior of members of the mafia. This code dictates that one should never betray their friends or associates, no matter the circumstances. This mantra is famously depicted in the movie "Goodfellas," directed by Martin Scorsese.

The protagonist of the film, Henry Hill, is a young man who becomes involved in the mafia at a young age. Throughout the movie, Henry learns the importance of loyalty and the consequences of breaking the code of silence. He is constantly reminded by his mentor, Jimmy Conway, played by Robert De Niro, to never rat on his friends and always keep his mouth shut.

This mantra is put to the test when Henry is arrested and faces the possibility of going to prison. Despite the pressure from law enforcement to cooperate and provide information on his associates, Henry remains loyal to his friends and refuses to betray them. This decision ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is eventually betrayed by those he trusted the most.

The consequences of breaking the code of silence are severe in the world of organized crime. Those who betray their friends are often ostracized, or worse, killed. In "Goodfellas," we see this play out with the character of Tommy DeVito, played by Joe Pesci. Tommy's reckless behavior and lack of loyalty ultimately lead to his demise, as he is murdered by his own associates for his betrayal.

The code of silence is not just a rule to be followed, but a way of life for those involved in organized crime. It is a symbol of trust and loyalty among criminals, a bond that is stronger than any legal contract. In the world of "Goodfellas," loyalty is everything, and those who break the code of silence do so at their own peril.