Part 5/8:
The fate of these characters, however, diverges strikingly from their cinematic representations. The real-life Hill eventually turned state’s evidence, which was depicted, although the complexities of his relationships and interpersonal dynamics were glossed over for pacing. This passage into witness protection left him living a life he once scorned.
Scorsese’s film closely follows the rise and eventual downfall associated with the mob lifestyle, with Hill's life taking a darker turn due to drug trafficking and betrayal from his closest allies.