Philip Seymour Hoffman was one of the best actor of his generation. De Niro is great in this movie (and in general), but Hoffman shines. That role and his interpretation was Oscar worthy (and he wasn't even a nominee; one had to wait for Capote for him to get at last the highest recognition by the profession). The movie itself hasn't aged at all, and is well worth a watch and a rewatch. With special mention to the roles of Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Cha-Cha) [spoiler]who falls in love with Deniro's character[/spoiler] and Mark Margolis whose short appearance is nonetheless emblematic of the prejudices suffered by gays (and those who associate with them).