Didn't understand this movie - what do you appreciate most about it?

hi...I'm not saying this is a bad movie, or as one poster said boring boring boring. But I am saying that I personally didn't get it from a cinematographic, thematic, narrative, visual, or any other perspective -- except maybe as a fairly simple but also quite rich slice of life of Little Italy in the 1970s.

I haven't read anything about it. I don't know why people do or don't like it. I'm a blank slate, and open to hearing what people who like it appreciate most about it.

Last thing...I thought the acting was quite good, and in some places stellar, but like it may have suffered somewhat from lack of directorial insight...or simply lack of direction? Harvey Keitel was wonderful, as were most of the actors, very seasoned, informal, naturalistic, and DeNiro was electric and fascinating to watch. Still, to me, the acting came up a little short, given what he -- and all of them -- would do in a couple of years with Taxi Driver.

The sets and lighting were great (expept for that one hallway scene where you can see the light with the pink gel of it). But to me---and I know I am very likely missing the point---the plot seemed choppy, shallow, not always very compelling, and a little convoluted, with many threads that don't tie together (and I don't need everything wrapped up neat & tidy in a film, but this seemed like Scorsese may not yet have had the editors or skill himself to make it a bit more cohesive?

So --- what's this movie about? (I'm really not that stupid, but I also don't have a clear idea) Do you see a huge jump in terms of sophistication and skill in every element of filmmaking from this to Taxi Driver?

thanks!