There are few things cooler than Gangster films, they are a great way to
delve into the underworld of criminal organisations, so I thought I would
come up with some accounts of violence, racketeering and organised crime.
Now.. before we start this video there are a couple of things I want to run
over. I�m not going to be commenting on more than two movies per
director, and I won�t be covering The Godfather Trillogy.. Why? because it�s
a predicable entry, althought they are of course without saying classics
worth viewing.
If you're expecting an emotional story of guilt despair or retribution, then
1983's Scareface is not the movie for you. Scareface is the story of greed
and power, which leads to corruption. Where you get to see the darker side
of the American Dream. While critics have criticised this move for been
over the top and loud, I'm sure it's cult following would disagree. Scarface
has what other movies of the time lacked, rawness. The Latino gangsters in
this film come of far more menacing than in other movies. While I wouldn't
say this is Brian De Palma's strongest work, it does however still has its
moments of excellence and some highly memorable and quotable 1 liners.
In a nutshell the Coen brothers 1990's masterpiece Miller's Crossing, is a
movie about loyalty, and the affect it has on Gabriel Byrnes character Tom
Reagan, as well as everyone else around him. Tom Reagan is an amoral
man, who takes more beatings than anyone I've seen in any movie. Men,
women, collection men, bookies, gangsters, and even his own boss gives
him an ass kicking.
Albert Finney's "Danny Boy" scene is one of the most unpredictable and
brilliant action scenes to date. The entire support cast performs to near
perfection. And the script is snappy, with dialog that play tribute to the
1930's gangster films.
"Miller's Crossing" features fantastic pacing and dialog, although some
would say it lacks the epic proportions of other better known gangster
films. This movie has somehow gone under the radar and I will never
understand why this film has not received more acclaim & recognition
1990's Goodfellas, Directed by one of Hollywoods best Martin Scorsese. Set
in 1950's-80's the movie is based on the true-crime memoirs of the real life
Mobster Henry Hill. Where it explores the lives of gangsters through the
eyes of Ray Liottas character, who gets involved with the Mafia from a
young age, witnessing all kinds criminal activities from brutality to murder
as his 'career' continues throughout the film.
While Robert De Niro gives one of his best performances it's Joe Pesci who
wins all your attention. As soon he's on screen he's very hard to ignore. His
role as the intimidating, loud-mouthed gangster Tommy DeVito is one you
will not be forgetting anytime soon.
Goodfellas is one of those films that needs to be seen to be believed.
Every scene, character, voice-over, song, - it all comes together at the
right moment to create this near perfect gangster film experience.
Sergio Leones 1984 classic Once Upon a time in America is the story of
friendship, love, loyalty and betrayal. The movie is taken from the pov of
DeNiros character; David `Noodles' Aaronson. A man brought up from the
mean streets of Brooklyn during the era of prohibition, when organized
crime was at its strongest. The film focuses on relationships over the many
years of noodles life which unfolds slowly and reflectively. DeNiro's
portrayal is of a gangster with a conscience, while this doesn't prevent him
from being a ruthless killer, his life is clearly filled with remorse, regret
and guilt. While this is one of the best the gangster genre has to offer. I'll
have to warn those you who haven't seen it yet, it's over 3 and a half hours
long. And if you're expecting hours of gun fights or cool one liners then I
would not recommend this!
1993 Carlitos way Brian De Palma compelling film follows Al Pacino's
character the Ex-drug dealer Carlito Brigante. Recently released from
prison, Carlito tries to live a legit honest life while dealing with the ever
present temptation of going back to his old habits and life style. Pacino
delivers an excellent performance trying his best to stay out of the whole
gangster game. And Sean Penn is almost unrecognisable as an afro wearing
cocaine addict Lawyer who just seems hell bent on getting Carlito back into
the criminal underworld. There are few action sequences, but the dialog is
really solid, so much so that it makes you just want to know more and
more about the characters.
Jonathan Glazers directorial debut, 2000's Sexy Beast is one fascinatingly
dark and intense gangster movie. The film follows Gal a retired gangster
safe-cracker played by Ray Winstone. Who is enjoying a life of pleasure in
sunny Spain, until a man from his past, the brutal gangster Don Logan
attempts to recruit him for one more job.
Ben Kingsley, portrayal of the sociopath Don Logan is unbelievably intense,
intimidating and even funny at times. You can't help but feel sorry for Ray
Winston's character as he has this crazy man screaming abuse at him. Not
only is this movie supported by strong cinematography, chilling characters
black humour, and some very strong profanity, 'Sexy Beast' works on many
levels. But the real beauty of this film is in its simplicity
Quentin Tarantino the perfectionist of witty dialogue and fast plots will not
disappoint you with his 1994 masterpiece Pulp Fiction. You the viewer will
be taken on a ride through three different stories that intertwine together
around the world of the Crime boss Marcellus Wallace.
Pulp Fiction is made in such a nonlinear way that you could see it several
times and not be able to remember which scene comes next. From Samuel
L Jackson & John Travolta as two hit-man on a job that goes horribly
wrong. To Bruce Willis being a boxer in a fixed match which he refuses to
throw.
To says it�s quotable would be an understatement, as every line of dialog
is memorable. This movie redefined the Gangster action genre and
reinvigorated the careers of both John Travolta and Bruce Willis.
2004's Layer cake is Matthew Vaughn debut film, starring pre-bond Daniel
Craig, who plays a drug dealer in London, who regards himself as a
businessman rather than a criminal.
The plot follows Craig's character who gets two tough assignments from
his boss Jimmy Price on the eve of his planned early retirement. There are
great supporting roles for such actors as the all important Colm Meaney,
who plays Craigs straight talking mentor Gene, as well as his menacing
boss Jimmy Price. With sharp dialog and a very original Soundtrack, this is
a gangster movie that requires its viewer to think. And although the plot is
a little convoluted, I personally think it doesn't take away from the overall
entertaining experience.
The story, based upon the true life events of Frank Lucas, 2007's American
Gangster directed by Ridley Scott follows the path of an intellectual
gangster who rises to the top of his game but then in turn learns something
new by the end.
What makes this move different from the others, is that there's not much
mob. It's mostly Denzel's character Frank in charge and everyone else
trying to get his attention and respect.
The movie is very well paced and it never gets boring even if it lasts more
than two hours. �And it does one of the best jobs of examining the rise and
fall of a drug boss right from the beginning to end.
Guy Ritchie's 1998's highly stylized 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels'
focuses on a group of men who invest all their money and lose it in a
rigged high-stakes card game to a gangster called Hatchet Harry.
In order to repay Harry, the four have to hatch a risky plan in order to pay
back this gangster before the week is up. What follows next is a hilarious
series of botched heists and accidental double- crosses. Apart from the
fantastic directing soundtrack and acting, what makes this movie great is
the fun you have trying to figure out who, if anyone, will be left standing
by the end credits.
Based on a true story, Martin Scorsese's 1995 classic Casino is about two
characters Ace n� Nicky and their chance to rule the desert paradise of Las
Vegas. DeNiro plays Ace Rothstein as a lifelong gambler who technically
isn't a mob member, but a money-maker. Along the way, he marries a drug-
addicted con-artist Sharon Stone and struggles with his friendship with his
lifelong friend Nicky played by Joe Pesci who succeeds at being a complete
psychopath.
What makes this movie extra special from other films of this genre, is that
it gives a fascinating perspective on how the mafia used to run Las Vegas.
The methods the used to control the flow of money, and the ways they
used to get around the law.