A Bronx Tale
One man lives in the neighborhood, another man owns it. A devoted father battles the local crime boss for the life of his son.
Overview
Set in the Bronx during the tumultuous 1960s, an adolescent boy is torn between his honest, working-class father and a violent yet charismatic crime boss. Complicating matters is the youngster's growing attraction - forbidden in his neighborhood - for a beautiful black girl.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
A Bronx Tale is semi-autobiographical, based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man show about his own childhood experiences. The film offers a glimpse into the societal pressures and limited opportunities faced by Italian-American youth in the Bronx during that era, navigating between the allure of the Mafia and the desire for a better life.
- Powerful performances from Robert De Niro and Chazz Palminteri, portraying contrasting father figures.
- A compelling coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1960s racial tensions and organized crime.
- The film explores complex themes of morality, loyalty, and choosing your own path in life.
- Authentic portrayal of the Bronx Italian-American community and its cultural nuances.
Fun Facts
- Chazz Palminteri initially refused offers to sell the rights to his one-man show unless he could play Sonny, the gangster. He eventually got his wish and wrote the screenplay.
- Robert De Niro initially only wanted to direct, but Palminteri convinced him to also take on the role of Lorenzo, Calogero's father.
- The film's opening scene depicts the actual neighborhood where Chazz Palminteri grew up.