Mean Streets

Mean Streets was one of the first films to delve deeply into the Italian-American mafia genre. It also marked a departure from the glamorized portrayals often seen in Hollywood, instead focusing on the darker and more personal aspects of gang life.

• The film offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Italian-American gang life in New York City, which sets it apart from other crime dramas.
• Martin Scorsese's directorial debut showcases his unique style and storytelling techniques that would become signature elements of his future works.
• The powerful performances by a young Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel bring depth and intensity to the complex characters they portray.
• The exploration of themes such as loyalty, faith, violence, and family dynamics will resonate with many viewers.

Fun Facts

• The famous diner scenes were filmed at John's of 12th Street, an actual restaurant in Greenwich Village that has been a popular filming location for numerous movies and TV shows.
• The character Johnny Boy (played by Harvey Keitel) was originally intended to die halfway through the movie, but Scorsese felt the audience needed someone to empathize with throughout the film.
• In a nod to Scorsese's Catholic upbringing, the film features several religious symbols and references, including the frequent use of the Our Father prayer.