Films about crime and deviance delve into the murky underbelly of society, exploring unlawful acts and the characters who perpetrate them. These films often illuminate the motivations behind criminal behavior, the consequences faced by those who choose to live outside the law, and the societal factors that contribute to a life of deviance. They range from gritty, real-world portrayals to stylized, fictional accounts, but all seek to engage with the concept of breaking societal norms. Whether focusing on the life of a crime lord, the desperation of a petty thief, or the complex operations of a criminal enterprise, these films offer a mirror to the darker aspects of human nature and societal failure.
“The Godfather”, 1972
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
A sweeping epic detailing the rise and fall of the Corleone mafia family, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of crime.
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Richard S. Castellano, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale, Al Lettieri, Sterling Hayden;
Production year: 1972;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 175 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 9,2;
More information about the film “The Godfather” on the website imdb.com
“Pulp Fiction”, 1994
Director: Quentin Tarantino
This Quentin Tarantino masterpiece interweaves multiple stories of criminals in Los Angeles, pushing the boundaries of storytelling with its unique structure and dark comedy.
Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman, Ving Rhames, Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Quentin Tarantino, Peter Greene, Amanda Plummer;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: crime, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 154 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,9;
More information about the film “Pulp Fiction” on the website imdb.com
“Goodfellas”, 1990
Director: Martin Scorsese
A gritty, realistic portrayal of the life of Henry Hill as he navigates the dangers and allure of the mafia, offering an inside look at the mob from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Frank Sivero, Tony Darrow, Mike Starr, Frank Vincent, Chuck Low;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,7;
More information about the film “Goodfellas” on the website imdb.com
“City of God”, 2011
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this film follows two boys as they take divergent paths: one becomes a photographer; the other, a drug dealer. It's a vibrant yet harrowing look at crime's impact on youth and society.
Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rajeev Pillai, Jagadish, Anil Murali, Sreehari, Arun Narayan, Kishore Satya, Sudheer Karamana, Shaju K.S., Jayashankar, Nandu, Achankunju, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sumesh, Rajesh Hebbar, Abraham Koshy, Payas, Das, Santhosh, Shweta Menon, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rohini, Valsala Menon, Renjusha Menon, Shobha Singh, Sudha Nair;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “City of God” on the website imdb.com
“A Clockwork Orange”, 1971
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Delving deep into themes of youth culture, violence, and the concept of free will versus societal control, this film follows the disturbing journey of Alex, a violent young criminal subjected to experimental behavior modification techniques.
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke, John Clive, Adrienne Corri, Carl Duering, Paul Farrell, Clive Francis, Michael Gover;
Production year: 1971;
Genre: science fiction, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 137 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “A Clockwork Orange” on the website imdb.com
“Scarface”, 1983
Director: Brian De Palma
The story of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in Miami's drug cartel scene. It's a brutal examination of ambition, power, and the American Dream gone awry.
Starring: Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Robert Loggia, Miriam Colon, F. Murray Abraham, Paul Shenar, Harris Yulin, Ángel Salazar;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: drama, crime, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 170 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Scarface” on the website imdb.com
“American Gangster”, 2007
Director: Ridley Scott
Based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord who outsmarted the Mafia to build his own empire. The film is a rich narrative that confronts themes of race, power, and morality in the criminal underworld.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lymari Nadal, Josh Brolin, Armand Assante, Roger Guenveur Smith, Ruby Dee, John Ortiz, Ted Levine;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 157 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “American Gangster” on the website imdb.com
“The Departed”, 2006
Director: Martin Scorsese
Exploring crime and identity within the Irish Mob and the Massachusetts State Police, this film is a complex tale of undercover and double lives, questioning loyalty and self.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Corrigan;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 151 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “The Departed” on the website imdb.com
“No Country for Old Men”, 2007
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
A chilling, neo-Western tale of violence and mayhem following a drug deal gone wrong and the relentless, psychopathic killer who pursues the man who stumbled upon the scene.
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Kelly Macdonald, Woody Harrelson, Beth Grant, Garret Dillahunt, Tess Harper, Barry Corbin, Stephen Root;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, western;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “No Country for Old Men” on the website imdb.com
“Se7en”, 1995
Director: David Fincher
A dark, psychological thriller featuring two detectives hunting a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi, delving into themes of cynicism, despair, and moral deviance in a decaying city.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, R. Lee Ermey, John C. McGinley, Richard Schiff, Richard Roundtree, Mark Boone Junior, Reg E. Cathey;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,6;
More information about the film “Se7en” on the website imdb.com
These films not only provide thrilling entertainment but also serve to question and critique the nature of crime and deviance, offering diverse perspectives on what drives individuals to the margins of society and beyond.
In conclusion, films about crime and deviance captivate audiences by exploring the darker facets of human nature and societal boundaries. Through nuanced narratives, compelling characters, and intricate plots, these films not only entertain but also provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and often offer commentary on justice, morality, and the human capacity for both good and evil. Whether it's the gritty realism of a crime drama, the suspenseful twists of a thriller, or the moral quandaries presented in a film noir, the genre's enduring appeal lies in its ability to mirror the complexities of the real world, making us reflect on our values, fears, and the very fabric of society. As cinema continues to evolve, the exploration of crime and deviance remains a powerful lens through which we can confront uncomfortable truths, question conventional wisdom, and perhaps most importantly, gain insight into the human condition.
