Films about the Italian Mafia
“The Godfather”, 1972
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this epic crime film is a portrayal of the powerful Corleone crime family in New York City, led by Vito Corleone. It is a seminal film that explores themes of power, loyalty, and the American Dream through the lens of organized 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
“Goodfellas”, 1990
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is based on the true story of Henry Hill, a Brooklyn kid who is seduced into the world of the Mafia. It chronicles his rise and fall within the mob, highlighting the realities of mob life and the federal government’s efforts to pursue the Mafia.
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
“Donnie Brasco”, 1997
Director: Mike Newell
This film is based on the true story of Joseph D. Pistone, an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family in New York City during the 1970s, under the alias Donnie Brasco. It explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurring lines between good and evil.
Starring: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, Anne Heche, Zeljko Ivanek, Gerry Becker, Robert Miano, Brian Tarantina;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Donnie Brasco” on the website imdb.com
“The Untouchables”, 1987
Director: Brian De Palma
Directed by Brian De Palma, this film is set in Prohibition-era Chicago and follows federal agent Eliot Ness as he forms The Untouchables, a special team dedicated to bringing down the notorious gangster Al Capone.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro, Richard Bradford, Jack Kehoe, Brad Sullivan, Billy Drago, Patricia Clarkson;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Untouchables” on the website imdb.com
“A Bronx Tale”, 1993
Director: Robert De Niro
Directed by and starring Robert De Niro, this coming-of-age crime film is set in the 1960s Bronx, where a young boy is torn between his hardworking father and a mob boss who becomes his mentor.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra, Taral Hicks, Kathrine Narducci, Clem Caserta, Alfred Sauchelli Jr., Frank Pietrangolare, Joe Pesci;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
These films, among others, have contributed significantly to the gangster genre, offering insight into the operations, rituals, and culture of the Italian Mafia while providing gripping entertainment.
In conclusion, films about the Italian Mafia have left an indelible mark on global cinema, offering audiences a rich tapestry of narratives that explore the dark, complex, and often tragic world of organized crime. From the epic family sagas in “The Godfather” series that delve into the moral and personal decay stemming from power and loyalty, to the gritty realism and haunting character studies found in “Goodfellas” and “Gomorrah”, these films do more than just chronicle the lives of mobsters. They serve as a reflection on the human condition, examining themes of ambition, corruption, redemption, and the often-blurred line between good and evil. The cultural impact of these films is undeniable, shaping not only the gangster genre but also influencing popular culture and society's understanding of the Mafia. Through their compelling storytelling, stunning performances, and masterful direction, these films continue to captivate and resonate with audiences, securing their place in the pantheon of cinema as powerful examinations of both the allure and peril of the mafia world.
