Words: Violet
For all the praise that films such as Goodfellas and The Godfather yet there are still countless gangster movies that have too easily been forgotten. Here are five obscure – but brilliant – gangster films you won’t have seen.
Romanzo Criminale (2005)
Romanzo Criminale – or ‘Crime Novel’ in English – is an Italian film that chronicles the rise of four men who rise from street punk status to become the most powerful Mafiosi in Rome. The film is set over a twenty-year period, from the early seventies to the early nineties and is over three hours long. It is greatly influenced by Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America and shares all the flaws and virtues of Leone’s classic.
Miller’s Crossing (1990)
Despite the fact that this offering from the Coen brothers is now considered a seminal crime film, it is surprising how few people have seen it. Set in a prohibition era American city, Miller’s Crossing is a wonderful exploration of violence and politics.
The Consequences of Love (2004)
Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, the darling of Italian cinema, Le conseguenze de’ll amore is about a Mafia accountant living in Lugano, Switzerland, who decides to break from his career as a money launderer after meeting a beautiful waitress. A poignant, stylish and surprisingly slow-paced gangster film.
Mr In-Between (2001)
British gangster films are notoriously well… bad, known for their cliché-laden scripts and thuggish looking skinheads appropriating preposterous mockney accents. Mr In-Between along with the masterful Sexy Beast is one of the very few decent British crime films. It’s extremely gritty and, at times, harrowing and definitely worth a watch.
Bound (1996)
Not only is Bound one of the best crime films ever made, it is also one of the finest directorial debuts, to be ranked alongside Citizen Kane and Badlands. The Wachowski’s film is set in Chicago and follows a love affair between two women – one of whom is the girlfriend of a powerful Mafia Don. Quirky, steamy, violent, funny and touching – Bound has everything and is a must watch.
By Guy de Vito
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