Gangster Films

[Sylar]

I've just finished rewatching The Godfather trilogy - 1 and 2 are EASILY up there with the best films ever made in my opinion.

There's something about this genre of film that breeds exceptional movies - from White Heat to Army in the Shadows, from The Untouchables, The Departed, Goodfellas, Casino, Once Upon A Time in America, Un Prophete, Miller's Crossing, Reservoir Dogs, Scarface...the list is endless!

Just me?

[hibsbollah]

Absolutely right, its unbelievable how many great films come from the mafia genre. I'm a big Cagney fan, and I think it all comes from him. Modern mafia films are also massively influenced by fifties American noir films like Double Indemnity. The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire deserve a mention as boxsets. Gomorrah is a different take on the genre. And never really gets a mention but Carlitos Way is right up there with the best of them too.

[Mon Dieu4]

Absolutely right, its unbelievable how many great films come from the mafia genre. I'm a big Cagney fan, and I think it all comes from him. Modern mafia films are also massively influenced by fifties American noir films like Double Indemnity. The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire deserve a mention as boxsets. Gomorrah is a different take on the genre. And never really gets a mention but Carlitos Way is right up there with the best of them too.

Glad you mentioned Gomorra, both the film and the series are excellent and I normally prefer the foreign language ones, City of God, Mesrine, la Haine, Cell 211 a Spanish movie possibly has my favourite bad guy of all time in it and my favourite UK set one is Eastern Promises although that can be quite a hard watch

[Geo_1875]

The Long Good Friday is up there as well.

[hibsbollah]

Glad you mentioned Gomorra, both the film and the series are excellent and I normally prefer the foreign language ones, City of God, Mesrine, la Haine, Cell 211 a Spanish movie possibly has my favourite bad guy of all time in it and my favourite UK set one is Eastern Promises although that can be quite a hard watch

City of God is fantastic :agree:

[Mikey09]

Might be on my own here but I really enjoyed Killing them softly with Brad Pitt. Also Animal Kingdom is one of my favourite films of all time.... :not worth

[wpj]

Not a film but Sopranos must get a mention

[Hibs Class]

Romanzo Criminale, the film rather than series, also a stand-out for me

[frazeHFC]

Love my gangster films, but only really watched recent ones. I've seen The Godfather trilogy and loved it but stil need to watch the likes of Casino, Scarface etc. In recent years the likes of American Gangster, The Departed, Road to Perdition are brilliant films along with The Sopranos.

Like my gangster documentries too. Really looking forward to watching this new one by Trevor McDonald.

[MrRobot]

I only just watched Scarface for the first time and absolutely loved it.

Watched Gangster Squad on Sky and really liked that too. Still never attempted watching The Godfather :boo hoo:

[Barman Stanton]

Most of my favourite gangster films have been mentioned, but the French film The Prophet is also well worth checking out.

[Hibee87]

I like ganster films, and all.my favourites have been mentioned.

However I would add true romance, although not a gangster film per se, it does does feature the mob and is one of my favourite films of all time.

Also,.for American 'black' gangster filmi.woud say to anyone watch boys in the hood and menace to society. Both bpoody great films.

I also enjoyed gangster number 1 with paul bettany, not sure if it was a critically successful movie but I enjoyed it, ans its very brutal and graphic.

And of course, the krays is always a classic

[WeeRussell]

Love my gangster films, but only really watched recent ones. I've seen The Godfather trilogy and loved it but stil need to watch the likes of Casino, Scarface etc. In recent years the likes of American Gangster, The Departed, Road to Perdition are brilliant films along with The Sopranos.

Like my gangster documentries too. Really looking forward to watching this new one by Trevor McDonald.

You better get watching then :greengrin

Goodfellas ranks as one of my favourite films of all time. Thought Godfather part 2 was even better than the first (will admit to still not seeing the third!).

Also a big fan of (and can't see mentioned already):

Donnie Brascoe
Brooklyn Rules
Carlitos Way (not as big a fan but will mention anyway)

[DH1875]

Love loads of the films already mentioned :thumbsup:. Not a fan of No 1 though, thought it sucked big time. Added to the list has to be Public Enemies, Lawless and King of New York.
On a slight slant on the genre, I loved the Boondock Saints, Suicide Kings and Harlem Nights. All funny as duck in their on way :greengrin.

[Phil D. Rolls]

Absolutely right, its unbelievable how many great films come from the mafia genre. I'm a big Cagney fan, and I think it all comes from him. Modern mafia films are also massively influenced by fifties American noir films like Double Indemnity. The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire deserve a mention as boxsets. Gomorrah is a different take on the genre. And never really gets a mention but Carlitos Way is right up there with the best of them too.

I think George Raft, Paul Muni, and Edward G. surpassed any of Cagney's hammed up performances. The man should never have been allowed in front of a camera again after that last scene in Angels With Dirty Faces: was Rocky really scared, was he doing it because Pat O'Brien asked him, or was it that Cagney just couldn't act?

Anybody wanting to see a good modern gangster film might like to check out "The Wee Man". Some great scenes in that.

[sleeping giant]

I think George Raft, Paul Muni, and Edward G. surpassed any of Cagney's hammed up performances. The man should never have been allowed in front of a camera again after that last scene in Angels With Dirty Faces: was Rocky really scared, was he doing it because Pat O'Brien asked him, or was it that Cagney just couldn't act?

Anybody wanting to see a good modern gangster film might like to check out "The Wee Man". Some great scenes in that.

Is that the one where he is asked to show fear on his way to his death ?

[Phil D. Rolls]

Is that the one where he is asked to show fear on his way to his death ?

Yep - he gets the chair at the end, and freaks out.

[Scouse Hibee]

I think George Raft, Paul Muni, and Edward G. surpassed any of Cagney's hammed up performances. The man should never have been allowed in front of a camera again after that last scene in Angels With Dirty Faces: was Rocky really scared, was he doing it because Pat O'Brien asked him, or was it that Cagney just couldn't act?

Anybody wanting to see a good modern gangster film might like to check out "The Wee Man". Some great scenes in that.

Watched The Wee Man last week, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[sleeping giant]

Yep - he gets the chair at the end, and freaks out.

It was a very long time ago when I watched it but I'm sure the warden asked him to do it to so he wouldn't become an inspiration for the younger prisoners.

Can't remember anything about his acting though .

[sleeping giant]

Watched The Wee Man last week, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Decent film :agree:

[DH1875]

Decent film :agree:

Its on netflix for anyone who's got it.

[Phil D. Rolls]

Watched The Wee Man last week, thoroughly enjoyed it.

At first I was caught up in seeing it as a Glasgow story. By the end of the film I saw it as being in the same league as The Long Good Friday. I thought Compston was excellent, as always.


It was a very long time ago when I watched it but I'm sure the warden asked him to do it to so he wouldn't become an inspiration for the younger prisoners.

Can't remember anything about his acting though .

Something like that.

His boyhood friend was played by Pat O'Brien. They'd both been delinquents, Cagney went one road, O'Brien went into the priesthood.

He was running a mission to prevent other kids from the area from making a career in crime. Cagney's character returned to the area and all the kids looked up to him and wanted to be him.

Pat O'Brien asks him to act the coward so that they will see him as a traitor. Cagney refuses, but at the end he freaks out. The question was always, was Rocky a coward, or did he do it for the kids.

Cagney desperately overacts in the last scene and is taking crying and screaming to the chair.

[Caversham Green]

Cagney desperately overacts in the last scene and is taking crying and screaming to the chair.

But was it Cagney or Rocky that was overacting?

[hibsbollah]

At first I was caught up in seeing it as a Glasgow story. By the end of the film I saw it as being in the same league as The Long Good Friday. I thought Compston was excellent, as always.



Something like that.

His boyhood friend was played by Pat O'Brien. They'd both been delinquents, Cagney went one road, O'Brien went into the priesthood.

He was running a mission to prevent other kids from the area from making a career in crime. Cagney's character returned to the area and all the kids looked up to him and wanted to be him.

Pat O'Brien asks him to act the coward so that they will see him as a traitor. Cagney refuses, but at the end he freaks out. The question was always, was Rocky a coward, or did he do it for the kids.

Cagney desperately overacts in the last scene and is taking crying and screaming to the chair.

:grr: I love that scene. You're talking out of your hat, you low down, double crossing rat:cb
pat O'brien 'let's say a prayer for a boy who couldn't run as fast as I could':not worth
what an ending.

i agree about Edward G Robinson. He had everything, and what a face for a bad guy.

[hibsbollah]

But was it Cagney or Rocky that was overacting?
:top marks
Youve got it. That's the whole point. It was Rocky.

[Phil D. Rolls]

But was it Cagney or Rocky that was overacting?

It is a thought that crossed my mind - I prefer to think it was Cagney overacting, as he did that quite a lot.

Look at me ma, ah'm dancin' top of the world!!!


:top marks
Youve got it. That's the whole point. It was Rocky.

Cagney never said. I read his autobiography, and he said that little kids used to come up to him and say "tell me ya did it for dah faddah Rocky".

[patch1875]

Once upon a time... and Casino are my favourites.
Like loads of the 90s Brit ones Layer Cake etc

[Chibs]

A lot of great films mentioned but for me it would be Bonnie and Clyde.
Another would be Bugsy .

[Hibernia&Alba]

Not a film but Sopranos must get a mention

I didn't see the series and have only recently watched some clips on You Tube. Is it worth getting the box set?


I watched Little Caesar on You Tube the other night - 1931, Edward G Robinson. Very time by modern standards but some fine acting.

[Sylar]

Anyone seen the trailer for Black Mass yet?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE3e3hGF2jc

It looks absolutely sensational. Homage to Goodfellas is particularly evident but Depp's performance gave me chills in that brief clip!

[wpj]

Anyone seen the trailer for Black Mass yet?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE3e3hGF2jc

It looks absolutely sensational. Homage to Goodfellas is particularly evident but Depp's performance gave me chills in that brief clip!

Really looking forward to this film

[Zazu62]

That looks good like

[HibbyDave]

Try watching White Heat. James Cagney at his best. Top of the world ma!

[--------]

Absolutely right, its unbelievable how many great films come from the mafia genre. I'm a big Cagney fan, and I think it all comes from him. Modern mafia films are also massively influenced by fifties American noir films like Double Indemnity. The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire deserve a mention as boxsets. Gomorrah is a different take on the genre. And never really gets a mention but Carlitos Way is right up there with the best of them too.


I hate to be pedantic (well, actually, I REALLY enjoy it but it's not nice to say so), but "Double Indemnity" was made in 1944. A classic, however, whenever it was made.

"That was all there was to it. Nothing had slipped, nothing had been overlooked. There was nothing to give us away. And yet, Keyes, as I was walking down the street to the drug store, suddenly it came over me that everything would go wrong. It sounds crazy, Keyes, but it's true, so help me. I couldn't hear my own footsteps. It was the walk of a dead man ... "


Two I like a lot - "The Asphalt Jungle" (1950) starring Sterling Hayden and Louis Calhoun, which I believe was Marilyn Monroe's first proper role in movies; and "Out Of The Past" (1947) (aka "Build My Gallows High") starring Robert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas, Jane Greer and Rhonda Fleming. Mitchum was 6' 2" in height, and Douglas was about 4 inches shorter than that, which leads to a fair amount of tricky camera-work when they're both on screen, but it's a very good example of the noir genre indeed. Mitchum IMO was a very VERY under-rated actor - scariest man in films at one stage, IIRC.

I haven't been down the whole thread, but I'd say that "Prizzi's Honor" (1985) deserves an honourable mention - Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner. And of course the incredible Anjelica Huston.

Would "Chinatown" (1974) qualify as a gangster movie? Probably not, but it's a cracking film and Faye Dunaway's never hard to look at and Nicholson's always worth the money whatever he's in.

[hibs#1]

Love gangster films once upon a time in America,donnie brasco,millers crossing,goodfellas,casino,all 3 godfathers and loads more

[hibsbollah]

Glad you mentioned Gomorra, both the film and the series are excellent and I normally prefer the foreign language ones, City of God, Mesrine, la Haine, Cell 211 a Spanish movie possibly has my favourite bad guy of all time in it and my favourite UK set one is Eastern Promises although that can be quite a hard watch

I thought I'd bump this thread from two years ago, on the basis that I'm finally getting round to watching Gomorra the TV series, after watching the movie years ago when it first came out and being a massive fan, and I've got to say its absolute genius, a proper work of art. I'm only just started on series two so I've obviously got a few twists and turns in front of me. Spectacular.

[Gatecrasher]

I also love Gangster films, I like the 20/30's with the Tommy guns and old Ford V8's.

Boardwalk Empire is awesome and the Soprano's as TV shows.

I watched Goodfellas last week and really enjoyed it. I don't think A Bronx Tale has been mentioned, I liked that one as well. I haven't seen Scarface or Casino but I hope to see them soon. I wasn't a huge fan of The Godfather, I thought it was ok but didn't understand the hype.

I love the music in most of them as well.

[Carheenlea]

Filming has just been wrapped on Scorcrse’s “The Irishman”, and work on the extensive production is due to start in anticipation for a 2019 release. Should be a corker..


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=up7RqYTsBs0

[patch1875]

I thought I'd bump this thread from two years ago, on the basis that I'm finally getting round to watching Gomorra the TV series, after watching the movie years ago when it first came out and being a massive fan, and I've got to say its absolute genius, a proper work of art. I'm only just started on series two so I've obviously got a few twists and turns in front of me. Spectacular.

I’m up to date it only gets better.

[calumhibee1]

I also love Gangster films, I like the 20/30's with the Tommy guns and old Ford V8's.

Boardwalk Empire is awesome and the Soprano's as TV shows.

I watched Goodfellas last week and really enjoyed it. I don't think A Bronx Tale has been mentioned, I liked that one as well. I haven't seen Scarface or Casino but I hope to see them soon. I wasn't a huge fan of The Godfather, I thought it was ok but didn't understand the hype.

I love the music in most of them as well.

A Bronx Tale is potentially my favourite ever movie. Absolutely love it.

[Mon Dieu4]

I thought I'd bump this thread from two years ago, on the basis that I'm finally getting round to watching Gomorra the TV series, after watching the movie years ago when it first came out and being a massive fan, and I've got to say its absolute genius, a proper work of art. I'm only just started on series two so I've obviously got a few twists and turns in front of me. Spectacular.

Every now and then I talk sense!! It's possibly my favourite TV show of the last 10 years or so, it's a masterpiece, glad you are enjoing it!

[hibsbollah]

Every now and then I talk sense!! It's possibly my favourite TV show of the last 10 years or so, it's a masterpiece, glad you are enjoing it!

I knew I would like it really, i just never had the time. Ciro is a neopolitain David Murphy. Don Pietro looks like a Hearts fan. And I know quite a few Genny-types.

[frazeHFC]

Find gang culture (particularly Mafia) really interesting. Love a good documentary or online article about it.

I've watched and loved The Sopranos and Godfather films but I haven't got round to watching many others yet.

[hibs#1]

Sopranos prequel film being made apparently. I'm very happy with this sounds cool set in the 60s.

[Hibbyradge]

Sopranos prequel film being made apparently. I'm very happy with this sounds cool set in the 60s.

Why have I suddenly become terribly nervous?

[Hibbyradge]

I thought I'd bump this thread from two years ago, on the basis that I'm finally getting round to watching Gomorra the TV series, after watching the movie years ago when it first came out and being a massive fan, and I've got to say its absolute genius, a proper work of art. I'm only just started on series two so I've obviously got a few twists and turns in front of me. Spectacular.

Where do I find Gomorra?

Edit: Aw naw. I just realised the joke opportunities I've just given you all 😂

[CropleyWasGod]

Where do I find Gomorra?

Edit: Aw naw. I just realised the joke opportunities I've just given you all [emoji23]Turn left at the pillar of salt.

Straight on...then Sodom.

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

[Mon Dieu4]

Where do I find Gomorra?

Edit: Aw naw. I just realised the joke opportunities I've just given you all 😂

It's on sky box sets currently I think, otherwise it can be found on the net, you won't regret it

[Hibbyradge]

Turn left at the pillar of salt.

Straight on...then Sodom.

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

Twat :faf:

[Hibbyradge]

It's on sky box sets currently I think, otherwise it can be found on the net, you won't regret it

Thanks 👍

[Haymaker]

Why have I suddenly become terribly nervous?

So long as it totally focuses on the old guys that were dead by the start of the season then it could be decent.

[DH1875]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that the Departed is a way overrated movie? Also, would FARGO come into the genre?

[.Sean.]

I genuinely watch The Sopranos on a continuos loop, I'll finish it then start it again. Absolute masterpiece.

[patch1875]

I genuinely watch The Sopranos on a continuos loop, I'll finish it then start it again. Absolute masterpiece.

We met Tony Sirico who played Paulie ‘walnuts’ on our honeymoon In Miami has a couple of beers with him by the pool and always stopped and chatted when we bumped into him.

[Eaststand]

Lots of great films getting a mention here.
I'd like to mention a couple of quality Brit movies,

The Business
Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels

GGTTH

[calumhibee1]

Where would I be able to start watching Boardwalk Empire? Not on Netflix, not on Sky Go etc.. any ideas?

[Gatecrasher]

Where would I be able to start watching Boardwalk Empire? Not on Netflix, not on Sky Go etc.. any ideas?

It's on Sky Go from time to time, keep an eye out for it.

[Zazu62]

Gangster no1

[snooky]

The Long Good Friday is up there as well.

Quality movie - Bob Hoskins is brilliant in it.

[Greentinted]

Not sure if it is considered a ‘gangster’ movie but STVs adaptation of ‘A Sense of Freedom’ is a fine film. Quite groundbreaking in its day.

[Hibby70]

Glad you mentioned Gomorra, both the film and the series are excellent and I normally prefer the foreign language ones, City of God, Mesrine, la Haine, Cell 211 a Spanish movie possibly has my favourite bad guy of all time in it and my favourite UK set one is Eastern Promises although that can be quite a hard watch

Mesrine is fantastic.

Of course the best gangster film of all time is Bugsy Malone though.

[hibsbollah]

Every now and then I talk sense!! It's possibly my favourite TV show of the last 10 years or so, it's a masterpiece, glad you are enjoing it!

Im up to date now. Unbelievable finale. Can't wait for series 4.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Watched The Wee Man last week, thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Big Man and The Debt Collector are good too, if it can get away with being called a gangster film.

[Gatecrasher]

Watching Narcos on Netflix and its fantastic.

[hibsbollah]

Watching Narcos on Netflix and its fantastic.

Yeah, i enjoyed the first few. Sadly, not enough time to watch all this good TV :grr:

[Mon Dieu4]

Im up to date now. Unbelievable finale. Can't wait for series 4.

Just keeps getting better and better, just when you think there is nowhere else they can take it they go and do it

[hibsbollah]

Just keeps getting better and better, just when you think there is nowhere else they can take it they go and do it

I know. Exactly what I thought. When the beards came into the story I wasn't sure about it but they did it brilliantly. And the death at the end of series 3,i knew it was coming but still I got a shock when it actually happened. (treading very carefully to avoid spoiler)

[Eaststand]

I know. Exactly what I thought. When the beards came into the story I wasn't sure about it but they did it brilliantly. And the death at the end of series 3,i knew it was coming but still I got a shock when it actually happened. (treading very carefully to avoid spoiler)

I loved this excellent Series, and it def does get better as it goes on.
I'll be careful what I say to avoid spoiling, but from what you've said in your post, I'm not 100% convinced there is a death at the end of S3 .... ;-)

GGTTH

[DH1875]

Black Rain. Forgot just how good this is, amazing :aok: