As a film enthusiast who’s had the pleasure of witnessing some truly iconic cinematic moments, I must say that these three films – The Untouchables, Once Upon a Time in America, and Scarface – are nothing short of masterpieces in the genre of gangster epics.
The 1980s, characterized by extravagance, pop culture reign, and a strong undercurrent of optimism, stood out as a distinctive period. This era’s moods and preoccupations were mirrored in Hollywood through some of the most impactful films ever made. Unlike other generations that had their signature movies embodying the spirit of the times, the 1980s witnessed a notable escalation in the production of gangster and mob movies. These films gained widespread appeal by showcasing an opulent lifestyle and the exhilaration of lawlessness, transforming them from mere entertainment into cultural phenomena.
In the ’80s, mob and gangster films ranged from raw narratives to grand presentations, offering an unflinching, genuine insight into the treacherous realm of organized crime. These movies portrayed fractured families, sibling rivalries fueled by power struggles, and titans who eventually self-destruct after years of living a life of excess.
When it comes to selecting the top 10 cinematic masterpieces from the era of classic gangster thrillers, it can be quite a challenge due to the wealth of options available. However, taking into account factors such as direction, acting, and cultural significance, we’ve compiled what we believe to be an exceptional list of 10 movies that truly stand out in the mob and gangster genre.
10 A Better Tomorrow (1986)
A Better Tomorrow boasts a magnificent history. Penned and helmed by John Woo, it revolves around two brothers who have grown apart due to their different paths in life – one being a powerful Hong Kong triad gangster (Sung Tse-Ho) filled with remorse, yearning to depart from his violent lifestyle to reconnect with his younger brother, who has completed high school and plans to join the police force. As the story unfolds, Ho comes to understand the immense challenges he faces in extricating himself from the criminal underworld.
A Story of Brotherhood and Redemption
Following the distinctive style of John Woo, this film significantly enhances the gangster genre by combining striking, stylized violence with deep emotional character development. Woo skillfully elicits complex performances from leads Leslie Cheung, Chow Yun-fat, and Ti Lung, who find themselves in a complicated web of loyalty, redemption, crime, and morality. The thrilling final gun battle adds depth and captivates viewers. While it achieved greater recognition overseas, A Better Tomorrow was a massive hit that spawned a sequel and has been remade multiple times.
9 Black Rain (1989)
Among Ridley Scott’s impressive body of work, “Black Rain” is less celebrated by many, but it has developed a devoted fanbase within the crime genre. The story unfolds around two NYPD detectives, Nick Conklin and Charlie Vincent, who apprehend a Yakuza member for bringing counterfeit money into New York City. Their mission is to escort him back to Japan, but upon their arrival in Osaka, the Yakuza manages to escape. As a result, Nick and Charlie find themselves embroiled in a dangerous and escalating gang conflict within Japan’s criminal underworld.
An Intercontinental Crime Story
In a somewhat familiar plotline, the film Black Rain is recognized for its raw and intense crime narrative intertwined with cultural contrasts. Michael Douglas and Andy Garcia deliver captivating performances as their morally ambiguous characters, who each grapple with different ethical standards and allegiances. The movie offers a gripping portrayal of Japan’s criminal world, set against the backdrop of neon-lit cityscapes. Hans Zimmer’s electrifying soundtrack and expertly coordinated fight scenes further enhance this engaging tale.
8 Gloria (1980)
John Cassavetes’ second project with Gena Rowlands, following 1974’s “A Woman Under the Influence,” is a valuable yet underrated gem. The lead character, Gloria Swenson, is a young mother and wife residing in New York City, battling to make ends meet for her family.
After some gangsters kill her neighbors, Gloria – once a girlfriend to one of these criminals – finds herself safeguarding a young six-year-old. To evade capture, she and the child go into hiding together. Simultaneously, the mob pursues them relentlessly, convinced that the boy possesses something they desire.
A Chilling Character Study
In the gripping drama that delves into the lasting effects of past ties to criminal elements, I find Rowlands’ portrayal of Gloria to be unrivaled. She’s a picture of resilience in the face of adversity, and her determination is nothing short of commendable. The film, much like Gloria herself, masterfully blends suspense with raw emotions, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The action sequences are a delightful surprise, challenging our expectations at every turn. The intricate moral dilemmas woven into the plot and Cassavetes’ authentic direction make this film a timeless classic.
7 Prince of the City (1981)
Similar to the film “Serpico,” Sidney Lumet’s “Prince of the City” delves into police corruption, offering a more authentic depiction of the institution. The narrative follows New York police officer Daniel Ciello and his colleagues who not only observe corruption on a regular basis, but are also involved in it. However, as he grows disillusioned by this, Ciello decides to act as an informant, helping to prosecute corrupt cops while sparing his own partners. Yet, attempting to reform the system doesn’t come without its costs.
More Influential Now More Than Ever
Lumet skillfully directs the film with grace and panache, painting a grim yet captivating image of a flawed system. The central character, brilliantly portrayed by Treat Williams as an idealistic man crushed by consumerism, adds emotional depth to the story, making it oddly thought-provoking. Although some might say that Prince of the City deviates from the typical gangster movie formula, a closer look reveals all the essential components.
6 The Long Good Friday (1980)
In “The Long Good Friday,” Harold Shand, an ambitious mob boss, aspires to broaden his criminal empire into the international drug market. However, before he can do so, he needs to solidify his reputation as a legitimate businessman. He meticulously plots to gain the acceptance of the American Mafia. But his carefully laid plans are jeopardized by ominous bombings and assassinations, which create an air of uncertainty around everything he has worked hard to build. The ensuing events unfold as a dangerous power struggle between rival gangs and potentially corrupt law enforcement officials.
Gold Standard Of British Gangster Flicks
The film titled “The Long Good Friday,” helmed by director John Mackenzie and penned by Barrie Keeffe, presents a gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld. It delivers an exhilarating urban adventure to viewers. Bob Hoskins brilliantly portrays Shand, whose complex and unpredictable character dominates the screen. Helen Mirren plays Victoria, Shand’s significant other. Beyond its swift narrative and intense action sequences, this movie dives deep into themes such as family ties, loyalty, and the cost of aspiration.
5 Thief (1981)
In this film with a dark, suspenseful atmosphere, actor James Caan portrays Frank, an expert jewel thief and former inmate, who spends his evenings carefully plotting and pulling off intricate burglaries. Eager to leave the business behind after completing one last job – the theft of diamonds – complications ensue when his employer is assaulted, leaving him unpaid. As a result, Frank is pursued by a formidable crime boss.
A Neon-Drenched Directorial Debut
Michael Mann, acclaimed for his BAFTA wins, first stepped into filmmaking by adapting Frank Hohimer’s memoir, “The Home Invaders: Confessions of a Cat Burglar,” into his debut movie titled Thief. Under Mann’s guidance, the film became both a gripping gangster tale and an introspective character study. James Caan delivers a captivating performance as Frank, infusing the character with depths of mystery and urgency. The suspense in the prolonged heist sequences harmoniously contrasts with the ensuing chases and shootouts.
4 Atlantic City (1980)
Among the films that ignited the series of gangster movies during the 1980s, one notable example is “Atlantic City”. Directed by Louis Malle, this movie revolves around Lou, an elderly criminal who has moved away from his criminal past, and Sally Matthews, a woman working at a casino in Atlantic City. In distress due to her estranged husband’s drug-related troubles, Sally collaborates with Lou for a quick cash solution. Unbeknownst to them, they find themselves entangled in the world of high-risk criminal activities.
Poignant and Gritty
In a unique twist for the crime genre, the film Atlantic City demonstrates that gritty stories can still embody beauty. To clarify, Malle extracts this beauty from authenticity, revealing the decay, desolation, moral decline, and pervasive corruption that define the city. Furthermore, if the deteriorating elegance of the boardwalk doesn’t captivate you, the film offers an exceptional romantic subplot between Bob Lancaster and Susan Sarandon as a compelling additional attraction.
3 The Untouchables (1987)
In the era of Prohibition, the story The Untouchables unfolds, focusing on Eliot Ness’ relentless efforts to bring down Al Capone, a powerful crime lord who had a grip on almost all of Chicago through his illegal liquor business. To combat the pervasive corruption, Ness puts together a team consisting of seasoned officer James Malone, Italian-American recruit George Stone, and accountant Oscar Wallace.
Portrays An Era’s Criminal Landscape
In my view, what truly sets “The Untouchables” apart is not just its thrilling climax, but the events leading up to it. This film showcases exceptional performances from Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro, with De Niro appearing sporadically as Al Capone. The movie is filled with intense standoffs and nerve-wracking moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Instead of depicting a film about gang activities, Brian De Palma’s genre-defining masterpiece focuses on the unusual mission to dismantle it. The movie earned numerous Oscar nominations, with Connery taking home one of them.
2 Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
In America, over the course of several decades, a gripping tale of organized crime unfolds. It follows the lives of two childhood friends, David “Noodles” Aaronson and Maximilian “Max” Bercovicz, who began as ordinary kids, eventually transforming into small-time Jewish gangsters. They rose through Manhattan’s criminal underworld due to their half-century of criminal activities. However, as they age, hidden truths and remorse loom ominously over their lives, potentially shattering their worlds apart.
A Sprawling and Unparalleled Gangster Epic
With meticulous attention and skill, Sergio Leone created the four-hour-long gangster masterpiece known as “Once Upon a Time in America“. This was his last film, released 13 years after his previous work. The movie is rich with atmosphere and symbolism, boasting evocative costumes, and Ennio Morricone’s powerful score. In essence, each frame is like a living cinematic vision unfolding before our eyes.
This movie features Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Joe Pesci, Burt Young, and others. Each actor delivers an outstanding performance as they grapple with lives filled with corrosive choices. Encompassing grand themes yet deeply emotional, it’s a film not to be missed.
1 Scarface (1983)
Brian De Palma reached the zenith of filmmaking in the 1980s by producing financially successful and critically acclaimed films such as “Wise Guys”, “The Untouchables”, and “Scarface”. The latter, set in 1980s Miami, tells the story of Tony Montana, a driven Cuban refugee who manages to find his way into the city and secure employment at a restaurant. His relentless chase for the American Dream eventually leads him to build a drug empire and ascend to the rank of a powerful drug lord. Yet, Tony’s thirst for power ultimately proves to be his downfall.
Al Pacino’s Most Outrageous Performance
Although it was based on a straightforward concept reminiscent of Howard Hawks’ 1932 film, Scarface transformed into an innovative modern classic by exploring the narrative in a fresh and provocative manner. The cinematic flair, coupled with the darkly comedic plot twists, De Palma’s examination of toxic masculinity and relentless greed, and the escalating fear and suspicion that consume Tony, create an exhilarating journey for viewers.
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2024-09-14 04:32