Summary
- Michael Imperioli continues his journey in the crime genre, narrating a History Channel docuseries on New York’s Cosa Nostra outfits.
- American Godfathers dives deep into the origins and operations of the five families, revealing lesser-known mafia facts and figures.
- The docuseries excels in authenticity, with meticulous research, expert insights, and engaging storytelling, making it a must-watch for crime fans.
As a seasoned crime enthusiast who’s spent more time with mobsters than I care to admit, let me tell you, American Godfathers: The Five Families is a must-watch for any connoisseur of organized crime tales. This docuseries has an air of authenticity that’s as thick as a New York winter fog and just as hard to shake off.
Michael Imperioli, the Emmy-winning actor famously known for his roles as Spider in Goodfellas and Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos, has returned to the crime genre, but one might wonder if he ever truly departed. He is now lending his voice to another mob-related project – American Godfathers: The Five Families, a History Channel docuseries spanning three parts and nine decades, which delves into the activities of New York’s infamous Cosa Nostra organizations.
“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!”
Similar to Michael Corleone, Imperioli finds it challenging to distance himself from the realm of criminal organizations. Even though his character was written off in The Sopranos, he was later brought on as the narrator for the series’ prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark. Additionally, he has enjoyed teaming up with former castmate Steve Schirripa to host the podcast Talking Sopranos.
In this instance, Imperioli and his production team are now assigned to investigate territories controlled by organized crime groups in the real world. They execute their duties exceptionally well, shedding light on how a golden era of organized crime flourished and declined within a single dynamic century, only for it to almost grind to a halt with the introduction of innovative law enforcement methods.
American Godfathers: The Five Families Covers Oft-Ignored Mafia Topics
For enthusiasts of the crime genre, “American Godfathers: The Five Families” offers an irresistible treat, as it delves deeper than most American organized crime documentaries by presenting comprehensive details that are typically omitted.
Typically, stories about the five crime families often begin with the establishment of The Commission by Charles “Lucky” Luciano. Although Luciano is often considered the founding father of the New York mafia, it’s important to remember that much took place before he formed a governing body. While Luciano may receive all the praise, it was actually Salvatore “Little Caesar” Maranzano who initially structured the organization.
After the violent Castellammarese War, Maranzano observed the chaotic state of Italian-American gangs in New York City. In an attempt to bring order, he restructured them into what eventually became known as the Profaci, Maranzano, Luciano, Mangano, and Gagliano families. These groups would later be recognized by the FBI under new names such as the Colombo, Gambino, Bonanno, Genovese, and Lucchese families, names that were not chosen by the gang members themselves.
Maranzano eventually took on the role as the “head honcho” or “supreme boss,” but met his end through an assassination only a few months afterward.
The docuseries also reminds audiences that the public wasn’t always familiar with the inner workings of the New York mafia. The hierarchy of the five families only became common knowledge after Genovese crime family member, Joseph Vallachi sang during the McClennan senate hearings.
Propelled by dissatisfaction and concern for his safety, Vallachi acknowledged the existence of the Italian-American Mafia as a real entity, making him the first to do so. Moreover, he was the pioneer who publicly used the term ‘Cosa Nostra’.
It’s commonly believed that the New York mafia faded significantly during Rudy Giuliani’s tenure in the 1980s, as he waged a war against them and imprisoned many of their leaders, such as the stylish John Gotti.
The book “American Godfathers: The Five Families” demonstrates that the common misconception about their power wasn’t true. Although the families lost some strength, they remained active. In the ’90s, there was a noticeable decrease in news about New York mobsters; however, Joe Massino, boss of the Bonanno crime family, was efficiently managing things behind the scenes. Tragically, he would later become the first boss to testify, which led to a significant change in the ‘omertà’ code. This and other intriguing details are scattered throughout the three episodes.
An Air of Meticulousness Can Be Noticed in Every Single Production Aspect
The American Godfathers delights viewers by providing a wealth of information, which is certainly beneficial. By integrating unique photographs, audio recordings, and news broadcasts with chilling video footage of streets stained with blood after a hit, this documentary series will enlighten you about the high price one pays for embracing a life of criminal activity.
Furthermore, the documentary series incorporates a significant amount of data from the New York Times bestselling book “Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America’s Most Powerful Mafia Empires” by Selwyn Raab. Known for his exceptional investigative journalism about organized crime, Raab is the author of this influential work.
The authenticity is consistently maintained throughout the inclusion of various authors, police officers who’ve worked in law enforcement, and family members of former mobsters as contributors in this documentary. Each of them has ample opportunity to share their perspectives, resulting in a wealth of expert insights that surpasses what you might find in a full decade’s worth of FBI case files. Not only do viewers get to relive past events, but they also receive thoughtful commentary and analysis.
In my opinion, the excellence of American Godfathers shines through in every aspect, particularly its outstanding production values. With an exceptional soundtrack and breathtakingly crafted sets, this crime drama is a cinematic experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Exploring artistic landscapes similar to crime-themed documentaries such as ‘Fear City’, ‘Momo’, and ‘Mafia’s Greatest Hits’, this specific project delves into an investigative story that skillfully employs tension and suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The unique contrast between New York’s breathtaking naturalistic urban scenery and the harsh reality of organized crime adds depth to the viewing experience.
American Godfathers Is Currently the Best Option for Genre Fans Looking to Quench Their Thirst
For enthusiasts of crime dramas who may be craving more content, “American Godfathers: The Five Families” serves as a satisfying mini-series. It’s not just an homage to the mobsters of yesteryear, but also a salute to the unyielding determination of law enforcement officers to apprehend, prosecute, and imprison.
The series steers clear of overly emotional melodrama and sensationalist investigations, focusing instead on individuals who are open and capable of sharing their stories. Consequently, it’s definitely worth your time, in all aspects.
From August 10th to 12th, “American Godfathers: The Five Families” aired on the History Channel. If you missed it, don’t worry! You can purchase it on platforms like Amazon and Apple TV+. Additionally, it is also possible to stream it on demand with Spectrum.
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2024-08-23 04:31