The 1993 film A
Bronx Tale is a great depiction of the lifestyle of a child growing up in
the Bronx in the 1960’s. The main character Calogero Anello begins the movie as
a nine year old boy living in the Bronx. The film starts off with Cologero
witnessing a murder committed by the head mafia gangster in town. From this
moment on, a strong bond is formed between the two. Although this relationship
is forbidden by Cologero’s father (played by Robert De Niro), it is evident
throughout the rest of the movie. As Cologero grows older, his neighborhood
worsens. His lifelong friends become racist individuals who get mixed with the
wrong crowd. Despite the reputation of the leading mafia man, he advises
Cologero to stay away from those friends while giving him a “street” education.
Throughout the movie, Cologero is torn between living his father’s honest
lifestyle or the corrupt lifestyle of a gangster living in the Bronx. By the
end of the movie Cologero is faced with the decision that will shape the rest
of his life as he begins his journey into manhood. The movie A Bronx Tale is a very effective piece
due to its unique plot, actors involved, and city setting.
A Bronx Tale is not your typical Italian mafia movie. It
incorporates many societal issues that are normally not seen in other mafia
themed films. Although a large portion of the film is filled with corrupt
gangsters, that is not the main focus. It describes the life of a young child
growing up in the Bronx where racial tension is prevalent. Most importantly it
focuses on the fact that individuals need to set moral standards for oneself
disregarding what the rest of society is doing. The fact that this movie
revolves around these topics really make the film unique and an entertaining
movie. When people hear a movie is about the mafia, they automatically assume
it is about killing, violence or some other sort of illegal affiliations. A Bronx Tale breaks that stereotype with
its exceptional plot and makes it a “must see” and effective film. 
Aside from its remarkable plot, A Bronx Tale is filled with exceptional actors as well. When
scrolling through A Bronx Tale’s cast
one cannot avoid the rich amount of Italian names. The names: Robert De Niro,
Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Frank Pietrangolare, Joe Pesci, Robert
D’Andrea are just a fraction of the Italian actors involved. Considering that
the movie revolves around the lifestyle of Italians living in the Bronx in the
1960’s, having Italian actors really benefits the overall movie. With that
said, the actors involved really help make the film effect and authentic to the
Italian background.
The setting works hand in hand with its plot and
actors involved in a film in order to make it effective. The movie being called A Bronx Tale would not be considered genuine if it was not filmed
in the Bronx area.
With that said, A Bronx Tale is
filmed in several neighboring cities, all in the area of Queens, New York. Such
cities include: Astoria, Jackson Heights and Long Island City. The fact that
this movie was filmed where the story originated really gives the movie
creditability and a sense of home. It allows the audience to feel as if they
are walking through the streets of the Bronx with fellow Italian residents just
like it would have been in the 1960’s.
Just like any other movie, A Bronx Tale is not perfect. It has its flaws in continuity and at
times the crew and filming equipment is visible in the reflection of the
vehicles parked in the streets. Although
it has a few imperfections, the fact that a ball disappears from scene to scene
or a camera is seen in the reflection from time to time does not weaken the
overall presence of the film the least bit.
A Bronx Tale is an exceptional piece do to its remarkable plot,
genuine actors and realistic setting. Although it may have some minor
discrepancies, they do not ruin the effectiveness of the film. Plot, actors and
setting are crucial aspects of the criteria involved in making a film that can
either make or break the piece. A Bronx
Tale excels in each of those areas making it a very effective film that
everyone should see.
