Film Review

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.