What are the best gangster movies?

Pretty much anything with De Niro in it, e.g. GoodFellas, Casino. I would also include A Bronx Tale, although some may not regard that as a gangster movie. The first two Godfather movies, Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction (from Quentin Tarantino) would also be on my list.

quote:

Originally posted by jazzfan:
Pretty much anything with De Niro in it, e.g. GoodFellas, Casino. I would also include A Bronx Tale, although some may not regard that as a gangster movie. The first two Godfather movies, Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction (from Quentin Tarantino) would also be on my list.

That'd be my list too jazzfan, but I'd also add "American Gangster" with Denzil Washington.

Yes, I'd agree with American Gangster. In terms of more recent examples, The Departed was also quite outstanding IMV. Carlito's Way was great as well. And, even though it's not a movie, I was a fan of The Sopranos.

From the other side of the pond - Gangster No. 1 - although the violence may be a little too graphic for some.

A different take on a similar theme ~ same genre, different location: The Yakuza starring Robert Mitchum, Brian Keith, Ken Takakura ... simply brilliant and highly involving.

The Firm ?

quote:

Originally posted by Manu:
The Firm ?

Nah, Cruise makes it unwatchable, or not worth bothering about

T'was a joke, just in this movie lawyers are the gangsters...

Eric Bana's breakout Aussie film, "Chopper".

Gold!

"Shut up you long streak of paralysed piss!"



"You're a big man, but you're out of shape. For me it's a full time job. "



"Then, the act was, to use a legal term, non-consensual buggery."



"That? That's my favourite axe, Eddie."

I don't think anyone has mentioned "Heat" as yet.

Not a great fan of this genre, a bit too bloodthirsty for me, but one set of gangster movies stands head and shoulders above the rest.



I also have a theory that Sylvester Sneakly and the evil Hooded Claw are one and the same.

ATB Rotf

Anything with James Cagney in it.

Particularly Angels with Dirty Faces.

Love Film Noir.

The absolute best is Bugsy Malone. No contest

quote:

Originally posted by kuma:
Anything with James Cagney in it.

Particularly Angels with Dirty Faces.

Love Film Noir.

. . . "You dirty rat" Kuma! Was gonna say that!

Film Noir! First thing that comes to mind when thinking gangster. James Cagney, and Edward G. (Robinson). The genre has that gritty quality, and makes it so much more authentic.

Also, the best lines were delivered in these films. And the voices . . . just iconic!

Also, one of my favorites . . . "the Untouchables", the Brian De Palma version with Sean Connery and DeNiro.

Max

Max,

Actually, Cagney never uttered the line in 'Angels...'.

However, Edward G did say: 'Mother of mercy. Is this the end of Rico?!'

Is that "bloody Kevin" from "A Perfect World" "Tin Cup" and other examples of fine, underrated acting?

and, yes, he was woeful in The Untouchables.

I didn't think much of it myself - how can you make a film about Wolves without one shot of Molineux

quote:

Originally posted by kuma:
Max,

Actually, Cagney never uttered the line in 'Angels...'.

However, Edward G did say: 'Mother of mercy. Is this the end of Rico?!'

lol, OK. I knew that . . . .but was fun to write, anyway!

For the record, I agree re. "bloody Kevin" the post man/wallyworld/etc. You guys failed to notice I forgot to mention Kostner in this film?! : )


Never the less, watching DeNiro and Connery in Untouchables more than makes up for it, IMHO.

Max
PS. Just saw the trailer for Public Enemies the new Johnny Depp/Dillinger movie. Looks Great!

Perhaps more 'mood pieces' than out and out action, but very engaging films set against gang/crime background:

Along the same line as the Black Rain, The Hunted was pretty passable.

The best bits was the soundtrack. ( Kodo drummers )

JWM,

You see the Tampopo as a gangstar film????

Out of topic, but speaking of Black Rain, if you really want to be disturbed, try 'Kuroi Ame ( aka Black Rain ) by Shohei Imamura.

Guaranteed to be depressed.

Although ostensible an episode piece about a noodle bar, there are (as I recall) some clear/strong gangster themes.

JWM,

It's been a while since I watched it, but the *gangstar* elements were just a sideline. All I remember was a widower determined to make the best noodle soup in Japan.

A pig head soupstock scene still cracks me up because she reminded me of me!

Give "dead mans shoes" a try. Very british very low budget.Not exactly a gangster movie albiet it contains some lowlifes and some serious retribution,kind of a real life "death wish".