Good story, Not enough for a whole film

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

I really loved this film when it came out and have recently re-watched it. I think it's brilliant. such a great and simple story and the characters are perfect. I can clearly see massive similarities between this and Goodfellas and feel Goodfellas must have been a huge influence, in terms of introducing the characters with the V.O. and just the way the film is shot. An amazing debut from DeNiro as director, such a shame he didn't do more. The character of Sonnie is perfect. Unlikeable but so likable at the same time. such a wise an inspiring father figure for C. I think this film doesn't get the credit it deserves up against things like mean streets of Goodfellas but really should be up there with them. It has great repeat viewing appeal

The true value in this must see coming of age story is found in its gritty, authentic story line, cinematography and acting done by sensational casting. Robert De Niro and Chazz Palminteri reach deep down and bring to life the core essence of that internal struggle of direction faced by many youth when told to just do the right thing but never told what the right thing is.Growing up poor with parents that make an honest living, Colagero (C) tries to understand his father's life lessons but can't contain his ever increasing curiosity and reverence for the local thugs. After C witnesses a crime and responses to it the way the streets taught him, the neighborhood enforcer (Sunny) takes Colagero under his wing to teach a few life lessons of his own. The methods of each role model may be different but the message is the same.. There are consequences for compromising on integrity and values.For C this fact is something that isn't easily understood without living it first hand. He struggles to balance the only 2 futures presented a neighborhood boy growing up in the Bronx which are a safe mundane pseudo existence or an exciting fast paced lifestyle of money, power and respect.

I don't know the Bronx. I only know it from tales and movies. But there was not any movie like this about the Bronx, i saw before. In this movie, there is no single boring Minute. From beginning to the end, it's a interesting Story about the troubles from coming of Age in a Mafia ruled district. The effort of a father to Keep his beloved son away from sliding into a Company of the Mafioso, the effort of the son to do the best and cope with the circumstances and the Mafioso who lives to keep the scales in Balance for not diyng to early. :) There are a few aspects, that make this movie unique. It's the Story with the exact amount of Tension that makes you want you watch continuously. The movie is perfectly edited for flowing from Scene to Scene. The Story is told in a flawless flow. The camera-work is on a high Level and the casting is dreamlike! The actors are all perfectly casted and do a real good work. One of the best of deNiro and i do not now one other movie, in which Chazz Palminteri is more sympathetic than in this one. I will surely watch this again. :)

It's 1960 Bronx. Lorenzo Anello (Robert De Niro) is an earnest bus driver. He and his wife Rosina are raising their nine year old son Calogero who is fascinated with local mobsters led by Sonny LoSpecchio (Chazz Palminteri). One day, Calogero witnesses Sonny shoot another man on the streets but he refuses to rat him out to the cops. Sonny tries to take Calogero under his wings which Lorenzo rejects immediately. Eight years later, Calogero has become Sonny's protégé. Sonny has climbed higher in the mob. Despite racial hatred of the time, Calogero is taken with a black girl named Jane Williams.This is a great gangster movie directed by first timer Robert De Niro. It covers so much that I almost want it to be a two-parter. The first 45 minutes is amazing. The tug-a-war between the two father figures is amazing. Robert De Niro as a straight earnest guy is amazing. The confrontation scene between De Niro and Palminteri is amazing. The second half isn't too shabby either. The addition of the racial aspect brings something more to the gangster film genre. So much of this is amazing.