Excellent but underrated film

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

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

I know I'll be yelled at for giving this movie such a high rating but it was one of the surprise flicks of the 90's for me.I didn't catch it at the theatres but saw the trailer on another video I'd rented. It caught my eye and when I saw it on another video as a preview I made a note to get it.Time went by, I finally found a copy and was glued to the screen. Not everything is perfect mind you but the fact that a life of crime is no life is clearly defined. If you have a young person who thinks a life of drugs is cool, show him or her this movie and see the tragedy of such a lifestyle front and center.The performances in this movie range from good to outstanding. I was riveted to the narrative and the soundtrack one of the most superb ever. I was stunned at the contrast of composers and you go from the master Ennio Morricone to MC Lyte! You can't beat that! The comic characters are realistic. We laughed and cried throughout the movie. You couldn't ask for more realism. These were people who weren't "Hollywood" models but people with character, charisma, and most of all charm.This was a story about choices and repercussions that spanned a couple of generations all wound up in some gut wrenching violence in some scenes and comic violence in others. Rigoletto the classic opera comes to mind. That swing back and forth from tragedy to tragic comedy to frustration and all the emotions in between.Everyone did such a fine job that it's one of the few memorable movies from the 90's. You will get some big laughs, I mean big laughs from this movie but don't let that fool you one iota. There are heartbreaking scenes of such tragedy that it will twist you up inside and make you so angry at crime you'll be ready to spit nails.How writer Weiss pulled this off is a miracle. It defines several points in modern history and of course pays tribute to gangster films past and present.If Weiss put together more projects like this I'd be happy.Bring tissues, popcorn, and enjoy a real modern day classic.Did I mention I loved every single person cast in this movie? Even the extras? Just perfect.I've been writing gangster and crime stories for 25 years and Amongst Friends really hit home for me. So many of the characters were like mirrors to people I'd tangled with in the past I could see that I had made the right decisions the character Andy hadn't. Get this vid for your kids out there and you won't be sorry.

Poor acting by most involved, as well as some other obvious flaws are'nt enough to destroy this movie for me~ They're even part of the tragic air of the film~ and almost add a particular charm to it.. Maybe you must be able to relate to certain aspects of this movie to appreciate it, particularly the time and/or place of the "sub-culture" involved.. but I will just simply say that despite all of it's technical flaws, it's still a film that stands out in my mind throughout the years.. and one that I still find myself putting into the dusty VHS box every so often.. Perfect example of how all enjoyable entertainment need not meet the "professional criteria" of it's respective industry..

This movie is a must see for young wannabe gangsters. It has a measure of authenticity that is absent from other films in the genre. The story takes you from the childhood through the young adulthood of three "friends", one of which is overambitious and jealous of his former cohert that just returned from prison (After doing a stint for the very guy that turns out to be his nemesis). This movie captures the essence of being young in an underground environment and having aspirations of criminal life. If you grew up in New York or Chicago, this movie is a must see and you will definitely relate. It also is a shining example of where "the life" can get you. That is to say.....absolutely nowhere!

Even though many critics have labeled "Amongst Friends" as just a 90's version of "Mean Streets", this is not necessarily a criticism. The acting is solid (see Mira Sorvino in an early role) and the drama level is kept high throughout the film. Basically it's a tale of Jewish Long Island kids growing up to be gangsters, and I recommend it.