Origins of Gangster Movies
Bronx Tale gangster movies have their origins in the Prohibition-era gangster films of the 1920s and ’30s. During the heyday of Prohibition, gangsters took center stage, as the public saw them as anti-heroes, challenging the law and defending their own lives. Bronx Tale movies capture that same feeling – an anti-hero, living on the wrong side of the law and struggling against the system.
Bronx Tale and Hollywood
Gangster movies have become a Hollywood staple, with Bronx Tale established as a classic. While some gangster movies focus on crime stories and boast a modern feel and look, Bronx Tale hearkened back to the classic mob-style stories of the Prohibition era. Directed by Robert De Niro, the movie follows the rise of an Italian-American mobster, as seen through the eyes of a young man.
Cultural Impact
Bronx Tale has been lauded for its accurate depiction of life as an Italian-American in the Bronx during the tumultuous ’60s. The film has become a culture touchstone for Italian-Americans, and its influence can be seen in popular culture today. From mob-style clothing trends to quotes and slang borrowed from the movie, Bronx Tale is a memorable piece of American cinema.
Impact on the Bronx
The Bronx has a long history of gangsters and organized crime, and while most of the activity has been relegated to the past, the lasting impact of the movie can still be seen. Bronx residents point to the film as a source of pride, and a reminder of the area’s connection to organized crime.
Critical Reception
Bronx Tale was released in 1993 to critical acclaim. It was nominated for 2 Academy Awards, and received praise for its accurate depiction of Italian-American culture in the Bronx. Critics praised De Niro’s direction, and likened the movie to a classic crime story from the Prohibition era.
Legacy
Bronx Tale has not only become a cinematic classic, but it has also become a symbol of the Bronx’s power and resilience. Its legacy is seen in the clothing, slang, and culture that have come from the movie, and it will continue to be remembered as one of the great American gangster films.
Reimagining the Story
In 2019, Bronx Tale was reimagined as a Broadway musical. The musical adaptation of the story won multiple Tony Awards, and brought the movie to a new generation of fans. The musical captured the same spirit of the movie – as well as its accurate depiction of life in the Bronx – and remains popular today.
Influence on other Films
Bronx Tale inspired a wave of mafia-style films, both in Hollywood and around the world. From Italian films like Gomorrah to the American classic The Godfather, gangster films are still hugely popular and have been influenced by the classic mob-style stories of the Prohibition era.
Music
The music of Bronx Tale has become iconic, with songs like “Ragtime” remaining popular to this day. The soundtrack, produced by members of the rap group Wu-Tang Clan, blended classic jazz and hip-hop to create an unique soundscape for the movie. The music of Bronx Tale has been praised for bringing together different styles and cultures.
