Well the other day i finished watching Goodfellas. It was pretty interesting, one thing I noted in the film was, the point of view was from the wiseguys in the family rather than the higher escheilons in the Godfather. I was really compelled with the movie because of the way it showed how the lower levels function in the organized crime families. It was also interesting to see the development of young Henry Hill into the man with the lack of respect betraying the Don at the end. This movie was pretty good (and gruesome) I liked it. (Although not as much as GF Trilogy)

Yeah, I like that about the film too, I just finished reading 'Donnie Brasco' seen the film some time ago, but I like the look at the lower crews daily lives, they cant all be Sonny and Mike
can they. Donnie Brasco gives a good daily view of the regular life too, have you seen it/ read it or is that a stupid question?

I havent seen it yet but I have heard it is a good movie. I will probably see it soon. I liked Goodfellas also since it was a true story.

I'm glad you enjoyed Goodfellas. I am sure you will enjoy Donnie Brasco because its not only a true story but also its about real life gangsters and Al Pacino and Johnny Depp were sensational in the film.

Another non-Godfather mafia film that I really enjoy is A Bronx Tale. Y'all should check that out if you have the chance. I think it was DeNiro's directorial debut.

I agree that movie is awesome.

Wow! Just when I thought i ran out of options! This will give me a lot to take in this summer. Thanks for your input!

"Goodfellas" is one of the all-time greats, and you're right: part of its interest comes from showing wiseguy life from the viewpoint of the lower echelons. "Donny Brasco" really gets down to low-level street life. It doesn't get any lower than the scene in which the hot-shot Mafiosi are reduced to smashing open parking meters for quarters.

A little off the main topic, but I think the "nitty-gritty" perspective is why I find The Sopranos so appealing. Granted, I realize it's too comedic for some of my comrades here. But, yeah, Donnie Brasco , Goodfellas , et. al., all have that same "gritty" element which makes them cool, relative, and real for us common folk. I have yet to see all of Mean Streets , even though DeNiro is my favorite actor. From what I've seen you people post, it must contain that same factor I just mentioned (?).

Snake, if you've never seen "Mean Streets," you are in for a treat of treats. This is, without question, one of the all-time great films--imhop, even better than "Goodfellas," if such a thing can be imagined. Harvey Keitel's greatest performance, and DeNiro's second-best, after "Raging Bull." Truly a masterpiece. Totally absorbing story.

I swear I'm going to rent it, Turnbull. I am to this day without any good excuse for not already having done so. Shame on me!

Goodfellas was amazing. The only thing I didn't like was when Ray Liotta was in court and then all of a sudden he started talking to the camera and walking out of the courtroom like he forgot he was in a movie.

I dunno but Ray Liotta's laugh was killing me. It sounded as though he was a machiene trying to do a laugh. I think he should have chuckled instead of trying to do a hearty laugh.

I love A Bronx Tale. Chaz Palmentari and Robert De Niro are excellent in that movie. They did a good job writing and directing it.

I think Goodfellas is a great film - just a tiny notch below the Godfather films. The lower-level viewpoint is very compelling. One doubt I've always had though is that Henry Hill paints himself as not such a bad guy (like crazy Tommy Devito) Like did Henry Hill ever kill anyone? Jimmy asked Henry to knock off someone in the end - suggesting that Henry does kill at times. How did he make his bones?

I think that he earned his bones by being the one to be smart and negotiate deals. Henry never really liked violence a whole lot. He was just into the business deals and making bread like that. But as far as im aware he didnt become a hardcore killer. But thats what I think.

Has anyone here seen Honor thy Father? Its a story about the Bannano family. If so, did you like it?

Sorry, I put that post in the wrong place.

Paul C.

There was a tv movie a while back about the Bannano family, with Ben Gazzara and Eric Roberts, but I don't remember the title. Is that the one you are talking about? That was pretty good. I think it was made in maybe the early 90's (not sure though).

Yes, it's a made-for-tv film with Joseph Bologna as Bill Bonanno, Brenda Vaccaro as his wife, and the great Raf Vallone (Cardinal Lamberti in GFIII) as Joe Bonanno. Richard (Clemenza) Castellano is in it as Frank Labruzzo, loyal sidekick. This is an excellent film, not often shown on TV, although you can probably rent it somewhere. Don't miss the opportunity if you find it.

Being totally new to posting notes on message boards, this may come across all wrong, but how can people interested as you are, not have seen Goodfellas, A Bronx Tale or Mean Streets? They are Classic's
This thing of ours, starts with a passing interest in Godfather, you see the first and bam, your hooked. You rent the second and then look around for other related films & books. Before long DeNiro & Pacino are your favourite actors, you've seen nearly all their films, you even like some that are not Mafia based. Although there not as good as those that are.
If your lucky, you would have read the books before seeing the films, as this truly conveys exactly what the author wanted. This being the reason Godfather 3 is not my favourite film, never should have happened.
To end what is the general feeling regarding Once Upon A Time In America....

Great to havbe you aboard MOO. Hope you stick around for a while because it seems like you have a good pount to say on certain topics.

On watching A Bronx Tale, Mean Streets and Goodfellas, you will find that most of us have watched them quite alot of times. I know I have. De Niro and Pacino are worshipped alot around these parts anyway, i'm sure you'll be joining in soon.

Henry was on Howard Stern's show a couple of months ago. He was really drunk and admitted to killing three guys. He said he did the first one when he was 16.

Moo,
I saw "Once Upon a Time in America" a long time ago. I don't remember much about it except that I liked it. I have been wanting to see it again and probably will buy it but not until it comes out on DVD (I hate watching movies that are not letterboxed).

What you said about must-see movies was right on, but your list was incomplete. Here are the movies I consider must-see. IMHO every Mob movie fan should own these:

GF trilogy
Goodfellas
Bronx Tale
Donnie Brasco
Mean Streets
Gotti
Scarface
Carlito's Way
Sopranos season 1 & 2

a bronx tale was great, the funny thing is i never herd of it before the day i bought it , then i hear all kinds of things about it, hhhhmm

forgat casino , good flick

OOPS!

Definitely Casino as well.

Henry was on Howard Stern's show a couple of months ago. He was really drunk and admitted to killing three guys. He said he did the first one when he was 16.[/b][/quote]Hill's is character is sort of a niceguy in the film - showing once again that whoever writes history has a license to edit history.

Hill's is character is sort of a niceguy in the film - showing once again that whoever writes history has a license to edit history.[/quote]Oho, you got that right, DA! Ray Liotta played Hill like a choirboy instead of the shitheel he was, and apparently still is.

I've been meaning to ask this for a long time but i keep on forgetting is Jimmy The Gent still alive? and also what did they look like (Paul, Jimmy, Tommy and Henry, anywhere i go for photos?) did the actors chosen resemble them at all?