CINEMATIC DOPE

"A Bronx Tale" (1993) written by/starring Chazz Palminteri, directed by/starring Robert De Niro...need I say more. Surprisingly, not a lot of people have seen this gem of a film, therefore I see it as my duty to inform the masses. Brilliant! The trailer touches on one side of the tale, which is that of a blue collar family trying to maintain values amongst the fast money lifestyle of the neighborhood mob. Calogero 'C' Anello (Lillo Brancato) is the son of Lorenzo Anello (De Niro), a bus driver in the Bronx who despite his attempts to guide his son along the right path, loses Calogero to the local mob boss Sonny (Chazz Palminteri). What most reviews and write ups fail to mention however is the love story that is at the heart of this film, between Calogero and Jane (Taral Hicks), a young black girl from the wrong side of the tracks "so to say". What makes this film unique is it's ability to cover the transforming climate of the Bronx in the sixties, the Mafia's grip on everyday social activities, race relations, and the lack of respect for the working man...a major problem in today's egotistical economy. A must see, one of my favorite films of all time! -Mr.-