A maniacal Dennis Hopper, drunken Martin Sheen, selfish Brando, drug-induced crew, obstinate Army and a tight budget – it’s a wonder Coppola didn’t create his own Apocalypse. His wife, Eleanor, filmed every minute. Hearts of Darkness – oh, the horror.
The Godfather and Scarface are obvious classics. But…have you seen The Long Good Friday? Bob Hoskins plays all-powerful London crime boss, Harold Shand. Everyone associated with the notorious mobster is either happy or fearful. When a series of attacks on his empire threaten a mega-deal on Good Friday, Harold goes on a massive manhunt.
Things are never simple when blood is involved. The Coen-brothers 1983 debut film, Blood Simple, is a complex crime-thriller. You just can’t go wrong with anything from the guys who brought us Fargo and The Big Lebowski.
“It’s not who you know. It’s who you kill.”
Gangster No. 1 is the other side of the pond’s equivalent to Scarface and American Gangster. This film chronicles the rise and fall of a ruthless criminal with unforgettable performances by Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind) and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange).
You know the movie The Departed? Bad ass, huh? Would you believe it was a remake of a Hong Kong film titled, Infernal Affairs? After watching this Asian crime thriller, you’ll clearly understand why Marty decided to recreate it in his classic Scorcesean way.
If you and a couple of friends stumble upon a downed plane discovering a bag filled with millions and two dead bodies – would you contact the authorities or take the money and run? Before answering, watch A Simple Plan directed by Sam Raimi (Spiderman) and starring Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thorton. It might make you rethink your decision.
While the 60′s gave rise to Hollywood films like My Fair Lady – Japan entertained on a whole different level. The Sword Of Doom boasts some of the most impressive swordplay in the history of samurai epics. This film perfectly illustrates the adage “an evil soul wields an evil sword.”
Buffalo ’66 is strange. The kind of strange you won’t want to miss. After being released from five years in the clink, Billy (Vincent Gallo) kidnaps and forces a teenager (Christina Ricci) into playing his wife. But why? To impress mommy (Angelica Houston) and atone for forcing her into labor during Buffalo’s 1966 Super Bowl win.
