Watch By the Gun

By the Gun is a 2014 movie that tells the story of Nick Tortano, a young man who always dreamed of being a member of the Italian Mafia. Nick grew up in a working-class family in Boston, where he witnessed first-hand the power and influence of organized crime. With his charming personality and sharp mind, Nick quickly impresses local mob boss Sal Vitaglia, who offers him a job as his protege.

As Nick rises through the ranks of the Mafia, he becomes more involved in criminal activities and starts to lose touch with his moral compass. His relationship with his girlfriend Ali suffers as a result, and he struggles to balance his loyalty to the Vitaglia family with his own desires for a better life.

The movie is a gritty crime drama that explores the inner workings of the Mafia and the consequences of getting caught up in its web. Ben Barnes gives a powerful performance as Nick Tortano, portraying his character as a charismatic yet troubled young man who is torn between his ambitions and his conscience. Leighton Meester also shines as Ali, Nick's girlfriend who is both supportive and critical of his choices.

One of the strengths of the movie is its realistic portrayal of the Mafia. Unlike many Hollywood movies, By the Gun doesn't glamorize or romanticize organized crime. Instead, it shows the harsh realities of life within the Mafia, including the brutal violence and the constant fear of betrayal.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, particularly Harvey Keitel as Salvatore Vitaglia, the aging mob boss who takes Nick under his wing. Keitel brings a sense of gravitas to the role, portraying Sal as a complex figure who is both ruthless and compassionate.

The movie is well-paced, building tension as Nick becomes more deeply involved in the Mafia's criminal activities. The plot twists and turns as Nick tries to navigate the dangerous waters of organized crime, and the ending is both satisfying and surprising.

One of the movie's weaknesses is its lack of strong female characters. While Ali is a sympathetic and well-drawn character, she is one of the few women in the movie and doesn't have much agency beyond her relationship with Nick. The other women in the movie are either sex workers or background characters.

Overall, By the Gun is a well-made crime drama that offers a compelling look at the world of the Mafia. Its strong performances and realistic portrayal of organized crime make it a must-see for fans of the genre. With themes of loyalty, ambition, and morality, the movie is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to choose a life of crime.

By the Gun is a 2014 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.