Watch Danny Greene: The Rise and Fall of the Irishman

Danny Greene: The Rise and Fall of the Irishman is a biographical crime drama film released in 2009. The movie tells the story of Danny Greene, a notorious Irish-American gangster who rose to power in the 1960s and 1970s in Cleveland, Ohio. The film explores Greene's rise to infamous status, as well as his eventual downfall, involving a myriad of criminal activities such as racketeering, smuggling, and murder.

The film stars actor Shondor Birns as the titular character, Danny Greene, an enigmatic figure who rose from a poverty-stricken background to become one of Cleveland's most feared gangsters. John DiMaggio plays John Nardi, Greene's close confidante and fellow gangster, while Barbara Eppich portrays Nancy, Greene's long-suffering girlfriend. Other notable cast members include Ray Wise as Greene's nemesis, loan shark and labor leader Shondor Birns, and Bob Gunton as the corrupt FBI agent tasked with bringing Greene down.

Danny Greene: The Rise and Fall of the Irishman offers a compelling and honest portrayal of Greene and his reign of terror over Cleveland's criminal underworld. The film delves into Greene's background, starting with his rise from abject poverty in the streets of Cleveland to his eventual association with the local mafia. Along the way, viewers are given a glimpse into the many vices and shortcomings that defined Greene's character, as well as his steadfast loyalty to his friends and associates.

The film covers the grit and grime of the organized criminal scene of Cleveland during the late 1960s and early 1970s in very explicit detail. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with plenty of street slang and gangster jargon to keep viewers engaged. The cinematography and set design are beautifully rendered, offering a vivid glimpse of the dirty, run-down streets where Greene and his associates did business.

Danny Greene: The Rise and Fall of the Irishman is not just a standard gangster film. The movie quickly establishes that Greene was a man of contradictions - a ruthless criminal who also worked tirelessly for his community, using his wealth and influence to help the poor and dispossessed. His unlikely ascent to fame and power is as much a part of the film's plot as his eventual demise. Through it all, the film manages to maintain a sense of empathy and understanding for Greene and his many flaws.

The movie also shines in its portrayal of the relationship between Greene and his girlfriend, Nancy, played brilliantly by Barbara Eppich. Their relationship is fraught with tension and conflict, as Nancy tries desperately to keep Greene from resorting to his criminal behavior, all the while knowing that he is too deeply entrenched in the criminal world to ever leave it behind. Eppich's performance is stunning, conveying both the strength and vulnerability of a woman who loves a dangerous man.

The final scenes of the movie are some of the most gut-wrenching, as Greene is doggedly pursued by his enemies and betrayed by those he once trusted. The film is able to capture the sense of desperation and horror that was felt by Greene and his associates during his final moments. The violence is graphic and brutal but never gratuitous, staying true to the documentary style of storytelling that the film employs.

Danny Greene: The Rise and Fall of the Irishman is a powerful and compelling biopic that is sure to satisfy fans of crime dramas and gangster films. The film is unflinching in its depiction of Danny Greene's life, offering an unvarnished view of a complicated and deeply flawed man. Its strong performances, intelligent writing, and visceral action all combine to make it a must-see for those looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking film.

Danny Greene: The Rise and Fall of the Irishman is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.