Watch Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn
- R
- 2013
- 1 hr 56 min
-
3.8 (792)
Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn is a crime drama film that was released in 2013. It is directed by Paul Borghese and written by Borghese, William DeMeo, and Anthony Patellis. The movie stars a talented cast of Armand Assante, William DeMeo, and Cathy Moriarty in leading roles, along with an ensemble of other accomplished actors. The story is set in Brooklyn, NY, where former criminal Bobby Baldano (William DeMeo) is trying to start a new life by running a small pizzeria. After serving a ten-year sentence for a crime he did not commit, Bobby wants to stay out of trouble and make the most of the second chance he's been given. However, his past soon catches up with him, and he finds himself in the middle of a dangerous game of survival.
Bobby's uncle, Sal (Armand Assante), is a mob boss who rules over the Brooklyn underworld. He wants Bobby back in the family business and will stop at nothing to make it happen. He sends his trusted enforcer, Mikey (Vincent Pastore), to persuade Bobby to come back to the family. Bobby, resisting the pressure, refuses to work for Sal again, but he soon realizes that there's no way out of the life he left behind.
The story, which takes place over the course of one night, also involves the corruption of the police department, the love interest of Bobby with a young woman (Danielle Guldin) and the search for his long lost brother (Louis Vanaria). The plot is intricately woven with well-crafted characterizations, detailed settings, and impressive performances, making it a compelling watch.
The film also captures the essence of Brooklyn, showcasing the tough streets, the vibrant culture, and the strong sense of community among the people who live there. The visuals are gritty and authentic, with raw cinematography that immerses you in the world of the characters.
The theme of redemption is prominent in the movie, as Bobby begins to question if he can ever truly escape his past, or if he is destined to follow in the footsteps of his family. The story also touches on the importance of family and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
The performances from the cast are remarkable, with William DeMeo delivering an outstanding performance as the conflicted Bobby. He brings depth and nuance to the character, making you root for him despite his flaws. Armand Assante is equally impressive as Sal, giving a standout performance that showcases his incredible range as an actor. Cathy Moriarty also appears in a supporting role as Bobby's mother, offering a poignant and nuanced portrayal of a woman struggling to keep her family together.
The film's pacing is fast, with action-packed moments and suspenseful scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat. The direction is sharp, with the camera work and editing adding to the tension and impact of the story.
Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn is an engrossing crime drama that showcases the intricate and complex world of organized crime in Brooklyn. It's a film that will keep you glued to the screen, with powerful performances, impressive direction, and a well-crafted story.
Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn is a 2013 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8 and a MetaScore of 15.