Watch The Pope of Greenwich Village

The Pope of Greenwich Village is a timeless classic 1984 film that is famous for its star-studded cast, powerful performances, and refreshing storyline that captures the essence of the underground culture of New York. Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke, and Daryl Hannah deliver unforgettable performances that breathe life into their characters and create a vivid, authentic portrayal of the East Coast mob life, the allure of money and power, and the price people pay for success.

The movie explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, ambition, and betrayal against the backdrop of the Greenwich Village neighborhood in New York City. The two lead characters, Charlie and Paulie, are cousins who live a simple life as small-time thieves, hustlers, and gamblers. Their dreams are more extensive than their circumstances, and they are always looking for the next big score that will help them achieve financial freedom and escape the daily grind.

Charlie is the more rational, soft-spoken, and level-headed of the two, while Paulie is impulsive, brash, and reckless. They both aspire to be like their idols - The Godfather, Tony Montana, and other iconic figures from the world of organized crime, but they lack the skills, resources, and connections to make it big. However, their luck seems to change when they stumble upon a massive sum of money that belongs to the mob.

The two cousins decide to pocket the stolen cash and embark on a wild, dangerous, and chaotic adventure as they try to evade the wrath of the mob, the police, and their circle of acquaintances. Along the way, they cross paths with a host of other colorful characters, including a stripper named Diane and a corrupt cop named Barney. Each character has their own motivations, goals, and concepts of justice, which clash and converge as the story unfolds.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Pope of Greenwich Village is the way it captures the mood and spirit of late 1970s-early 1980s New York. The city is portrayed as a gritty, edgy, and unpredictable place, full of contrasts and contradictions. The wealthy elites and the poor working-class people coexist in a complex, ever-changing ecosystem that is both ugly and beautiful at the same time.

Charlie and Paulie's story is not just about greed, power, or revenge - it is a heartfelt ode to the friendship, trust and camaraderie that exists between two people who share a common vision of life. Charlie and Paulie's relationship is based on mutual respect, loyalty, and empathy, and it is this bond that ultimately helps them survive and overcome the obstacles they face.

The film's cast is another significant strength. Eric Roberts and Mickey Rourke's performances are both brilliant and nuanced, and both actors perfectly embody the complex personalities of Charlie and Paulie. Daryl Hannah is also excellent as Diane, a stripper with a heart of gold who becomes the object of Charlie's affection. Other notable performances include Burt Young as Bed Bug Eddie and Kenneth McMillan as the fearsome mobster, Bunky.

The Pope of Greenwich Village stands out from other crime movies in its unconventional storytelling, immersive atmosphere, and dynamic characters. It is a film that forces the viewer to dive deep into the complex and dark underbelly of organized crime while maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining vibe throughout. The movie's soundtrack, which features songs by Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, and Tom Waits, is also a highlight, adding to the film's gritty, authentic feel.

Overall, The Pope of Greenwich Village is a must-watch for fans of the crime drama genre, and it is a testament to the power of storytelling, excellent casting, and strong direction. The film offers a fresh perspective on the mob life and illustrates the price people pay for chasing their dreams. It delivers a powerful message about the dangers of greed, the importance of friend and family, and what it means to live life to the fullest, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The Pope of Greenwich Village is a 1984 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 58.