A Bronx Tale (1993)

 

This week, my family and I chose to rewatch the well-known classic Bronx Tale. Directed by Robert De Niro in 1993, the movie takes you through the main character Calogero's or “C” journey through the Italian dominated neighborhood. Taking place in the 1960s, C is taken under the wing of the mob boss Sonny who is feared in the neighborhood. C’s dad did not want him around Sonny or his group, although he disobeyed him and continued to be the high potential member of his future mob career. When C falls in love with his African American classmate, Jane, the repercussions threaten the whole neighborhood.

    This movie did an amazing job at creating an incredibly realistic perspective of the Bronx in the 1960s. Everything from the clothes, mannerisms, to scenery reflected well on that time. I felt like I was transported to a new world that revolved around violence, crime, and gambling, although you really enjoy the ride. What I really enjoyed about this movie more than anything was the suspense. Every scene felt like there was something amazing that was going to happen, except the clock kept ticking. Every scene in that movie had an iconic quote that is still reflected on today. For example, at one point in the movie C asked Sonny at his bar “Is it better to be loved or feared?” When I heard this the first time as a kid watching the movie, I assumed that love was the obvious answer, although as I grow and mature that answer is not as clear anymore.  

 

 Sonny chooses to be feared because he feels like he has more control of his life. I have always appreciated the honesty in that answer and him as a character in this movie. He is one of the most iconic characters of all time, mostly because he has such an interesting persona around him that he makes people admire but fear him. As C continues to hang around with Sonny, he continues to gain respect in the neighborhood without ever doing anything. At one point in the movie, a random person gives C free food and special treatment just because he has seen him with Sonny more than once. C's dad, however, did not fear him and went up to Sonny directly to tell him to stay away from his son. Unfortunately for Sonny however, towards the end of the movie you really start to see what happens when you are feared instead of loved.