Welcome to our curated selection of crime films where the plot thickens with the addition of criminal ceremonies. These films not only showcase the dark underbelly of crime but also the intricate rituals and ceremonies that often accompany these underworld activities. From secret societies to elaborate heists, these movies provide a thrilling insight into the world of crime with a ceremonial twist, offering a unique blend of suspense, drama, and cultural depth that will captivate any film enthusiast.
The Public Enemy (1931)
Description: This early gangster film features scenes of speakeasies and the rituals of the Prohibition era, showcasing the rise and fall of a bootlegger.
Fact: It was one of the first films to portray the gangster lifestyle in a gritty, realistic manner, influencing future crime films.
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The French Connection (1971)
Description: While primarily a police procedural, the film includes scenes of the criminal underworld's operations, with a notable car chase sequence that feels like a ceremonial dance of danger.
Fact: The famous car chase was shot without permits, using real New York City streets, and was completed in just a few days.
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The Godfather (1972)
Description: This iconic film delves into the world of the mafia, where family gatherings and ceremonies are as crucial as the criminal activities. The baptism scene, where Michael Corleone becomes the godfather to his nephew while ordering hits, is a masterclass in juxtaposition.
Fact: The film was initially rated X by the MPAA due to its violent content but was later changed to R after some cuts. The cat that Marlon Brando holds in the opening scene was a stray that wandered onto the set.
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The Long Good Friday (1980)
Description: This British gangster film includes a memorable scene where the protagonist attends a funeral, which turns into a pivotal moment in the plot involving criminal ceremonies.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a TV movie but was upgraded to a theatrical release due to its quality.
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Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans decades, featuring scenes of Jewish mobsters' ceremonies and the rituals of their criminal activities.
Fact: The film was initially released in a severely edited version, but the director's cut restored much of the original vision.
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The Untouchables (1987)
Description: While focusing on the battle between Al Capone and Eliot Ness, the film includes scenes of Capone's lavish parties, which serve as a backdrop to his criminal empire's operations.
Fact: The film's iconic train station shootout was inspired by the real-life St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
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Miller's Crossing (1990)
Description: Set during the Prohibition era, the film includes scenes of mob meetings and ceremonies, highlighting the complex relationships within the criminal world.
Fact: The Coen Brothers wrote the script in just 12 days, inspired by Dashiell Hammett's novels.
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The Departed (2006)
Description: In this modern take on the classic 'Infernal Affairs', the film features a secret society within the police force and the mafia, where initiation ceremonies and loyalty tests are central to the plot.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The movie was originally set in Hong Kong before being adapted to Boston.
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Eastern Promises (2007)
Description: A chilling look at the Russian mafia in London, where tattoos and initiation rites play a significant role in the criminal underworld's hierarchy and ceremonies.
Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned to speak Russian for the role, and the film's famous bathhouse fight scene was shot in one continuous take.
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The Irishman (2019)
Description: This epic crime saga includes scenes of union ceremonies and mafia rituals, providing a deep dive into the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman for the Bufalino crime family.
Fact: The film uses de-aging technology to portray younger versions of the characters, a process that took over 2 years to complete.
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