Crime Films That Highlight Family Traditions

Description: This iconic film delves into the inner workings of the Corleone family, a powerful Italian-American mafia clan. It's a tale of tradition, loyalty, and the struggle to maintain family honor in the face of changing times.

Fact: The film was initially offered to Sergio Leone, who turned it down because he felt it was too American. Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, using a stray cat found on the studio lot.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans decades, detailing the rise and fall of a Jewish-American gangster, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the enduring influence of family traditions within the criminal world.

Fact: The film was initially released in a severely edited version, but the director's cut was later restored. Robert De Niro and James Woods did not get along during filming, which added to the authenticity of their characters' relationship.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, exploring the mafia lifestyle and the importance of family within the criminal underworld. It's a raw depiction of how family traditions can both bind and break individuals.

Fact: The famous "Funny how?" scene was improvised by Joe Pesci, based on a real-life experience. Ray Liotta's mother made a cameo as his on-screen mother.

Description: Another Scorsese classic, this film explores the life of Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a casino manager in Las Vegas, and how his family ties and the traditions of the mob influence his decisions and ultimately his downfall.

Fact: The film was based on the real-life story of Frank Rosenthal. Sharon Stone won a Golden Globe for her role, and her performance was widely acclaimed.

Description: This film tells the true story of an FBI agent who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family, highlighting the tension between his undercover role and his real family life, showcasing the clash of loyalties.

Fact: Johnny Depp's character was based on the real-life FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone. The film's title comes from the alias Pistone used during his undercover work.

Description: Set in Boston, this film explores the intricate relationships within the Irish-American mob and the police force, where family ties and criminal traditions collide in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film. The movie is a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: David Cronenberg's film delves into the Russian mafia in London, where family ties and criminal traditions are intertwined, leading to a complex web of loyalty and betrayal.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role and improvised the famous bathhouse fight scene. The film was shot in London, with many scenes filmed in real Russian-speaking communities.

Description: This comedy-drama follows a mafia family in witness protection, highlighting how deeply ingrained family traditions and criminal habits are, even in a new environment.

Fact: The film was inspired by the novel "Malavita" by Tonino Benacquista. Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer reunited for this film after 20 years since "Married to the Mob."

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut examines the life of a young boy torn between his father's honest ways and the allure of a local mobster, showcasing the pull of family and tradition in a crime-ridden neighborhood.

Fact: The film is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play of the same name. De Niro's character was inspired by Palminteri's real-life father.

Description: This Martin Scorsese film focuses on Frank Sheeran, a hitman who reflects on his life, his involvement with the Bufalino crime family, and the impact of his choices on his family, showcasing the weight of tradition and loyalty.

Fact: The film uses de-aging technology to portray younger versions of its characters. It was Scorsese's first collaboration with Netflix.