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King of New York (1990) 6.9
A former drug lord returns from prison determined to wipe out all his competition and distribute the profits of his operations to New York's poor and lower classes in this stylish and ultra violent modern twist on Robin Hood. Director:Abel FerraraWriter:Nicholas St. John |
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Title: King of New York (1990)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Christopher Walken | ... | ||
| David Caruso | ... | ||
| Laurence Fishburne | ... |
Jimmy Jump
(as Larry Fishburne)
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| Victor Argo | ... | ||
| Wesley Snipes | ... | ||
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Janet Julian | ... | |
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Joey Chin | ... |
Larry Wong
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| Giancarlo Esposito | ... |
Lance
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| Paul Calderon | ... |
Joey Dalesio
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| Steve Buscemi | ... | ||
| Theresa Randle | ... |
Raye
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Leonard L. Thomas | ... |
Blood
(as Leonard Lee Thomas)
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| Roger Guenveur Smith | ... |
Tanner
(as Roger Smith)
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Carrie Nygren | ... |
Melanie
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Ernest Abuba | ... |
King Tito
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
A former drug lord returns from prison determined to wipe out all his competition and distribute the profits of his operations to the city's poor in this stylish and ultraviolent modern twist on Robin Hood. Written by Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>
Taglines:
Not everyone who runs a city is elected. See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Release Date:
28 September 1990 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
El rey de New York See more »Box Office
Gross:
$2,554,476 (USA)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby SRColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Roy Bishop: Do you really expect to get away with killing all these people?
Frank White: I never killed anybody who didn't deserve it.
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
According to director Abel Ferrara, he was paid $5000 to perform the voice-over commentary on the Special Edition DVD released in 2004. See more »Goofs
After Emilio Zappa is assassinated in the phone booth, one gunman holds a newspaper under the deceased Zappa's face. The Headline reads "Frank White released from Prison" but the article's body below that headline is completely unrelated. See more »Quotes
Frank White: I've got a $250,000 contract on any cop involved with this case.Roy Bishop: Do you really expect to get away with killing all these people?
Frank White: I never killed anybody who didn't deserve it.
See more »
This is a strange movie. The IMDb trivia notes for the movie state that the director and writer spent five years working on the script, yet the story is disjointed and doesn't have a strong plot. The story basically follows the life of drug kingpin Frank White (Christopher Walken) after he is released from prison and re-enters the criminal world to reclaim his drug empire. However, there's not much character development and many of the characters are one dimensional. And the movie could be called over-stylized.
Yet, somehow it all works and this movie, while not a classic, could be considered a cult classic for its great cinematography, superb acting performances, tense action sequences, its cinematic risk taking and its outright coolness. For a movie shot in the late 80's (released in 1990) its ahead of its time.
Christopher Walken gives a great performance as Frank White. Many viewers who may only know Walken from his more recent appearances as "the weird but cool guy" will be surprised by the multifaceted performance he gives here. The late Victor Argo's performance as White's nemesis on the police force, Roy Bishop, should also be noted. Argo gives a note perfect, yet nuanced portrayal, of a weary, "seen it all" cop who is determined to get his man.
Wesley Snipes and Laurence Fishburne were still early in their film careers while appearing in this movie, but you can clearly see the qualities that would make them stars. Both bring depth and realism to their otherwise stock characters. David Caruso also does a great job with his character. One of the shortcomings of the movie is that there's no strong female lead... Frank White has a relationship with one of his attorney's, Jennifer (Janet Julian), but the script leaves out a lot of details (e.g., why they are together in the first place). In fact, all the women in this movie look like models which only adds to the stylized unreality the movie creates.
Finally, I have to mention the oldschool rap soundtrack which fits the proceedings to a "t".
If you are a fan of crime/action movies, "King of New York" comes recommended, but fair warning, its not your typical gangsta flick.