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IMDbPro

King of New York

  • 1990
  • R
  • 1h 43m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
39K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,657
395
Christopher Walken and Theresa Randle in King of New York (1990)
Theatrical Extra (Clip) from Artisan
Play trailer1:23
2 Videos
99+ Photos
CrimeThriller

A drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take total control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community.A drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take total control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community.A drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take total control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community.

  • Director
    • Abel Ferrara
  • Writer
    • Nicholas St. John
  • Stars
    • Christopher Walken
    • David Caruso
    • Laurence Fishburne
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    39K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    3,657
    395
    • Director
      • Abel Ferrara
    • Writer
      • Nicholas St. John
    • Stars
      • Christopher Walken
      • David Caruso
      • Laurence Fishburne
    • 192User reviews
    • 76Critic reviews
    • 66Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 2 nominations

    Videos2

    King of New York
    Trailer 1:23
    Watch King of New York
    King of New York
    Trailer 0:21
    Watch King of New York

    Photos240

    King of New York (1990)
    Laurence Fishburne and Christopher Walken in King of New York (1990)
    King of New York (1990)
    Christopher Walken and Theresa Randle in King of New York (1990)
    Christopher Walken in King of New York (1990)
    King of New York (1990)
    King of New York (1990)
    Christopher Walken in King of New York (1990)
    King of New York (1990)
    King of New York (1990)
    Christopher Walken and Theresa Randle in King of New York (1990)
    Christopher Walken in King of New York (1990)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Christopher Walken
    Christopher Walken
    • Frank White
    David Caruso
    David Caruso
    • Dennis Gilley
    Laurence Fishburne
    Laurence Fishburne
    • Jimmy Jump
    • (as Larry Fishburne)
    Victor Argo
    Victor Argo
    • Roy Bishop
    Wesley Snipes
    Wesley Snipes
    • Thomas Flanigan
    Janet Julian
    Janet Julian
    • Jennifer
    Joey Chin
    • Larry Wong
    Giancarlo Esposito
    Giancarlo Esposito
    • Lance
    Paul Calderon
    Paul Calderon
    • Joey Dalesio
    Steve Buscemi
    Steve Buscemi
    • Test Tube
    Theresa Randle
    Theresa Randle
    • Raye
    Leonard L. Thomas
    • Blood
    • (as Leonard Lee Thomas)
    Roger Guenveur Smith
    Roger Guenveur Smith
    • Tanner
    • (as Roger Smith)
    Carrie Nygren
    • Melanie
    Ernest Abuba
    • King Tito
    Frank Adonis
    Frank Adonis
    • Paul Calgari
    Vanessa Angel
    Vanessa Angel
    • British Female
    Frank Aquilino
    • Card Player
    • (as Butchie Aquilino)
    • Director
      • Abel Ferrara
    • Writer
      • Nicholas St. John
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Italian political magnate Silvio Berlusconi, the richest man in Italy, financed the film through NY-based producer Jay Julien and Italian intermediaries.
    • Goofs
      When Jump orders food at the chicken place, he asks how much and the clerk says "$56.72." However, in the same scene when Jump asks again, the clerk tell hims "56.90."
    • Quotes

      Frank White: From now on, nothing goes down unless I'm involved. No blackjack no dope deals, no nothing. A nickel bag gets sold in the park, I want in. You guys got fat while everybody starved on the street. Now it's my turn.

    • Alternate versions
      Orignally rated "X", edited and changed for R rating on appeal.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Postcards from the Edge/Saving Grace/White Hunter, Black Heart/After Dark, My Sweet (1990)
    • Soundtracks
      Concierto for Violin OP. 8# Autumn
      Antonio Vivaldi

      Arranged by Joe Delia

    User reviews192

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10
    Style Over Substance
    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.
    helpful•58
    16
    • jack_thursby
    • Oct 13, 2005

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 5, 1991 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Italy
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • King of New York - König zwischen Tag und Nacht
    • Filming locations
      • Sing Sing Penitentiary - 354 Hunter Street, Ossining, New York, USA
    • Production companies
      • Reteitalia
      • Scena International
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $5,300,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $2,554,476
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $411,597
      • Sep 30, 1990
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,554,476
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 43 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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