An intense drama about a boy torn between his tough, hard-working father and a violent yet charismatic crime boss.An intense drama about a boy torn between his tough, hard-working father and a violent yet charismatic crime boss.An intense drama about a boy torn between his tough, hard-working father and a violent yet charismatic crime boss.
- Awards
- 1 win & 4 nominations
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe story, written by Chazz Palminteri, is adapted from his autobiographical one-man play. His real name is Calogero Lorenzo Palminteri. Several studios approached him to purchase the film rights, with at least one offering one million dollars, but Palminteri refused to sell to them unless he could write the screenplay, and play the role of Sonny. None of the studios agreed as they wanted to hire another actor. Then Robert De Niro offered to go into a 50/50 partnership, with all of Palminteri's conditions met, as long as De Niro could direct and play Lorenzo. Palminteri agreed, and their contract was sealed on a handshake.
- GoofsWhen Calogero is a boy in the movie it is 1960. The lower baseball on his jacket says METS. The Mets where not a team until 1962. At the time there had been no announcement of the team name Mets.
Featured review
Like Marty this is a masterpiece, done on less than a stellar budget. The acting is miraculous. Chazz is a genius who can write for the theater, the film and play the starring role. He is the modern personification of charisma. De Niro plays one of his most engaging and lovable roles. This, my friends, is movie making. No blue screens, no CGI, nothing but a wonderful story, brought to life, as movies were meant to be. Oh yes, the ending is perfect. Being a fellow filmmaker, I can't help but be a little envious at De Niro's first directing job. Directing is hard work, acting is hard work, to act in your first directing effort is...incredible. Well, I shouldn't be surprised. Look at the kind of actor he is. Great film, don't miss it, but please don't wait for the special effects. This is one film that doesn't need them to captivate you. 10/10
- StarCastle99
- Jul 7, 2002
- Permalink
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- El desafío: Una historia del Bronx
- Filming locations
- Gravesend Neck Road & East 15th Street, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA(Jane's neighborhood)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $22,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $17,287,898
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $3,716,456
- Oct 3, 1993
- Gross worldwide
- $17,287,898
- Runtime2 hours 1 minute
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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