A Bronx Tale Analysis essays

A Bronx Tale Analysis essays In the movie, the 1960s are portrayed with reality as the viewer is taken to East 187th Street in the Bronx, New York. The Fordham neighborhood shown is highly populated by citizens of Italian decent, and a strong cultural social bond exists in the streets. Children play stickball on corners as older members of the community hustle to earn money. From legitimate business (like the fruit vendors) to illicit workings (bookmaking), everyone is busy with some form of social advancement. On the corner stands the kingpin of the neighborhood. This person (Sonny) is the boss of a local mob type operation. This neighborhood is held in fear of Sonnys actions, and yet motivated by respect and admiration for the man. The social benefits are immediate and apparent from the bookmaking and gaming occurring at the corner bar, to the protection of the neighborhood from other groups. Members of the community come together to assemble at the bar, further connecting and strengthening the social bond of the Italian citizens. From the movie, much pride is taken in the heritage and the culture of the Italian people, and this is perpetuated by the success of the organized crime group in the area. Sonnys actions and presence are seen in retrospect to those hardworking citizens, who long for a piece of the wealth. Overall, organized crime taps into the communities need for social advancement as well as survival. To be a part of this organized crime group almost guarantees success in life; meaning money for the family, employment, social interaction, and protection. In the world of crime, there have been many different attempts to figure out what drives the criminal to commit acts against society. Many of these theories are supported by evidence based on actual events that have occurred. In the movie A Bronx Tale, many of these theories are evident based on the actions of the cast of the movie, portraying stre...