I had the pleasure going to the movie premier in NY. I was amazed on how well written the story line was done. Many talented actors & actress in the movie. I enjoy the movie very much and it had real life event in it like seeing the feast. Also shows how the family sticks together but if you cross the wrong person...watch out. All the best to all to everyone who had a part in making this movie, Michael, Frederico, are amazing men with a bright future ahead of them. For everyone else congrats on making a movie that will be in all movie theaters soon across the country all in time. I would recommend anyone to see it.
20 Reviews
Jane Fonda's and Tom Hayden's son meets the man who played Henry Kissinger
lee_eisenberg19 July 2017
I should note that I only know about the mafia from movies, so I can't verify or refute the depiction of the gangsters in "The Brooklyn Banker". Anyway, it had an interesting plot and an interesting set of characters. Still, I wish that it had done more to emphasize the era in which it was set by showing news clips from the era (Watergate, Vietnam, etc).
The movie's OK but no masterpiece. Mafia movies are OK to see every once in a while; otherwise they get repetitive. I'd say that the movie's worth seeing once.
Who ever would've imagined the son (Troy Garity) of people (Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden) trying to bring down Richard Nixon co-starring with someone (Paul Sorvino) who played a member of Nixon's cabinet (Henry Kissinger)?
The movie's OK but no masterpiece. Mafia movies are OK to see every once in a while; otherwise they get repetitive. I'd say that the movie's worth seeing once.
Who ever would've imagined the son (Troy Garity) of people (Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden) trying to bring down Richard Nixon co-starring with someone (Paul Sorvino) who played a member of Nixon's cabinet (Henry Kissinger)?
Are the positive reviews of this well below average film people involved in the production?
imsowild16 August 2016
Very disappointed in this film. Some great actors from the gangster genre such as David Proval mixed in with complete amateurs who must've bought their way on the film as a crowd sourcing reward, I can think of no other way you would have cast actors not fit to be extras as their principal and supporting cast. The screen play is not clever at all and appears to be amateurish. YET the trailer for the film was pretty good, that's what brought me to the theater. I regret that decision, I would have just assumed stay home and watch a real film such as mean streets. The director did an awful job, nothing was tied in together. There was a scene with a very old man and it made absolutely no sense. Paul Sorvino looks like he ready for assisted living and not playing a wise guy.
Good Mob Drama
Oroloro4 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Cauth this film at its'New York City premier, and I congratulate the production team for a job well done. I've been following the progress of this indie film for close to a year. It began as a short titled "Lilies of the Feast,"which was the original title of the feature version.
The story works, you just got go with it and then - boom - a surprise ending. No spoilers here. Set in Brooklyn in the 1970's, with a good feel for life back then.
Good casting by Eve Battaglia - with particularly good work by lead Troy Garity, and David Provale at his best. An excellent directing debut by Federico Castelluccio. If you like the mob genre, then watch this film
The story works, you just got go with it and then - boom - a surprise ending. No spoilers here. Set in Brooklyn in the 1970's, with a good feel for life back then.
Good casting by Eve Battaglia - with particularly good work by lead Troy Garity, and David Provale at his best. An excellent directing debut by Federico Castelluccio. If you like the mob genre, then watch this film
Goodfellas wannabe
quickwatson5 November 2020
They spent all their money on the cast, who basically reprise previous roles but their characters are all surface mannerisms. Every frame is a,lame homage/copy of better mafia films but it looks like a student production... the videography is amateurish and the direction, self-consciously awkward. These high ratings have got to be from the crew and their families, real cinephiles wouldn't award an amateurish movie with high ratings.
Not Authentic What-so-ever. Sh*tty Directing, Sh*tty Writing, Sh*tty Plot. Stupid as Sh*t!
nick-900766 August 2016
1st of all. The story takes place in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Which is notoriously a Jewish-Hasdim Neighborhood. During this time-period there few remaining italians living in this area of brookyln. Italians first arrived to Williamsburg in the late 1800's: by the late 1960's most of the italians moved out of Williamsburg.
This film depicts a corny stereotype of Italians. Bad acting, over exaggerated NY Italian Accents, cheesy wardrobe, bad casting. Paul Sorvino was great in some Mafia Movies.. like Good Fella's.. but dang.. this dude can't act without proper direction.. The lead of this film: Troy Garity (From Ballers) playing Santo.. is another example of the bad casting for this film; For one he is not Italian, and his Italian-new york accent is cheesy and is a very poor imitation. For one Santo looks more Jewish than Italian, and another note.. his style and portrayal of an Italian is poor. From my view point Troy Garity is trying to be tuff/macho but it is pitiful. This whole movie from the start to the end was a Snooze-Fist; Yawn, yawn..I hate seeing sh*t like this.... Not realistic what-so- ever! Huge THUMBS DOWN!
This film depicts a corny stereotype of Italians. Bad acting, over exaggerated NY Italian Accents, cheesy wardrobe, bad casting. Paul Sorvino was great in some Mafia Movies.. like Good Fella's.. but dang.. this dude can't act without proper direction.. The lead of this film: Troy Garity (From Ballers) playing Santo.. is another example of the bad casting for this film; For one he is not Italian, and his Italian-new york accent is cheesy and is a very poor imitation. For one Santo looks more Jewish than Italian, and another note.. his style and portrayal of an Italian is poor. From my view point Troy Garity is trying to be tuff/macho but it is pitiful. This whole movie from the start to the end was a Snooze-Fist; Yawn, yawn..I hate seeing sh*t like this.... Not realistic what-so- ever! Huge THUMBS DOWN!
No
fertilizerdude9 October 2019
Excellent Movie
jimkathy24 August 2016
This was a well written mob story that was period correct. I embraced all of the characters and casting was dead on. As a Italian American I loved all the old school references to our culture. The feast scenes were a throw back to my youth, the sights and sounds were beautiful. I could almost taste the sausage and peppers. Federico Castelluccio proved himself as a feature film director with Brooklyn Banker. He captured the essence of this period in time. I have to also recognize the writing of Michael Ricigliano his interesting twist on this mob flick kept me interested and rooting for certain characters. He really captured the old school mob movies and this will be destined to be a cult classic. I really enjoyed this film and highly recommend it.
Mob movie squanders talent
winickj-797-809156 August 2016
Let's see, take some of the best mob movie actors David Proval (Sopranos), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas) and a whole lot of guys who've played on The Sopranos stick them in 1973, in NYC how can you go wrong????
Well this one did, it wasn't so much that it was poorly done, its that it had no feeling whatsoever. I could have stopped watching this at any moment and felt that I missed nothing. Proval was a monster in The Sopranos, the intensity, the malevolence, in this role he plays the heavy, but so unconvincingly, it was like he called it in instead of owning the part.
Sorvino did a passable job, the rest, it was as comical as when Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia did their mafia episode. A stereotype with no depth.
Well this one did, it wasn't so much that it was poorly done, its that it had no feeling whatsoever. I could have stopped watching this at any moment and felt that I missed nothing. Proval was a monster in The Sopranos, the intensity, the malevolence, in this role he plays the heavy, but so unconvincingly, it was like he called it in instead of owning the part.
Sorvino did a passable job, the rest, it was as comical as when Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia did their mafia episode. A stereotype with no depth.
Authentic film . Great cast, great story! Cerebral film.
riciglianom6 August 2016
From someone who grew up in the Bronx and Brooklyn, this film captures what it was like to live during that time. The Mob was not revered like some of the Mob Genre films I have seen in the past. They were avoided and the story of a legitimate guy who unintentionally gets involved seems very real.
I enjoyed the cinematography that captured a gritty but beautiful view of the area as it was starting to change. Troy Garity, who I understand grew up in California, captured the nuances and cadence of the residents of Brooklyn who spoke was was on their mind, were loyal to a fault and protected their friends and family.
David Proval played a simmering psychopath who was ready to blow at any moment. Paul Sorvino was great as the goofy father in law who is smarter than he lets on.
All in all, I think this film will stand the test of time.
I enjoyed the cinematography that captured a gritty but beautiful view of the area as it was starting to change. Troy Garity, who I understand grew up in California, captured the nuances and cadence of the residents of Brooklyn who spoke was was on their mind, were loyal to a fault and protected their friends and family.
David Proval played a simmering psychopath who was ready to blow at any moment. Paul Sorvino was great as the goofy father in law who is smarter than he lets on.
All in all, I think this film will stand the test of time.
Thoughtful information
viddiots20 August 2016
This is the review I wrote on IMDb : A very well written and directed movie. Keep in mind this is not a Multi Million Dollar Hollywood Extravaganza. This is an Independent film and pretty much a low budget. With what the Director, Writer and the rest of the Crew of this movie had to work with I honestly, have to say from the bottom of my heart that I consider The Brooklyn Banker a true amazing success and I want to personally congratulate everyone who made it all possible. I am very happy to know that this is only the beginning of a promising successful future in the art of film making. I cannot tell you how excited I am to see what is next. But, for now, I will continue to enjoy this Movie and spread the word around about how much I enjoyed it. If this was their first movie then try to imagine the possibilities of the next one. Great Job!
I wrote this review because I disagreed with much of the reviews against this film:
asiansensation-560125 August 2016
Set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the 1970's "The Brooklyn Banker" is about Santo Bastucci (Troy Garrity), a young banker with a rare gift, an eidetic memory, whose life is interrupted when local mob kingpin "Manny the Hand" ( David Proval) decides he wants Santo to work for him.
David Proval is masterful as Manny the Hand, and Troy Garity is brilliant in his portrayal of an average guy, content with his life, caught in the middle of a living nightmare.
One of the most powerful and compelling scenes in the entire movie takes place on a rooftop. The dialogue between Santo and Manny is bone chilling. Manny plays his cards, deliberately trying to manipulate Santo into working for him by telling Santo the true story of his relationship with Santos' father, betting that the truth will destroy Santos' relationship with his uncle, the local Priest, and convincing Santo that his destiny is with Manny's world. It is the scene that deftly defines the themes of the movie, and becomes the turning point in all their lives.
To some, this movie might seem like just another mob flick, but it isn't. It is a story with much richer themes, about self discovery, about choices we must make when faced with adversity, about loyalty, fighting for that in which we believe, and knowing who to lean on in times of trouble. The beauty of this story is in the dialogue, richly woven with clues about the motivations of the protagonists, deliberately planned by the writer, Michael Ricigliano. In this sense, the movie is counter Godfather; the protagonist, Santo, chooses to fight for the values in which he believes and distance himself from Manny's world, and many of the powerful blows are delivered with words, not violence, although there is plenty of the latter in the movie as well. It is a story to which everyone can relate, since, at some point in our lives, we are all faced with difficult choices.
Whether or not you are a fan of mob movies, or you are a fan of movies where the dialogue is as, if not more important than the action, then "The Brooklyn Banker" won't disappoint.
David Proval is masterful as Manny the Hand, and Troy Garity is brilliant in his portrayal of an average guy, content with his life, caught in the middle of a living nightmare.
One of the most powerful and compelling scenes in the entire movie takes place on a rooftop. The dialogue between Santo and Manny is bone chilling. Manny plays his cards, deliberately trying to manipulate Santo into working for him by telling Santo the true story of his relationship with Santos' father, betting that the truth will destroy Santos' relationship with his uncle, the local Priest, and convincing Santo that his destiny is with Manny's world. It is the scene that deftly defines the themes of the movie, and becomes the turning point in all their lives.
To some, this movie might seem like just another mob flick, but it isn't. It is a story with much richer themes, about self discovery, about choices we must make when faced with adversity, about loyalty, fighting for that in which we believe, and knowing who to lean on in times of trouble. The beauty of this story is in the dialogue, richly woven with clues about the motivations of the protagonists, deliberately planned by the writer, Michael Ricigliano. In this sense, the movie is counter Godfather; the protagonist, Santo, chooses to fight for the values in which he believes and distance himself from Manny's world, and many of the powerful blows are delivered with words, not violence, although there is plenty of the latter in the movie as well. It is a story to which everyone can relate, since, at some point in our lives, we are all faced with difficult choices.
Whether or not you are a fan of mob movies, or you are a fan of movies where the dialogue is as, if not more important than the action, then "The Brooklyn Banker" won't disappoint.
A must see movie!
djjtmm12 August 2016
Went to see The Brooklyn Banker over the weekend. Great movie! A must see! Great story line. Troy Garity, David Proval and Paul Sorvino really bring it to life. Director Federico Castelluccio and writer Michael Ricigliano give you a taste of Williamsburg Brooklyn in the 1970's, the mob life and how you can get sucked in even if you don't have a desire to be. At one point I felt bad for Santo (Troy Garity). He truly was believable in the part he played. An honest family man who just wanted to stay as far away from the mob scene as possible. Growing up in that atmosphere he knew that was not the life he wanted. Definitely worth checking out. Keeps your attention and guessing as to how it will end. Not a typical gangster ending.
The Brooklyn Banker (2016)
oelkhalidi6 August 2016
The Brooklyn Banker exceeded our expectations, especially with the excellent stand out acting by Garity and Proval.
The director obviously has a good eye for detail as the camera work, lighting, and locations chosen, transported one into a somewhat gritty looking Brooklyn in the 1970's. Hats off, too, to the costume and set directors for being such perfectionists in keeping every detail true to that decade. The realistic casting of the extras and use of locations was also quite effective in bringing that era alive.
The movie was well paced and built up by the good acting and story line which rang true. Refreshingly, it did not overreach.
Quite good genre/indie film with a Scorsese type ending.
The director obviously has a good eye for detail as the camera work, lighting, and locations chosen, transported one into a somewhat gritty looking Brooklyn in the 1970's. Hats off, too, to the costume and set directors for being such perfectionists in keeping every detail true to that decade. The realistic casting of the extras and use of locations was also quite effective in bringing that era alive.
The movie was well paced and built up by the good acting and story line which rang true. Refreshingly, it did not overreach.
Quite good genre/indie film with a Scorsese type ending.
EXCEELENT MOVIE WITH SURPRISE ENDING
charlesschool14 November 2019
I was excited to find a mob movie that I hadn't seen, but then a little worried after seeing some poor reviews.
Don't pay attention to the low ratings. They are absolutely unjustified. There is nothing wrong with the acting. How can you go wrong with top players from the Sopranos and Goodfellas?
If you like this genre of movies, settle in with your favorite beverage on a cold winter night and enjoy a great show.
Refreshing & Classical Mafia Drama
jas535910 August 2016
Phenomenal portrayal of a unique period in American organized crime. Federico Castelluccio's directing shows that he has a true talent for capturing all the "little details" which authenticate the characters and their surroundings. Tremendous casting for this story line and setting. Troy Garity and David Provale shine throughout while other well known's Paul Sorvino and Arthur Nascarella accent the Protagonist's struggle with vibrant precision.
It's delightful to finally get a writer and director combo working together to generate a modern day film with all the makings of the Mafia classics already cemented into cinema history. It may not be on the scale of "Goodfellas" or "The Godfather", but for a feature length directorial and writing debut, Ricigliano and Castelluccio have not disappointed!!!
P.S. Loved the subtle show of appreciation to Scorsese's classic "Mean Streets" on the Theater Marquee!
It's delightful to finally get a writer and director combo working together to generate a modern day film with all the makings of the Mafia classics already cemented into cinema history. It may not be on the scale of "Goodfellas" or "The Godfather", but for a feature length directorial and writing debut, Ricigliano and Castelluccio have not disappointed!!!
P.S. Loved the subtle show of appreciation to Scorsese's classic "Mean Streets" on the Theater Marquee!
RE: Was "made like they used to" make em!
christinedaddario22 August 2016
All the time people say "They don't make em like they used to." The Brooklyn Banker breaks that statement. I recommend seeing it if you are a true fan of old school mob movies like the Godfather and Goodfellas.
This film gave us an excellent taste of what we loved so much about these classics. Not only did it have two of the greatest mob actors of all time starring but the piece also transported us to the 1970's and has preserved on film a unique part of NYC Italian history & culture - The Giglio.
The irony of this film was so poignant and unique. It had a quiet elegance even though there was violence. Could make for an interesting sequel. Would love to see what could be done with a non- indie budget!
Note: *You will especially enjoy it if you spent any time growing up in Italian parts of Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx. It will feel like going home, even if for just a few moments. How often do we have that kind of opportunity? Thank you to the makers of this film. Keep em' comin'!
This film gave us an excellent taste of what we loved so much about these classics. Not only did it have two of the greatest mob actors of all time starring but the piece also transported us to the 1970's and has preserved on film a unique part of NYC Italian history & culture - The Giglio.
The irony of this film was so poignant and unique. It had a quiet elegance even though there was violence. Could make for an interesting sequel. Would love to see what could be done with a non- indie budget!
Note: *You will especially enjoy it if you spent any time growing up in Italian parts of Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx. It will feel like going home, even if for just a few moments. How often do we have that kind of opportunity? Thank you to the makers of this film. Keep em' comin'!
Good movie but...the casting....whew!
thathockeyguy28 February 2019
Federico Castelluccio has a bright future as a director. I really did like this movie and it's story line, it kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. But.....I thought the casting doomed this movie. Troy Garity is Bridget Fonda's son and from Beverly Hills, hardly a Brooklyn Banker. He was only average in the short lived series Boss, but as an Italian with deep Brooklyn heritage is no way remotely believable. He needs to learn how to become that person he's playing, he seems to much like a robot with little personality. He didn't even try to have a New Yorker accent, there seemed to be little preparation for his lead part. Paul Sorvino was way too old for this part. And the Secret Service agent was an important role, it could have given this film so much more intrigue and mystery, but again it was cast poorly, John Bedford Lloyd has been around a long time, yet it seems he didn't prepare for his part. The ankle holster was a bit different. 99.9% of law enforcement wears their sidearm on the belt, less than 1% might wear a backup holster on their ankle. However the ankle weapon did give me a surprise when in his other scenes we didn't see his belt holster, and then it wasn't until about his fourth scene we see it on his ankle. The rest of the cast was classic New York mobster types, but they've had lots of experience because they've all been in dozens of mafia movies.
This is what used to be
lokilfa6 August 2016
This is what used to be a good movie: good writing, good acting, competent directing, respectable photography. Keep in mind that the Brooklyn Banker does not aim too high and plays on its strengths, it is a worthwhile expenditure of your time and is thoroughly enjoyable. Characters are well defined and the interesting story flows without wandering. The tone is perfectly set and successfully depicts the age in which it takes place. The actions and reactions of the protagonist are believable and logic while all supporting actors are efficient and interesting.
Years ago that would have been a solid 7 if you liked the genre and tone or at least a 6 if you did not particularly relate to those. The reason to vote a 9 is that for all 2016 we've been afflicted by big budget shambles churned out by the studios, that seem to be unable to create a movie that abide to the previously stated basic rules. Throwing money at their woes will never make it better.
If you felt sleepy and confused during Independence Day sequel and Batman vs. Superman or felt dumber after watching Suicide Squad or Star Wars 7 the Brooklyn Banker will help.
Years ago that would have been a solid 7 if you liked the genre and tone or at least a 6 if you did not particularly relate to those. The reason to vote a 9 is that for all 2016 we've been afflicted by big budget shambles churned out by the studios, that seem to be unable to create a movie that abide to the previously stated basic rules. Throwing money at their woes will never make it better.
If you felt sleepy and confused during Independence Day sequel and Batman vs. Superman or felt dumber after watching Suicide Squad or Star Wars 7 the Brooklyn Banker will help.
Invest in "The Brooklyn Banker"
carljreyes6 August 2016
Masterfully directed by Federico Castelluccio in his feature-length directorial debut, The Brooklyn Banker also impresses with it's impeccable production quality and acting. With a fantastic lead performance by Troy Garity, backed by old pros like Paul Sorvino, David Proval, and Arthur Nascarella, to name a few, and a great supporting cast, they collectively pulled off what I believe to be a very cerebral wiseguy film that was both suspenseful and funny. The Brooklyn Banker flows from start to finish and for 98 minutes you're witness to a rendition of Williamsburg in the 1970's that is as authentic as it gets. If you have a love for Italian mobster genre films, The Brooklyn Banker pays a nice "dividend" that is well worth the price of admission.
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