Premium Essay

A Bronx Tale

In: Film and Music

Submitted By hardtmary
Words 596
Pages 3
A Bronx Tale It’s the sixties. Racism is running hot through the streets of New York. One neighborhood in particular, where one group of boys makes the choice that will change their lives and everyone’s around them forever. These boys are young, full of talent and smart. These boys choose to take all of what they had and throw it away. What happens to these boys next is something that you would not want to wish on anybody. Here these young talented boys cram into a car and ride to the African-American neighborhood. The boys toss burning bottle of alcohol through a glass window into a store. With burning bottles shattering left and right there is one that doesn’t break. This one bottle was tossed back into these boys car and there is where their bodies burned to a crisp. These boys took all the talent they had and threw it away; they wasted it what could have been. “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.” A Bronx Tale is set in the city of the Bronx, New York during the sixties. The film follows a young Italian boy named Calogero growing up next to a mobster hangout. After witnessing a killing done by the gang, Calogero becomes a part of the crew. The head mobster named Sonny took Calogero under his wing and taught him to work for his money giving him little task to do around the bar. Sonny saw what Calogero had and knew he would do great things as he grew older. Sonny saw the talent in Calogero and gave him everything he needed to improve it, to make him a great person.
Calogero’s father, Lorenzo, was a city bus driver driving all around the city every day to support Calogero and his mother. Lorenzo always wanted Calogero to work for his money as well. He did not want Calogero to get mixed up in the mob thinking they were having him do things that would get him hurt. Throughout the entire film Lorenzo constantly reminds Calogero that, “The saddest thing in

Similar Documents

Free Essay

A Bronx Tale Film Essay

...Catrina Chandler English 101 Professor Cogswell Film Essay A Bronx Tale “A Bronx Tale” is a film about directed by Robert Di Nero about a boy named Calogero an Italian American male, and his life as he grows up in a town occupied by the mob in the 1960’s. Calogero has two strong influences in his life. They are his father Lorenzo a proud middle class bus driver and a mob boss named Sonny. In the film there are three scenes that especially demonstrate the influence Sonny and Lorenzo have on Calogero. An example of Lorenzo’s influence on his son takes place in front of their apartment building in which Calogero witnesses a gruesome crime committed by Sonny. Lorenzo basically instills in Calogero that he needs to lie and say he saw nothing. He is teaching him not to be a rat. When the police later question Calogero and have him look at a line up of suspects he denies knowing all of the men there, including Sonny. An example of Sonny’s influence is when Sonny belittles Mickey Mantle in front of him by saying “Mickey Mantle earns $100,000 a year. How much does your father make? You don’t know? Well, see if your father can’t pay the rent go ask Mickey Mantle and see what he tells you. Mickey Mantle don’t care about you, so why should you care about him? Nobody cares.” This causes Calogero to have negative feelings about Mickey Mantle, someone...

Words: 811 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Comparing Sonny's Tale And A Bronx Tale

...The characters in both films all had their strong points that made their performance increasingly impactful the more the films went on. Most began with a small show and specific role, but they quickly became more interesting because of the situations they are in. Seeing them overcome these obstacles draws the audience to the edge of their seats and gives the cities portrayed some character. In example, the ending scene in A Bronx Tale when Sonny has vanished but doesn’t leave the minds from those that respected him. That demonstrates the type of character that Sonny portrays, Colagero won’t forget him because of the lessons Sonny taught him and the times they had together. This wouldn’t have happened if the setting and city didn’t lead to them ever encountering each other....

Words: 585 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Philosophy of Hiphop

...Mambo to Hip-Hop: A South Bronx Tale’ is an hour long documentary that narrates a story about the inventive life of the South Bronx, starting with the Puerto Rican immigration and the acceptance of Cuban rhythms to form the New York salsa resonance; enduring with the fires that damaged the neighborhood, but not the innovative spirit of its inhabitants; accounting the ascending of hip-hop from the ruins; and finishing with reflections on the influence of the neighborhood’s songs to make sure that the endurance of a number of generations of its people, and, in the course, take the world’s pop customs by storm. ‘From Mambo to Hip-Hop’ dances all the way through the account of a region that took care of two musical movements: the mambo that developed into salsa and the hip-hop that cropped up from the most distressed days of the South Bronx. Created by Steve Zeitlin and Elena Martinez , who are principals in the New York ‘folklore group City Lore’, and directed by Henry Chalfant, who is a longtime speaker of the South Bronx who worked together on a documentary from the early 1980’s “Style Wars,” “From Mambo” dashes by, driven by tempo that varies through the decades. Mambo and hip-hop are the type of dissolving pot experience that New York stirs and heats. Their ancestry is African, refracted through the Caribbean and the town. In their early stages styles also replicated, and disregarded, the ghetto rank and economic worsening of the South Bronx. Mambo was instinctive,...

Words: 947 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Way You Walk

...The movie A Bronx Tale is set in the Bronx, New York in 1960. This movie centers on the child of a hard working man, Lorenzo Anello Lorenzo Anello has avoided the life of crime by working had and holding firm to his beliefs of good and bad. However, his son Calogero Anello becomes involved with the neighbor hood gangster Sonny. Against the wishes of his father Calogero relationship with Sonny continues until the death of Sonny. There are three sociological theories of crime that can explain Calogero continued friendship and growth in this life of crime differential association, labeling, and strain. Calogero's career as a criminal begins with simple errands for Sony. As a child who did not know any better, Calogero felt that making money would help his low class family. Here, the story begins by introducing the theory of strain. When an individual is under strain, in this case financial that individual may be tempted to commit a crime. This theory applies to this situation because the crime continued to occur after Calogero father told him what he was doing was illegal. As Calogero continues to work for Sonny it becomes clear that Calogero 's feelings of strain lessen which is depicted in two scenes. Firstly, when Calogero is being punished by his father for continuing to work of Sonny. In this example Calogero seems to simply be putting up with the punishment that no longer has any effect. Secondly in the other scene...

Words: 521 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Compare And Contrast Touching Spirit Bear

...“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller” The novel Touching Spirt Bear and the movie Finding Forrester are both great works of art. Both are tales of growing up, learning responsibility, and understanding that there is beauty in our world. I believe that Cole in Touching Spirit Bear and Jamal in Finding Forrester are alike, and yet, very different sorts of people. On the surface it would seem that these two works of art are nothing alike, but their themes are very similar. Jamal and Cole come from somewhat similar situations, both being part of broken households. However, I believe that their most similar trait is having comparable relationships...

Words: 639 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Los Tequileros Analysis

...Musician Elijah Wald, author of Narcocorrido: A Journey into the Music of Drugs, Guns, and Guerrillas recounts an interview with a hashish smuggler living in southern Texas, who spoke of an older corrido featuring his grandfather (2001, 2-3). The theme of the song was comprised of smuggling, but not the type of smuggling most would first assume. This song commonly referred as “Los Tequileros” was one of the first corridos turning away from the romantic notes and singing of the social strife occurring in Mexico. Produced sometime between the 1920s and 1930s, Los Tequileros, expressed a tale of three tequila smugglers who were ambushed and killed by the Texas Rangers as they attempted to illegal import their product across the border. However,...

Words: 861 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Heaven on Earth

...Heaven On Earth “Far across the Atlantic ocean lies a land filled with riches beyond your wildest imagination. People believe it to be the second heaven. Heaven on earth is what they call it. The buildings are made out of glass that glitters like a thousand suns. The streets are made of gold and the air as clear as crystals. The waters are as sweet as milk and honey. The rivers are as pure a young virgin. It holds all manner of lights that could make a blind man see and blind him a second time.” These were the words of the town’s tale bearer Akim as all the children gathered around him during the many black out night to listen. Electricity was not dependable in Ghana. Black-outs are not uncommon and five black-outs a day is not an exaggeration. Listening to Akim was like sleeping to sweet fairy tale stories only that there was hope of living this fairy tale. Akim continued “some have sworn that, even if their feet could just touch the soil of this land then death is allowed to whisk them away because they have seen an honorable sight.” Akim had never been to this land but knows everything about it. He was the go to person if you need to know anything about the United States. He claimed to have many of relatives as residents of this land. He often showed us post cards and gadgets sent to him from them. The post cards were true testimonies of the lights that run across this great nation. It was as though long ropes of lights run across the floor of every block, street and...

Words: 1184 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Robin Hood Research Paper

...Philip Zimbardo: Disturbing Studies of Good and Evil Do your really know yourself? If you’re put into a situation where your habits and morals are challenged, can you keep yourself together? That question haunts me in my everyday life. How good are you really? “Good” is a relative term; I like to think of the tale of Robin Hood. Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor; we’ve been taught stealing is bad from a young age, but giving to people in need is good. So, in that context, is Robin Hood good? Or bad? In the event of a natural disaster, do you donate? If you’re tight on money, you’re likely not to give to other people. As humans, we put our needs in front of anyone else’s. If you see a man in need of help sitting on the side of the sidewalk, do you give him money? Most people think they would, but you’re put in a situation where you are not used to the stimulus... so do you keep your Robin Hood qualities? Or, do you hang your head and keep walking? Throughout my life I have experienced many...

Words: 682 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Mafia

...The traditional mafia, portrayed in movies like the Godfather and Goodfellas, has been broken down due to vicious Federal prosecution. It still exists, but its certainly not as powerful as it once was. However, different groups have formed that are much more ruthless. These groups are more willing to harm innocents rather than going after those who wronged them.The Italian mafia has been a prominent theme in the media for decades. Movies and shows that are usually the most talked about are The Godfather, Goodfellas, and the Sopranos. The media's portrayal of the mafia has created stereotypes for Italians that are socially accepted in American culture.Movies and shows like these create terrible stereotypes for Italian because these gangster lifestyles are glorified. Sadly, most Italians living in America today embrace these stereotypes instead of setting them right.These shows today often make a mockery about what the mafia actually stands for.These shows are often scripted so they can get more views. Some mafia tv portrayals are :Mob Wives, Amish Mafia, Mafia City, The Sopranos, and Boardwalk Empire. In todays American society stereotyping of most cultures is seen greatly in the media. Media such as: MTV's reality TV shows “Jersey Shore”, HBO series the “Sopranos”, VH1’s reality show “Mob Wives”, the movie “Goodfellas” and, “The Godfather” are some examples of when Americans began to misjudge Italians. Most of these movies and TV shows reflect badly on Italian culture. Going...

Words: 688 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Homeless: A Short Story

...But I was wrong, more interested in knowing about me than talking about his crazy rich guy tells made him more impressive than the others. He didn’t lead with his money or tall tale stories which I could respect. I of course didn’t tell Raul too much about myself. What was I going to say? I get money from men and was brought up in the pimp game? Oh, and by the way I’m dead broke right now? Yeah, tell that to a high class man flat out and watch him run to the hills. But I am still straightforward with him. Telling him that I am expecting certain things. “How much” Raul says right off the bat “Stop playing Raul, most men can’t afford me” I say playing along while drinking my wine Before I knew it Raul pulls out a wad of cash that couldn’t even fit in a wallet, how much? One thousand? He counts stacks of money out with his hands. Two thousand? Three thousand? In pure shock, he pushed the money over to me across the...

Words: 683 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Other Wes Moore: Poem Analysis

...as in height, or weight, but growth of character, growth of personality, of temperament. Having the capability to broaden the mind and expand personal boundaries and push the limits chosen to be accepted, that is when mankind will prosper. Accepting oneself and discovering purpose in ones abilities, that is when mankind will prosper. Facing challenges and overcoming obstacles, exceeding the physical boundaries of the human body, that is when mankind will prosper. Through reflection, personal growth is the ability to change the thinking, behaviors, and beliefs of an individual, which are found present in the book The Other Wes Moore, the commencement speech by Neil Gaiman, and the song A Change is Gonna Come. The Other Wes Moore is a tale...

Words: 993 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Edgar Allan Poe Bio

...Edgar Poe was born on the 19th of January, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. His father was David Poe Jr. and his mother was Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe. Both of them were actors. Edgar had an elder brother named William Henry Leonard Poe and a younger sister named Rosalie Poe. In 1810, their father abandoned them, and within a year their mother died of consumption. Edgar went to live with John Allan who was a Scottish tobacco merchant living in Richmond, Virginia. His siblings went to other families. The Allan family was quite well to do, and Edgar lived a good life with them. As a mark of respect for his adoptive family, Edgar took the middle name of Allan and came to be known as Edgar Allan Poe. In 1815, the Allans along with Edgar traveled to England, where Edgar began to attend school. In 1815, he attended Grammar School in Irvine, Scotland, and in a boarding school in Chelsea in 1817. After that, he attended the Reverend John Bransby’s Manor House School at Stoke Newington near London. In 1826, he joined the University of Virginia, but he left within a year. Although the Allans were quite well off, John Allan would not give Edgar much money for his survival in college. To make up for the less money, Edgar began to gamble and lost heavily. His gambling debts created further rifts between him and John Allan. Poe was poor and needed money. So he joined the United States Army under the assumed name of Edgar A. Perry. He served for two years and attained the rank of Sergeant...

Words: 973 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Poverty

...At 13, I took public transportation to school for the first time instead of being driven by a chauffeur. I had never done homework without a governess helping me. I also noticed that things became seriously messy if no maids were around. Each week, I found it humiliating to wheel our dirty clothes to a bleak place called Laundromat. One new fact that took more time to absorb was that I was now Asian, a term that I had heard mentioned only in a social studies class. In Korea, yellow was the color of the forsythia that bloomed every spring along the fence that separated our estate from the houses down the hill. I certainly never thought of my skin as being the same shade. Unlike students in Korean schools, who were taught to bow to teachers at every turn, no one batted an eye when a teacher entered a classroom. Once I saw a teacher struggle to pronounce foreign-sounding names from the attendance list while a boy in the front row French-kissed a girl wearing skintight turquoise Jordache jeans. In Korea, we wore slippers to keep the school floor clean, but here the walls were covered with graffiti, and some mornings, policemen guarded the gate and checked bags. My consolation was the English as a Second Language class where I could speak Korean with others like me. Yet it did not take me long to realize that the other students and I had little in common. The wealthier Korean immigrants had settled in Westchester or Manhattan, where their children attended private schools...

Words: 968 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Hip Hop: a Subculture

...Brian Lewis Feburary 3rd, 2015 HIP HOP: MORE THAN JUST A MOVEMENT. In our everyday lives, we always see art in some form, which involves our senses. For example, we see visual art by using our eyesight. Another famous form of art, which involves our sense of hearing, is music. Music is vast that it has so many genres and subgenres. One genre, that is quite popular in today’s world, is hip-hop. Most people view hip hop as a movement, but i consider that its more than just a movement. Hip Hop is a median to express yourself. The shared ideology of Hip Hop is that it is a platform to portray art and beliefs through lyricism, abstract art, clothing, etc. Hip Hop is a subcultural movement, which was formed in the 1970s in South Bronx, New York. African Americans mainly started this movement, but now it is diversified.  It has various components, such as “DJing”, rapping, graffiti art, and break dancing. Hip Hop gained a lot of popularity for its fashions. Its authorial power and influence highly impacts the fashion world. Many rap artists have successful cloth lines, which are quickly adopted by the followers. Language, in Hip Hop, plays a vital role. Slang terms gained its popularity after it was being used in raps. Some say that rap is the modern day poetry. Rapping also known as “MCing”, is basically a mixture of rhymes and beats to produce a meaning or even a message. Many rappers incorporate historic events or figures in their raps to compare things. Rap Artist...

Words: 1321 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Youngdon

...Onde situationer: Fra eksperiment til virkelighed Af Jens Lenler bragt i Politiken den 17.5.2005 For 33 år siden foretog en amerikansk psykolog et eksperiment, som på seks dage forvandlede unge studerende til sadistiske monstre. Efter hans mening giver eksperimentet et svar på, hvorfor alting gik så galt i Abu Ghraib-fængslet i Irak. En historie om bødlen i os alle begynder i august 1971, i en kælder under Stanford University i Californien, hvor psykologen Philip Zimbardo overvåger sit eksperiment fra et kikhul i en skillevæg. Han skimter en smal og dunkel korridor uden vinduer. Tre fangevogtere patruljerer i kakibrune uniformer. De bærer hver en fløjte, en politistav og store solbriller med refleksglas. Sceneriet er en tro kopi af et fængsel. Døre med ståltremmer forsegler tre små celler, hvor i alt ni fanger kan ligge på feltsenge. Mændene er iført tynde, kjolelignende bomuldskitler, der når dem til midt på låret. Under stoffet er de nøgne, og på fødderne bærer de gummisandaler. En jernkæde klemmer om deres ene ankel. De kostumeprægede uniformer var det eneste, der skilte de unge amerikanere, da eksperimentet gik i gang. Det har kun varet i en håndfuld døgn. Men hvilke døgn. Philip Zimbardo havde ikke i sin vildeste forskerfantasi forudset, hvordan begivenhederne ville udvikle sig. For i det kunstige fængsel klæder fangevogterne deres fanger nøgne. De tvinger dem til at rense lokummer med de bare næver, hoppe englehop med flagrende kønsorganer og råbe idiotiske...

Words: 1834 - Pages: 8