Mean Streets (1973)
Mean Streets (1973), an American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, follows the story of Charlie Cappa, a young Italian-American living in Little Italy, New York City. Charlie is constantly weighed down by his sense of responsibility towards his reckless friend John ‘Johnny Boy’ Civello. Johnny is a small-time gambler who refuses to work and is deeply in debt to several loan sharks. Throughout the film, Charlie struggles with balancing his Catholic beliefs and his involvement in the Mafia at the request of his powerful uncle Giovanni. Adding to this turmoil is the fact that Charlie is having a secret affair with Johnny’s cousin Teresa, who suffers from epilepsy and faces discrimination because of her condition. Uncle Giovanni makes it clear that he believes ‘honorable men go with honorable men’ and warns Charlie to stay away from Teresa.
However, as Johnny’s behavior becomes more self-destructive and disrespectful towards those connected to the Mafia, Charlie finds himself torn between loyalty to his faith and loyalty to his family’s criminal ties. Unsuccessful in finding redemption at the Church, Charlie instead offers a selfless sacrifice on behalf of Johnny. At Tony’s bar, Johnny’s acquaintance Michael shows up once again to collect the money owed. Despite making multiple payments and growing increasingly irritated by Johnny’s supposed lack of intention to repay his debt, Charlie assures Michael that he will persuade Johnny to fulfill his promise. However, Johnny unexpectedly lashes out and refuses to pay back the loan. In response, Michael makes a move towards him but is met with a gun from Johnny.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Harvey KeitelCharlie Cappa  Robert De NiroJohnny Boy  David ProvalTony DeVienazo  Amy RobinsonTeresa Ronchelli  Richard RomanusMichael Longo |
Mean Streets (1973), an American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, follows the story of Charlie Cappa, a young Italian-American living in Little Italy, New York City. Charlie is constantly weighed down by his sense of responsibility towards his reckless friend John ‘Johnny Boy’ Civello. Johnny is a small-time gambler who refuses to work and is deeply in debt to several loan sharks. Throughout the film, Charlie struggles with balancing his Catholic beliefs and his involvement in the Mafia at the request of his powerful uncle Giovanni. Adding to this turmoil is the fact that Charlie is having a secret affair with Johnny’s cousin Teresa, who suffers from epilepsy and faces discrimination because of her condition. Uncle Giovanni makes it clear that he believes ‘honorable men go with honorable men’ and warns Charlie to stay away from Teresa.
However, as Johnny’s behavior becomes more self-destructive and disrespectful towards those connected to the Mafia, Charlie finds himself torn between loyalty to his faith and loyalty to his family’s criminal ties. Unsuccessful in finding redemption at the Church, Charlie instead offers a selfless sacrifice on behalf of Johnny. At Tony’s bar, Johnny’s acquaintance Michael shows up once again to collect the money owed. Despite making multiple payments and growing increasingly irritated by Johnny’s supposed lack of intention to repay his debt, Charlie assures Michael that he will persuade Johnny to fulfill his promise. However, Johnny unexpectedly lashes out and refuses to pay back the loan. In response, Michael makes a move towards him but is met with a gun from Johnny.
