Outstanding Mob Films You May Have Overlooked

      Casey Chong presents a collection of lesser-known mob films you might have overlooked…

      Mob cinema has existed nearly as long as film itself, dating back to the ‘30s with classics like The Public Enemy and Scarface. Many of the most notable and iconic mob films emerged from the New Hollywood era of the 1970s, including genre-defining titles such as Mean Streets and the first two Godfather films. Over the years, a multitude of remarkable mob movies have been released, ranging from Brian De Palma’s brutal Scarface remake to Martin Scorsese’s groundbreaking Goodfellas, among others. However, despite the genre's lasting appeal, numerous mob-related films have either gone unnoticed or have been overshadowed by more mainstream mafia or gangster titles. Keeping this in mind, we have discovered seven hidden mob movie treasures that are definitely worth your attention if you haven't seen them…

      Blood In, Blood Out (1993)

      Also known as Bound by Honor, Taylor Hackford’s three-hour crime drama focuses on three Chicano cousins—Cruz, played by Jesse Borrego, Paco, portrayed by Benjamin Bratt, and Miklo, played by Damian Chapa—and how their lives are irrevocably altered after a traumatic event. Released with little fanfare, it has since gained recognition as a hidden gem within many Latino communities. Hackford’s raw depiction of Chicano life in East Los Angeles, filled with familial strife, social challenges, gang violence, and police brutality, might be overtly dramatic in style. Moreover, some performances, especially by Damian Chapa, sometimes lean towards overacting or shouting. Nonetheless, the diverse personalities and beliefs of the main characters are compellingly represented through Borrego, Bratt, and Chapa’s dedicated performances. Watch for early roles from future stars like Delroy Lindo, Ving Rhames, and Billy Bob Thornton.

      The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)

      Peter Yates made his mark with films like Bullitt and The Deep, showcasing his versatility across various genres. However, The Friends of Eddie Coyle failed to impress audiences in 1973, despite positive reviews from critics. The overwhelming acclaim for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather likely altered how viewers perceive mob films. In contrast, Yates’ crime thriller centers on a low-level Irish mob gunrunner, played by Robert Mitchum, and adopts a more understated approach. The film strips away the glamor often associated with mob life, presenting a stark narrative of Mitchum’s character as a sympathetic criminal-turned-informant for the ATF to evade prison time. The movie effectively explores Coyle’s desperation, with Mitchum delivering a nuanced performance as a weary, aging mob gunrunner. Yates deserves commendation for his straightforward direction, opting for a grounded approach rather than relying on overly dramatic moments.

      Miller’s Crossing (1990)

      The Coen brothers' unique filmmaking style has produced some of the best films of contemporary cinema, starting from their influential debut, Blood Simple, to the pop-culture landmarks Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and No Country for Old Men. One of their earlier works, Miller’s Crossing, is often considered an underrated piece that didn’t garner as much attention as the aforementioned films. Beautifully shot by Barry Sonnenfeld, this Prohibition-era gangster film represents the Coen brothers' quirky yet violent take on Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo, featuring Gabriel Byrne in one of his standout performances as a character caught between rival gangs. The intricate plot reveals that not everything is what it seems in the Coen brothers’ mob universe, filled with moral corruption and betrayals that make watching the nearly two-hour film an engaging experience. While the film maintains its offbeat tone, the Coens do not shy away from depicting graphic violence, exemplified by Albert Finney’s mob boss character, Liam “Leo” O’Bannon, going on a shooting spree with a Tommy gun.

      Kill the Irishman (2011)

      Jonathan Hensleigh, primarily recognized for blockbusters such as Die Hard with a Vengeance, Jumanji, and Armageddon, showcases his directorial talent in the often-underappreciated Kill the Irishman. This straightforward film is vibrant and engaging, chronicling the rise and fall of the real-life Irish-American gangster Danny Greene. Ray Stevenson delivers a captivating performance as the audacious lead, supported by Val Kilmer, Christopher Walken, and Vincent D’Onofrio. Although it’s a biographical crime drama, Kill the Irishman possesses the style and pacing of an action film. It's unfortunate that it struggled to find an audience, grossing just $1.2 million against a $12 million budget.

      The Funeral (1996)

      While The Funeral presents a narrative about a mob family in the 1930s, Abel Ferrara, with a screenplay by his frequent collaborator Nicholas St. John, creates an anti-mob movie. The focus is