Gomorrah (Gomarra, Italy, 2008)

Whilst Gomorrah is clearly a gangster film, representing the Naples Camorra, it also resembles the (so-called) fly-on-the-wall documentaries that trace a number of contemporaneous narrative strands about lives in, say, airports or hotels. These, however, use voice overs thereby disallowing them as ‘observational’ documentaries as their meaning is anchored. That said, if Gomorrah had had [...]

The Roaring Twenties (US, 1939)

Fascinating gangster movie that is linked with newsreel like montages. Sympathetic portrayal of the gangster (though his psychosis is also evident), brilliantly played by Cagney. Great support from Bogart. Has a modern sensibility. The Wall Street crash montage is a technical tour de force.
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Election (Hong Kong, 2005)

Marketed as Hong Kong’s Godfather. Well it does focus on the politics… A cracking film which casts the police in an interesting role (they can’t get to the yakuza really but they can influence what’s happening). Great use of locations and a stunning end. (DVD)
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A Bittersweet Life (Korea, 2005)

Beautifully shot and performed by the lead (Yu-mi Jeong) with some stunning scenes (the return from the grave – but it is a gangster and not a horror movie). South Korea continues to produce the most interesting movies; does it constitute a ‘new wave’ yet? The western influences are clear but are made interesting by [...]

The Untouchables (US, 1987)

Stands up pretty well but for what I felt was a fast-paced thriller when it came out seems, in places, somewhat laboured now (eg the capture of the booze on the bridge). However, the Potemkin steps sequences is excellent. (DVD, 3). http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094226/