These movies explore the same themes but with unique perspectives that set them apart from the mainstream.
Thisbrooding, character-driven crime dramafeatures the formidable pairing ofTom Hardyand the lateJames Gandolfini.
The Dropunfolds at a gritty, slow burn, emphasizing emotion, realism, and psychological depth over action.
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Gandolfini, in particular, is great as Cousin Marv, a once-powerful man now browbeaten by local gangsters.
He plays the part with moving bitterness and desperation.
My friend, its just money.
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Pitt is joined in the supporting cast byScoot McNairy,Ben Mendelsohn, and James Gandolfini.
Some viewers may find it too unrelentingly dreary, but others will appreciate this grimness.
“Viggo Mortensendelivers one of his best performancesin this chilling film byDavid Cronenberg.
He is Nikolai, a driver and enforcer for the Russian mob in London.
While Cronenberg is most well known for his body horror,Eastern Promisesis a brilliant drama and crime movie.
Both movies delve deep into identity, morality, and the nature of violence.
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Initially naive and out of his depth, Malik quickly learns the brutal rules of survival within the system.
This was a challenging role, but Rahim does a terrific job making Malik fully believable.
His dramatic transformation feels authentic, which is key to the movie’s success.
Theres no way out.
“Layer CakemarkeddirectorMatthew Vaughn’s feature debut, and it’s an impressive one, practically dripping with menace.
Here, he plays a nameless drug dealer who is ready to retire after one last job.
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Layer Cakeis intricate and dynamic, boasting a smart script and inventive cinematography.
Rather than being an exaggerated villain, he’s simply a businessman unconstrained by the law.
One ofBen Affleck’s strongest directorial efforts,The Townisa gripping heist thriller with a distinctly Boston flavor.
Affleck’s confident direction holds it all together, serving up fantastic practical effects and crafting several realistic shootouts.
WhileThe Towndoesnt reinvent the heist flick, it contributes a polished and engaging entry to the subgenre.
4’Miller’s Crossing' (1990)
Directed by Joel Coen
“Nobody knows anybody.
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It featuresGabriel Byrneas Tom Reagan, the right-hand man to mob boss Leo (Albert Finney).
The movie fleshes out this premise with a rich, layered narrative, complex characters, and razor-sharp dialogue.
The violence is stylized, and many of the plot developments are ripped straight out of pulp fiction.
However, the understated lead performance by Byrne keeps everything grounded.
Without him, the project could easily have crashed and burned.
This epic crime drama chronicles the lives of three Mexican-American cousins in East Los Angeles over several decades.
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Despite the length,Taylor Hackford’s direction ensures that the film mostly maintains its momentum.
As withA Prophet, his transformation is compelling and intense.
“Gomorrahoffers a harrowing look at the Neapolitan Mafia, known as the Camorra.
“King of New Yorkis a gem by directorAbel Ferrara, the twisted mind behind films likeMs.
His moral ambiguity and ruthless ambition make him one of the most fascinating gangster characters in cinema.
Ferrara brings out the best in them.
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NEXT:10 2010s Movies With the Worst CGI, Ranked
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