A Bronx Tale

Growing up in the Bronx in the early 1960s, young Calogero is split between the steady values of his father, Lorenzo, and the flashy power of mob boss Sonny, who takes the boy under his wing. As Calogero ages, he starts dating Jane, a black girl from his neighborhood, which raises tensions with peers and adults who enforce rigid social lines. The film follows his choices as he balances respect for family, fascination with street life, and the consequences that come from idolizing someone who lives by different rules, all set against a gritty urban backdrop without giving away how those conflicts resolve.

Robert De Niro directed his first major feature here, working from material by Chazz Palminteri, who adapted his own stage piece. The cast includes De Niro, Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra, and Taral Hicks, and the film was released in 1993.

Critics praised the performances, especially Palminteri as Sonny and the younger actors as Calogero, noting the film's clear sense of place and character. Audience reaction has stayed strong, reflected in a roughly 7.9 out of 10 vote average from viewers, who point to the moral choices and father-son dynamics at the story's core.

The movie left a lasting image of the Bronx era it portrays, influencing how later films show neighborhood codes and loyalty. Sonny's presence and the father-and-son contrast are often cited in discussions about mob-related coming-of-age stories, and the film helped cement Chazz Palminteri's reputation as a storyteller with authentic street detail.

At the box office the film did steady, modest business rather than blockbuster numbers, but it found a wider audience after theatrical release through home video and cable viewings. Over time it has become a frequently recommended title for fans of character-driven crime dramas.