Film Distribution Company GSC Movies talks Gangsta

Being one of the earliest and most enduring subject in cinematic history, the gangster genre is one that has withstood the test of time and spanned across different eras, beyond multiple nations and cultures. Originating from America, the popularity of the gangster genre eventually sees its reach expand across borders to influence the likes of Yakuza movies made in Japan and of course the ever prominent Hong Kong triad movies as well. With the on-screen gangster being so appealing, allow us, the film distribution company to take a look at some of the most prominent works of this timeless genre.

Typically, life of the archetypal on-screen gangster begins in the slums of big American cities like New York or Chicago; exploring the American immigrant experience in urban poverty. Such is the life story of Vito Corleone, head of the most powerful Mafia family to ever rule New York City, as told in Mario Puzo’s novel and depicted in Francis Ford Copppola’s adaptation of The Godfather.

A quintessential title in any self-respecting compilation of the best of the gangster genre, The Godfather is an all-time American gangster film, which documents the life of the Corleone family, in their rise and fall from the world of organized crime. Regarded as one of the best films ever (topping the IMDB top 250) in many aspects of cinematography, The Godfather is constructed around various themes. The broader philosophical context exhibited through the ambitions, pains, and tribulations of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and then son Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) depicts a less than perfect ideal that is the American dream.

Another film of the gangster genre Goodfellas, is adapted from the non-fiction novel “WIseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi. Goodfellas tells the story of Henry Hill’s (played by Ray Liotta) exploits within the Lucchese crime family. Although Ray Liotta may not be the name that pops into your head when you think ‘gangster’, but as Henry Hill, being a gangster was everything he dreamt of. Despite Goodfellas not being about the most famous or formidable crime family in history, or the most scandalous crimes ever committed, it tells an incredibly authentic story of the everyday life of a gangster that is both emotional and calamitous through the stylization of the world of organize crime. With a compelling narrative that draws you into the life of Henry Hill, you’ll feel as though you know him by the time the movie ends. This Scorsese masterwork is not only one of the best gangster flick to catch but is also regarded as one of the best movie of all time; definitely a must watch.

Now that we’ve taken a look at how America glamorizes the gangster genre, let’s take a trip to the continent where the “Hollywood of the east” resides, in the city of Hong Kong. When the crime film genre gained popularity in Hong Kong during the 80’s, it is interesting to note that similar aspects of the urban life and its struggle with the progress of the modern urbanization is what made Hong Kong the ideal backdrop for the triad films. In the vein of the Hollywood gangster films, Hong Kong triad films too illustrate the social concerns of the period and combine the characteristics of Hong Kong’s identity and culture with films like Young and Dangerous and its gaggle of sequels. Another fan favourite worthy of mention is the cult classic Infernal Affairs, a spy vs. spy story based on actual events. When you have an ingenious plot where an undercover police in the mob scene and a mob who weaseled his way into the police force fight to uncover each other’s identity, dollops of thrills and suspense is for certain.

Gangster Pay Day: The new gangster movie coming to Malaysia

As time progresses, filmmakers have continued to reinvent the gangster genre, rebuilding its formula to accommodate the new climate of today’s society. Director Lee Po-cheung’s unorthodox approach to the gangster genre in his latest flick Gangster Pay Day is one such example. By adding a comical touch to the life of a triad and pairing it with the current political climate, Gangster Pay Day is a movie audiences can easily connect with. In Gangster Pay Day, a retired triad boss tries to go straight by establishing a legitimate business in the form of a teahouse, but attracts the attention of a rival boss who sets out to cause trouble, pulling him back into the life of organized crime. Starring the terrific Anthony Wong alongside You-Nam Wong and Charlene Choi, Gangster Pay Day is a not-to-be-missed modern day approach to Hong Kong’s cinematic history, packed with both thrills and laughter.

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