The Brooklyn Banker

Set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the 1970's "The Brooklyn Banker" is about Santo Bastucci (Troy Garrity), a young banker with a rare gift, an eidetic memory, whose life is interrupted when local mob kingpin "Manny the Hand" ( David Proval) decides he wants Santo to work for him.

David Proval is masterful as Manny the Hand, and Troy Garity is brilliant in his portrayal of an average guy, content with his life, caught in the middle of a living nightmare.

One of the most powerful and compelling scenes in the entire movie takes place on a rooftop. The dialogue between Santo and Manny is bone chilling. Manny plays his cards, deliberately trying to manipulate Santo into working for him by telling Santo the true story of his relationship with Santos' father, betting that the truth will destroy Santos' relationship with his uncle, the local Priest, and convincing Santo that his destiny is with Manny's world. It is the scene that deftly defines the themes of the movie, and becomes the turning point in all their lives.

To some, this movie might seem like just another mob flick, but it isn't. It is a story with much richer themes, about self discovery, about choices we must make when faced with adversity, about loyalty, fighting for that in which we believe, and knowing who to lean on in times of trouble. The beauty of this story is in the dialogue, richly woven with clues about the motivations of the protagonists, deliberately planned by the writer, Michael Ricigliano. In this sense, the movie is counter Godfather; the protagonist, Santo, chooses to fight for the values in which he believes and distance himself from Manny's world, and many of the powerful blows are delivered with words, not violence, although there is plenty of the latter in the movie as well. It is a story to which everyone can relate, since, at some point in our lives, we are all faced with difficult choices.

This is what used to be a good movie: good writing, good acting, competent directing, respectable photography. Keep in mind that the Brooklyn Banker does not aim too high and plays on its strengths, it is a worthwhile expenditure of your time and is thoroughly enjoyable. Characters are well defined and the interesting story flows without wandering. The tone is perfectly set and successfully depicts the age in which it takes place. The actions and reactions of the protagonist are believable and logic while all supporting actors are efficient and interesting.

Years ago that would have been a solid 7 if you liked the genre and tone or at least a 6 if you did not particularly relate to those. The reason to vote a 9 is that for all 2016 we've been afflicted by big budget shambles churned out by the studios, that seem to be unable to create a movie that abide to the previously stated basic rules. Throwing money at their woes will never make it better.

This was a well written mob story that was period correct. I embraced all of the characters and casting was dead on. As a Italian American I loved all the old school references to our culture. The feast scenes were a throw back to my youth, the sights and sounds were beautiful. I could almost taste the sausage and peppers. Federico Castelluccio proved himself as a feature film director with Brooklyn Banker. He captured the essence of this period in time. I have to also recognize the writing of Michael Ricigliano his interesting twist on this mob flick kept me interested and rooting for certain characters. He really captured the old school mob movies and this will be destined to be a cult classic. I really enjoyed this film and highly recommend it.