Review of A Bronx Tale (1993) by Elisa L — 14 Aug 2008

Though a first film, De Niro already shows a distinctive voice, style, and great ease in handling his superb cast.

What makes De Niro's work particularly good is its uniquely rich texture, its ability to cast a fresh light on such pertinent, if familiar, issues as parental and peer expectation, the allure of crime, the first date, and perhaps best of all the irrational, often subconscious and unconscious, origins of discrimination and racism. This is accomplished through a detailed chronicle of an interracial affair and the territorial fights between the Italian and the neighboring black residents.

De Niro proves to be just as much a force behind the camera as he does in front of it. A superb debut - simply a gripping movie.