Gangster cinema essentials (Vol 1)
Some of the most celebrated movies in the history of cinema belong to the crime genre. No matter how many titles one has seen, a gangster cinema aficionado is always likely to stumble upon a never-seen-before title.
The Godfather (Parts 1 & 2) (1972-1974)
Any 'gangster cinema' list would be incomplete without the iconic adaptations of Mario Puzo's iconic The Godfather — a classic example of how to adapt a book by removing all the elements that work in the book but not in a film, without losing its soul.
Goodfellas (1990)
The inclusion of another iconic gangster drama, directed by Martin Scorsese, in this list is also a no-brainer. Again, another adaptation — of Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book Wiseguy — that's elevated by a top-notch cast (top-tier Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci) and technical team.
Casino (1995)
Another Scorsese and Pileggi reunion. Another De Niro and Scorsese reunion. Another De Niro and Joe Pesci reunion. Well, it goes without saying this immaculately conceived gangster drama is a masterclass in every department, especially editing.
Sexy Beast (2000)
Jonathan Glazer's stylish, electrifying film is enhanced by a memorable score and inventive editing. With the behaviour of a thriller, it has a superb Ben Kingsley showing up to make things difficult for Ray Winstone, Ian McShane and the rest of the cast.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
An excellent Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren headline a gangster tale that, like Sexy Beast, moves like a thriller, with Hoskins as a dreaded London don racing against time to uncover the unseen forces threatening his existence. A young Pierce Brosnan appears as a hitman.
Battles Without Honor and Humanity saga (Parts 1 to 5) (1973-1974)
Japanese master Kenji Fukasaku's 5-part gangster saga set in post-war Japan spans several decades, telling the stories of men severely affected and transformed by the after-effects of war who opt for a life of crime, undertaking a hellish journey from which there is no return.
Touchez pas au grisbi (1954)
French filmmaker Jacques Becker's film, the title of which translates to 'Don't Touch the Loot', is an immensely sophisticated crime drama populated by ageing mafia guys, with Jean Gabin playing a cynical, but cunning, gangster who smells deception from a mile away.
Gangs of Wasseypur (Parts 1 & 2)
Anurag Kashyap's two-part gangster saga can be comparable to the Kenji Fukasaku films mentioned earlier, in terms of its gritty realism and decades-spanning storytelling. Featuring standout performances from Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, Rajkummar Rao, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and many others.