People give Assante props for his portrayal of Gotti and fair enough, but it seems to me that William Forsythe as Sammy Gravano is a bit underrated. He had one heck of a presence throughout the movie which is especially impressive given how subdued the character he was playing was.
William forsythe is just so good as a gangster. Always. His only bad rendition would have to be his version of Flat-Top but even that is supposed to be a goofy portrayal
@@ItDiedOnDaVine agree 100%. Remember him doing a great job in the late 80s/early 90s Untouchables TV show as Al Capone. He was as intimidating in that series too even with that era's restrictions on what could be shown on TV. Was also BRILLIANT as Jewish gangster Manny Horvitz in HBO's Boardwalk Empire, one of my favorite cable shows ever.
what, about stealing gas tax money? wouldnt be exciting enough by michaels own account. he cant say he was involved in this murder and this hit and this and that crime. he has to keep his story simple and low key while hes alive. now a story about his dads life now that would be something. title the movie simply, "SONNY"....
I thought Armand Assante captured the essence of Gotti. Anthony Quinn became Dellacroce. Dellacroce was cold as ice and Quinn brought it out brilliantly. Their chemistry was fantastic.
@@Israel-nb7ip Oh God yes. He was tremendous as Gravano. The chemistry with the cast was great. They played their parts well and played off each other tremendously.
This movie had 3 of the most underrated performances in mob moviedom. Armand Assante, Anthony Quinn and William Forsythe were all fantastic. Great supporting cast with Dominic Chianese, etc. as well.
I watched this film on sunday. It is easily the most underrated mafia film.A million times better than the Travolta one.The one that i liked and also thought was underrated was A Bronx Tale.
I had a roommate in the Navy who grew up in one of Gotti's neighbourhoods; she said she had never felt so safe. "You could leave the windows open and kids could play outside because no one [messed] with you. The moment he got arrested everything went to hell." She had nothing but praise and admiration for Gotti.
Thats not just Gotti's neighborhood. That was NYC and the surrounding area that had mob presence. People can say what they want about organized crime, but the truth is when the Italians ran things, the nation ran smoother. All the fuck up we have now are the result of government and corporations running things that the Mob had running efficiently.
You know this is exactly the same as this guy spoke about east london when the Krays were kicking about. It was this old bus driver i met, he told me the stories of when he was a young boy in east london, the streets were safe, noone would break in, noone would rob them. The krays, bad Men as they were, kept the place in check
From what I hear about the real Mr. Neil, Anthony Quinn made him appear far more lovable than irl. The real Me. Neal was as cold as ice from what I read.
My favorite scene with Anthony Quinn. " If Don Carlo said you got to got, I would come here with these two Zips. And you would go". Best scene in the movie
@@dublinsfaircity My Father grew up on Kenmare Street in Little Italy. He was bus boy at Neil's coffee shop. When my Father watched this film he said Quinn nailed Neil down pat. The eyes, the facial expression, the breathing. When he was being serious with a person he made it known how serious he was with little effort.
@@dublinsfaircity yeah he was the second most powerful mobster in new york after carlo gambino. it was said that delacroce was probably more powerful than the bosses of the other four families and delacroce was only the underboss of the gambinos.
@Mike Knight you might be wondering why the need for zips in usa well some mafia bosses most notable carlo gambino and carmine galente used them as bodyguards because they have no attachments or connection to made mafia guys in usa so therefore no great chance of being betrayed or set up by your bodyguards as is usually the case when a boss gets hit. though having said that it turned out that when carmine galente got hit it was his zip bodyguards that sold him out and set him up. they are also seen as being more disciplned than american made guys and are used to do the bosses bidding to keep made american guys in line when enforcing is needed. an example of this is shown in the sopranos when tony soprano goes to italy to arrange the transfer of furio to the new jersey mob to be his personal bodyguard and driver.
So glad your bringing attention & credit to this underrated movie. It's a rare Gem With great cast of actors people forget Armand Assante won a Emmy Award & received Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Gotti. In my opinion it should have been released in theaters instead of HBO so more people could have seen it.
Beatle Stories He wasn’t attending his trial for a movie role. He has a interview where he speaks on it. Ppl told him he resembled gotti so he attended the trial so he can actually see him for himself in person.
My father has Iberian blood and he is 73, most people think he is in his 50's. Many generations of living in hot countries so their skin is probably more resilient to the UV rays (which thin and age skin). One thing I noticed whilst visiting Rome (other than a hot Italian police-woman who literally looked like a supermodel in police gear), the locals didn't get bitten much by mosquitos.
Travolta was actually way more accurate to how Gotti really was but it was a bad movie. Armande was much better but less accurate to how John was personally.
@@flightofthebumblebee9529 Travolta used to be great. But i can't remember the last time he was good in a movie. He was good in the OJ Simpson American Crime Story miniseries.
You and preplex news should collab and do a show mundo from the Mexican mafia runs that channel if I’m not mistaken that would be something else two old school real mafiosos comparing similar lives would be something else
When he says a mob movie is legit, he might just have some expertise in that regard. I've never seen this one but just the clips look better than that Travolta movie.
I discovered this movie on UA-cam a few years ago when I was in college. I Googled it and saw that it had pretty good reviews and since I love mob movies/documentaries I watched it and really enjoyed it. In my opinion its a very underrated mobster movie.
This man doesn’t look a day over 50. Awesome to see him enjoying his life. I just want to see everyone leave the pst in the past and enjoy their time. I would love to see Michael and Sammy come together as friends and make content together. People live to see that.
He was in a great movie about a 50's doo wop group Looking for an Echo about the real group Kenny Vance & the Planotones .. One of my favorite movies !!
I have always believed that if this film had been released in theatres instead of HBO, Anthony Quinn would have won the best supporting actor Oscar. He was truly brilliant. A tribute to his great acting career that he could perform at this level so late in life.
I liked the Travolta movie. It wasn’t mind blowing but I liked it. I think it suffered from choppy editing and too much philosophical overtone. It was a little all over the place but worth a watch.
Thanks for this, Michael. I watched this two days ago and it's utterly compelling, both in terms of its authenticity and historical accuracy. The cast are all superb, while the screenplay is bone-scrapingly real. This is a stellar film, one that will grip you from the first frame. It's almost too good to be a HBO movie. A+
Steve Shagan, who passed away in 2015, wrote a terrific screenplay with Gotti. He created a work of art. Who can forget the scene where Neil Dellacroce is on his deathbed, telling John Gotti this? "You know, you live this goddamn life long enough... and you can't take anything with you except... your honor. Don't ever lose that, Johnny. This whole fuckin' thing... lasts only... five minutes."
That scene with Quinn and Assante is so powerful..the acting was perfect, you could really feel the tension when he was scolding Gotti, and the look in Gotti's face and tone of his voice just perfectly showed how much he was sweating bullets when he understood the seriousness of the sit-down Quinn just came from...Gotti is a confident tough guy throughout the movie but here he was like a kid who knew he was in deep shit after being scolded for breaking the #1 rule in the house
I remember seeing this movie. It is one of my favorite mob movies. Great acting and Franzese talking about how authentic it is made glad I saw it. Haven't seen the one with Travolta.
Can’t wait to see more Mob Movie Monday’s Mr. Franzese. This was hands down the best break down of a Mob movie I have ever watched. You did a fantastic job. much respect and keep’em coming.
After your reviews and insight on it, I managed to score a DVD of this movie and have watched it several times in the last few weeks. It lives up to what you say about it. A rare gem of a film to be sure. I know others here have said it, but I'll add my voice in that I truly hope at some point there is a Michael Franzese movie. Given your experiences it would not only surpass Gotti, but no doubt many other La Cosa Nostra films that have been made over the years.
I agree. Anthony Quinn was absolutely amazing in this film. Only you know the depths of how amazing and accurate it was. Thank you Mr Franzese for you commentary. I would love to sit with you and watch the entire film.
I watched this after hearing you talk about it, and it’s probably one of the best mob films I’ve ever seen. I watched it two times in a row in one day. Severely underrated film.
He's pretty brutally honest about his life as well & I appreciate that he talks about his experiences & that lifestyle & how destructive it can be. God bless him for being willing to share what's he learned.
Michael, these stories just blow me away. I actually spend a lot of time watching them. I've worked the prison system, my father was a cop. I've been to Sicily on ships so I've seen with my own eyes. This life has always interested me. Thanks for the stories keep them comin.
one thing I recall from the film was the discussion and distrust between the Neopolitan Mafia and the Sicilian Mafia... could you discuss those differences (if any) in a future episode?
It’s mostly an old timer old school thing that began with the old Sicilian bosses that only viewed their fellow Sicilians as trustworthy mafiosi and discriminating against them, so back in the day there was some bad blood between Sicilians and Napolitans
its age old adage in la cosa nostra sicillians are seen as royalty in la cosa nostra italians ie neapolitans were viewed as just good for muscle work and enforcing. before 1930 main land italians couldnt get into la cosa nostra in usa you had to be sicillian however the great mafia war in usa CASTELLAMARESE WAR needed more recruits couldnt get enough sicillians so decide to recruit main land italians ie of naples descent. as a result mobsters such as costello.genovese,valachi who were all italian but not sicillian were able to get made thanks to liberal minded sicillians like luciano and to a lesser extent salvatore maranzano. if you read the valachi papers which in my opinion is the original and best book on the mafia in usa explains the distinction between sicillians and italians. JOE VALACHI TOLD HIS FRIEND DOMINIC THE GAP PETRELLI THAT HE WANTED TO JOIN LA COSA NOSTRA AND PETRELLI TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS MAINLY SICILLIANS AND THAT SICILLIANS WERE TREACHEROUS IN THAT IF YOU WERE FRIENDS WITH A SICILLIAN FOR 20 YEARS AND YOU HAD AN ARGUMENT WITH A STRANGER WHO WAS SICILLIAN IN THE STREET YOUR SICILLIAN FRIEND OF 20 YEARS WOULD TAKE THE SIDE OF THE STANGER WHO WAS SICILLIAN AGAINST YOU. believe you me the book THE VALACHI PAPERS is the best read on the mafia in usa from 1929 to 1970. all that we know about the mafia in usa came firstly from joe valachi in my opinion all other mafia books afterwards are just cashing in on what joe valachi started. its the original and still the best. to this day sicillians still look down their noses at italians in NEW YORK.
@@nikko.lottsahcocc6917 even Furio on the Christopher Columbus episode expressed how the northern Italian stuck their noses up to the sicilians.. " I never Iiked Columbus"- Furio -
One of the few mob movies I haven’t seen. That will change soon! I have always loved Armand Assante’s acting skills. He’s great in everything he does...Q&A was another great film he did!
Just watched it for a 3rd time this weekend and I loved it... sure it cuts huge chunks out the actual story but that’s expected in Hollywood! 10/10 it flows so well and definitely keeps your attention!
Love this movie and love listening to your stories. Here in the UK, was into all sorts of trouble in my 20's (went to a similar institution, like you did, if you know what I mean *cough cough prison*). 34 now, I'm taking your advice and staying on the straight and narrow! 😎💙
Been meaning to check this movie out ever since you mentioned it in The Last Sitdown. And what a story that. With the punchline , "Would you have told you?" I mean: mindblown. Glad you made it through it all. Keep up the great work and blessings upon your house.
Michael, this is one of my favorites, filmed in Toronto Canada, very well done There has been a mob war happening up here in Quebec and Ontario, Montreal , Toronto and Hamilton ...lots of guys whacked in the past five years. Look into it. Very interesting stuff. One Mafia family in Hamilton reports to Maggadino family in Buffalo. The rest of the families are Indrangetta .
The way Michael said “Hmm” during the scene where Neil is letting Gotti know he negotiated for his life’s, let’s me know this movie is the most authentic. You cannot fake that “hmm” it brought him back.
I watched this movie years ago and have loved it ever since… Switch it in every so often and never get tired of it. Armand absolutely nailed it!! From watching so many docs, reading books over the years and watching this channel, you can almost taste the atmosphere, pressure, attitude in this movie…. He did an amazing job! Some find it strange I’m interested in this because I’m only a wee 5’ petite thing lol, but they need to understand… this isn’t fiction, it actually happened. It’s history. Keep up the good work! Unmissable 😉
I always loved the mob movies. In my mind movies are good if they are fantasy, but if they are great and they could happen in real life like the mafia ones we all know and love, they are the best type of cinema, because they show the true nature of man. It's great to have a man like Michael Franzese to come in and give his take on how realistic the films were.
I liked Neil's line when he dies "This whole thing lasts....only 10 minutes" Maybe he didn't say that in real life when he died but it was still impactful.
I literally bought the 96’ Gotti dvd from your praise of the film Michael. I respect the authenticity of your nature and appreciate these videos you extend the people with reflections of your past.
@Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor the government for centuries have been putting those kinds of spiteful charges in people they hated. You go into prison with a rape or a weirdo sex beef and its gonna be a really bad time for you. Law enforcement has always known that. They use it as a tool.
The old timer bosses were regularly dealing with the upper level people in their society, such as politicians, lawyers, etc. and they were trying to 'prove' themselves in a country where they immigrated; so they refined their language. But their crew were still dealing with the streets, so the soldiers and associates were using the language of the street unless they were talking to their bosses. But at the end, this was the 'old school'. With the new generation, starting with 80s, two things changed: One, the codes of the old school eroded as Franzese mentioned in this video; in a nutshell: Gotti generation. And two, the high life of the mafia eroded, and the upper class connections have been limited or restricted. As depicted in the Sopranos, the mob 'culturally' became the working and the lower middle class, so cursing or foul language was embraced by the bosses too. The mob members might be outcasts; but they are still part of their era, generation and social culture: Foul language has become a sort of 'normal' on TV, in movies, everywhere compared to 40 or 50 years ago. Also the real life mob members started to act, dress, and talk like their movie counterparts; the-art-imitates-life-imitates-art business. Some mob documentaries on UA-cam talks about how the entertainment industry infiltrated the psyche of the real mob. The old school were proud of being Italian and Sicilian; this identity was strong, it was the central thing in their organisation. For the new generation, the Italian identity came second or third; they were not the first or second generation immigrants anymore, they were 'American'. So the old school was Italian mafia in America, but the new generation was 'American Mafia' that was already recognised and known by a wider culture.
Gotti from 96 is still one of my top movies I enjoy to watch. And listening to Mr. Franzese talk about it and bring in his insights is amazing, and can listen to this video over and over.
Michael Franzese no one is gonna stick to the exact or closest truth possible as you would if you co-produced it. Could be the movie that just might carry you & your fathers folklore and cement it for the ages if it hasn’t already.
UniteAllTribes We all probably assumed that not everything would have been divulged in it’s entirety but at the same time Michael’s father was probably the last living member from the “golden age of the Mafia”, 10 - 20 years from now nearly everything that hasn’t been spoken on or told will most likely be lost forever.
Needless to say, one should never attempt to romanticize or glorify the deadly, destructive, and criminal ways of the mob lifestyle. Something which I’m certain you wholeheartedly agree with, at this particular juncture of your life. That said, and as you know, Carlo Gambino was without a doubt one the most legendary figures in the entire history of the La Cosa Nostra (i.e. the American Mafia). In fact, after Lucky Luciano (the father of the modern organized crime in the US), Carlo Gambino was deemed to be the closest thing to the Boss of all Bosses; at least in terms of the sheer respect that he had garnered and demanded (even if Luciano’s establishment of The Commission formally abolished the title in 1931). And yet, at least in retrospect, Carlo Gambino made the absolute wrong decision in the case of Gotti. Gotti broke the rules, and that should have sealed his fate. The consigliere was absolutely correct in his assessment; the rules are there to protect the organization at its most vulnerable and critical moments - they shouldn’t be subject to exceptions. Gotti with his murderously reckless, and publicly outlandish and flashy, ways eventually ended up detonating a nuclear bomb right in the heart of the La Cosa Nostra. A great movie, though; and as always, I thoroughly enjoyed your insightful analysis and your captivating storytelling abilities.
@@caesartapia5702 Stone Cold comes out of nowhere, kicks you right in the balls and stuns your ass. Stone Cold walks out the ring, up the ramp looks back and holds up a 🖕🏾 the crowd cheers. Stone Cold leaves.
Just finished this movie. Armand Assante did a phenomenal job. Absolutely nailed this role. I’d love to see a movie you create. Your story is worth telling, definitely.
Why wasn’t Armand Assante in more mob movies? He has the look, the swag, and can act. That is why it’s very perplexing why he wasn’t featured in “The Sopranos,” “The Irishman,” or even the mob movie “Casino” which came out many years after Godfather; in the case that Assante was too young or not an accomplished actor when Godfather saga was made. Many forget Assante gave a powerful performance in the star studded hit movie “American Gangster” that focuses on the rise and fall of black kingpin Frank Lucas. Assante’s renaissance role, albeit a supporting one, showed Assante hasn’t skipped a beat. While many would characterize Assante as a skilled actor whose bailiwick just relates to mob roles. The liberals might find that stereotypical in this overly sentimental age of bleeding heart bureaucracy where you are expected to choose your words more carefully or be considered a racist, bigot, xenophobe etc. Me I say what I believe and yes Assante does shine in mainly those roles, but if you are damn good at something why not exploit that or utilize it the best you can. Now I haven’t seen all of his roles in movies or tv shows but for my $$$$ Armand Assante is aces when it comes to mob roles and there depiction, period.
I absolutely agree... Pretty much any movie he plays in, no matter what character, you can still hear that authentic Italian dialogue... If you haven't already seen it, check out the original Judge Dredd movie with Sylvester Stallone & Armand Assante where play as brothers in the movie. Although the movie itself is set in some apocalyptic neon future, based off the comic character Judge Dredd, you can still hear Assante's capo talk...
unfortunately it’s just bad luck for Armand Assante is a under rated actor. “Mambo Kings” was another amazing performance. Armand Assante is terrific talent actor without a doubt
@@patrickpatman3653 idk, I don't beleive I've seen that one. I have to check it out... But Sly and Armand were technically brothers in the original Judge Dredd, as well as prior best friends and partners in the movie, even though they were both manufactured.. Which is what made them brothers. Lol
Its ok. Some good acting and a good script, but please, it’s impact on the culture is virtually irrelevant compared to the real classics. Don’t get me wrong, I like it, but it’s gotta be put in perspective.
Not just underrated movie, but armande assante is probably most underrated actor of last 20 yrs
He is def a good actor
Anthony Quinn as Neil Dellacroce was the real star for me. He was brilliant!
He's definitely up there with the greats. He was fantastic in the 1990 film, Q&A.
You are so right! Him and Anthony Quinn showed out in this movie!
Agreed, Two For The Money he was good in a small role, American Gangster same thing playing the detective's father on L & O SVU
Armand Assante's performance in this film was outstanding.
But still totally overshadowed by Anthony Quinn.
Assante was amazing. But Quinn owned each scene
I also liked Tom Seizmore.
Guy played sammy was awesome aswell
Armand Assante is one of the most underrated actors EVER........
🎯
@@mattystacks7226 fact
..
He a better gotti than gotti himself lol
No one else can play gotti better than him.
He played the hell of gotti I watched the movie and thought he was the real John gotti for a second
People give Assante props for his portrayal of Gotti and fair enough, but it seems to me that William Forsythe as Sammy Gravano is a bit underrated. He had one heck of a presence throughout the movie which is especially impressive given how subdued the character he was playing was.
true
William forsythe is just so good as a gangster. Always. His only bad rendition would have to be his version of Flat-Top but even that is supposed to be a goofy portrayal
@@ItDiedOnDaVine agree 100%. Remember him doing a great job in the late 80s/early 90s Untouchables TV show as Al Capone. He was as intimidating in that series too even with that era's restrictions on what could be shown on TV. Was also BRILLIANT as Jewish gangster Manny Horvitz in HBO's Boardwalk Empire, one of my favorite cable shows ever.
@@TheRealShawnCrowe lol I used to LOVE that movie back in the day! Very campy but very entertaining with solid acting despite the 2 dimensional plot.
Agreed, from one Castillo to another!
Hopefully there’s a film based on Michaels life soon, his story would be amazing on the big screen
We’re all looking forward to it, it would be magnificent
Michael Franzese I Hope so we haven’t seen a good mob movie in a long time I am looking forward to it
@@michaelfranzese Salute from Europe Romania Europe city Constanta! Respect !🙏
what, about stealing gas tax money? wouldnt be exciting enough by michaels own account. he cant say he was involved in this murder and this hit and this and that crime. he has to keep his story simple and low key while hes alive. now a story about his dads life now that would be something. title the movie simply, "SONNY"....
I think Jim Caviezel would play a good Michael...or Daniel Day.
I thought Armand Assante captured the essence of Gotti. Anthony Quinn became Dellacroce. Dellacroce was cold as ice and Quinn brought it out brilliantly. Their chemistry was fantastic.
Both fine actors
No doubt. Can't forget Willaim Forsythe as Sammy Gravano. All three parts played to perfection.
@@Israel-nb7ip Oh God yes. He was tremendous as Gravano. The chemistry with the cast was great. They played their parts well and played off each other tremendously.
This movie had 3 of the most underrated performances in mob moviedom. Armand Assante, Anthony Quinn and William Forsythe were all fantastic. Great supporting cast with Dominic Chianese, etc. as well.
When Neil told him he would of came thru wit these 2 Zips
Definitely the most underrated mafia movie of all time.
I COULDN'T BELIEVE TRAVOLTA KNOWING THAT HE IS A SCIENTOLOGIST AND FUDGE PACKER ! HE'S MORE GAYER THAN P.DIDDY AND LIL WAYNE !!
nickyscarfo1 ...what
Totally agree with you. Great wrting and acting.
who said it is underrated?
I watched this film on sunday. It is easily the most underrated mafia film.A million times better than the Travolta one.The one that i liked and also thought was underrated was A Bronx Tale.
The Sopranos cast was literally hand picked from this movie!
Facts
they were hand picked out of a shinebox
Johnny Sack and Frank Cubitoso
Talkin like borko, whatever happened there
And prettyuch every other mov movie. Most of them were also in good fellas.
I had a roommate in the Navy who grew up in one of Gotti's neighbourhoods; she said she had never felt so safe. "You could leave the windows open and kids could play outside because no one [messed] with you. The moment he got arrested everything went to hell." She had nothing but praise and admiration for Gotti.
Thats not just Gotti's neighborhood. That was NYC and the surrounding area that had mob presence.
People can say what they want about organized crime, but the truth is when the Italians ran things, the nation ran smoother. All the fuck up we have now are the result of government and corporations running things that the Mob had running efficiently.
You know this is exactly the same as this guy spoke about east london when the Krays were kicking about.
It was this old bus driver i met, he told me the stories of when he was a young boy in east london, the streets were safe, noone would break in, noone would rob them. The krays, bad Men as they were, kept the place in check
The Krays and Gotti wanted a monopoly on bullying people
@@joedwyer3297 maybe it’s a good thing having the mafia run the underworld there’s law and order for them
They where a government, but that was actually harsh and not harassing people who where just civilians.
Anthony Quinn was brilliant, May he R.I.P. 🙏
And his son Francisco Quinn. Gone to soon at 48.
He scared the hell out of me in this scene. He was extremely convincing.
Revenge 1990
He was also great in JUNGLE FEVER by Spike Lee, playing racist Italian father
From what I hear about the real Mr. Neil, Anthony Quinn made him appear far more lovable than irl. The real Me. Neal was as cold as ice from what I read.
My favorite scene with Anthony Quinn. " If Don Carlo said you got to got, I would come here with these two Zips. And you would go". Best scene in the movie
@@dublinsfaircity My Father grew up on Kenmare Street in Little Italy. He was bus boy at Neil's coffee shop. When my Father watched this film he said Quinn nailed Neil down pat. The eyes, the facial expression, the breathing. When he was being serious with a person he made it known how serious he was with little effort.
@@dublinsfaircity yeah he was the second most powerful mobster in new york after carlo gambino. it was said that delacroce was probably more powerful than the bosses of the other four families and delacroce was only the underboss of the gambinos.
@Mike Knight mafia from sicily
@Mike Knight any made guy who was born in italy and not usa. or a made guy who was inducted into the mafia in italy as opposed to usa.
@Mike Knight you might be wondering why the need for zips in usa well some mafia bosses most notable carlo gambino and carmine galente used them as bodyguards because they have no attachments or connection to made mafia guys in usa so therefore no great chance of being betrayed or set up by your bodyguards as is usually the case when a boss gets hit. though having said that it turned out that when carmine galente got hit it was his zip bodyguards that sold him out and set him up.
they are also seen as being more disciplned than american made guys and are used to do the bosses bidding to keep made american guys in line when enforcing is needed.
an example of this is shown in the sopranos when tony soprano goes to italy to arrange the transfer of furio to the new jersey mob to be his personal bodyguard and driver.
So glad your bringing attention & credit to this underrated movie. It's a rare Gem With great cast of actors people forget Armand Assante won a Emmy Award & received Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Gotti. In my opinion it should have been released in theaters instead of HBO so more people could have seen it.
Armand Assante's voice, swagger and mannerisms were outstanding in this film. Apparently he attended Gotti's trials in order to observe him.
Method acting at its finest. Up there with the likes of De Niro and Al Pacino.
Beatle Stories He wasn’t attending his trial for a movie role. He has a interview where he speaks on it. Ppl told him he resembled gotti so he attended the trial so he can actually see him for himself in person.
Kingston Blandin
Why would anyone tell him that? He looks nothing like Gotti.
Neg Ative well being that Gotti himself gave the film a thumbs up. I’d say that’s enough
Assamte wanted to meet with Gotti in prison, but Gotti refused the request. He wasn’t in favor about the movie.
It's hard to believe Michael is nearly 70. The man looks like he's in his 50's.
Family genes
Good Italian genes
My father has Iberian blood and he is 73, most people think he is in his 50's. Many generations of living in hot countries so their skin is probably more resilient to the UV rays (which thin and age skin). One thing I noticed whilst visiting Rome (other than a hot Italian police-woman who literally looked like a supermodel in police gear), the locals didn't get bitten much by mosquitos.
He probably dyes his hair. Makes him look younger
You are kidding. He looks so young.
Armand Assante was brilliant. That man never gives less than his full energy to a role.
Armand Assante was amazing as Gotti, John Travolta not so much.
Joe McKim Travolta was so bad I cried
Travolta was actually way more accurate to how Gotti really was but it was a bad movie. Armande was much better but less accurate to how John was personally.
@@flightofthebumblebee9529 Travolta used to be great. But i can't remember the last time he was good in a movie. He was good in the OJ Simpson American Crime Story miniseries.
@@flightofthebumblebee9529 Not according to Michael, and he should know.
@@joemckim1183 He was good in the punisher
How could you NOT like listening to Michael Franzese talk...
You and preplex news should collab and do a show mundo from the Mexican mafia runs that channel if I’m not mistaken that would be something else two old school real mafiosos comparing similar lives would be something else
Dude it’s addicting he’s such a smart guy
Thomas Coursey 100% agree
We do, people on the other side of his pistol back in his day didn’t 😂
When he says a mob movie is legit, he might just have some expertise in that regard.
I've never seen this one but just the clips look better than that Travolta movie.
I discovered this movie on UA-cam a few years ago when I was in college. I Googled it and saw that it had pretty good reviews and since I love mob movies/documentaries I watched it and really enjoyed it. In my opinion its a very underrated mobster movie.
Antony qiunn !!
This man doesn’t look a day over 50. Awesome to see him enjoying his life. I just want to see everyone leave the pst in the past and enjoy their time. I would love to see Michael and Sammy come together as friends and make content together. People live to see that.
Armand Assante is a crazy underrated actor
He's a gifted actor and very funny.
He was in a great movie about a 50's doo wop group Looking for an Echo about the real group Kenny Vance & the Planotones .. One of my favorite movies !!
Anthony Quinn hit a home run on this. Absolutely perfectly done
Armand Assante has played the best Gotti by ions. Anthony Quinn is a legend. Great movie.
Yes and in American gangster with Denzel Washington
Travolta
@@jamesdonoughue4557 Travolta? Hahahaha
@@jamesdonoughue4557 He was horrendous.
@@patrickmorrissey3084 clearly don't appreciate world class method acting
Anthony Quinn was great as Mr Neil, the scene where he tells Gotti how close he was to going is a masterclass, agree with Michael 100 percent
Did you know Mr Neil?
Would of came thru wit these 2 Zips
I have always believed that if this film had been released in theatres instead of HBO, Anthony Quinn would have won the best supporting actor Oscar. He was truly brilliant. A tribute to his great acting career that he could perform at this level so late in life.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Actor of actors
HBO was putting out gr8 films. Ving Rhames n the Don King movie won an award
I agree. This is the best Mob movie ever made. The one with John Travolta was crap.
john travolta was made for saturday nite fever.not gotti.so many other choices for gotti psssh unreal...
I liked the Travolta movie. It wasn’t mind blowing but I liked it. I think it suffered from choppy editing and too much philosophical overtone. It was a little all over the place but worth a watch.
Yeah I nearly fell asleep during it -
AGREED. best mob movie.
I think Fonzie would have been a better Gotti ?!🤤
My opinion on mob movies has been greatly changed after this amazing recommendation. Super authentic, and very well made, plus the acting is superb.
Thanks for this, Michael. I watched this two days ago and it's utterly compelling, both in terms of its authenticity and historical accuracy. The cast are all superb, while the screenplay is bone-scrapingly real. This is a stellar film, one that will grip you from the first frame. It's almost too good to be a HBO movie. A+
The only Gotti movie that counts and till this day u can watch it on UA-cam for free
Witness to the Mob
@@maxfieldnuckels9075 Witness to the Mob is horrible, this one is much better.
“Too This Day”
Hell yea im gonna watch it
Yes watched it on UA-cam yesterday
Armand Assante is a great mob actor. This, Hoffa, American Gangster. He's just very authentic
Agreed. He was great in this role.
And thats what mean , by piece of mind. You know some of these guys i work with ,they're not enlightened ! They never heard of civil rights
Totatally very good actor plus it had most of the sopranios cast in it very good movie
I’m gonna agree 100%
Nothing like gotti at all
Steve Shagan, who passed away in 2015, wrote a terrific screenplay with Gotti. He created a work of art. Who can forget the scene where Neil Dellacroce is on his deathbed, telling John Gotti this? "You know, you live this goddamn life long enough... and you can't take anything with you except... your honor. Don't ever lose that, Johnny. This whole fuckin' thing... lasts only... five minutes."
I literally just finished this movie a half hour ago because of your recommendation. Great movie!
Same here. Mob Movie Monday is now a thing.
I'm getting ready to watch in an hour or so!
Now I have to watch it too because it looks intense & comes highly recommended.
Where did you rent this? Can't find it anywhere
@@DirtyDanF117 C'mon, UA-cam
The most underrated mob movie ever in my opinion..great acting,i can watch it over and over again!!
This guy is one-of-a-kind nobody I mean nobody could play John Gotti Like him
Such an underrated movie, Armand played Gotti to the T.
I think gotti himself ask to have armand play him
Great movie
AQCE awesome! I didn’t no that!
Easily the most underrated Mob movies ever. Casted perfectly. Hope you & the fam are well Michael!
That scene with Quinn and Assante is so powerful..the acting was perfect, you could really feel the tension when he was scolding Gotti, and the look in Gotti's face and tone of his voice just perfectly showed how much he was sweating bullets when he understood the seriousness of the sit-down Quinn just came from...Gotti is a confident tough guy throughout the movie but here he was like a kid who knew he was in deep shit after being scolded for breaking the #1 rule in the house
This Channel Is Becoming One Of Favorites! Thanks Michael For Giving Us Good Content
michael franzese had the makings of a varsity athlete.
@Ryan Akwar he still went home to get his fuckin shinebox.
@83rdox took an academic leave anyway
Tony had a panic attacks cos of what u said 😂
He should go get the petrol go get the petrol 😄
Such a stupid comment
This is my favourite movie too. Anthony Queen and Armand Assante are brilliant in it! Their role is so powerful, hit you in the face.
Excellent change up. We are loving it. Just finished Season 1 of Fear City. You're looking 20 yrs younger in that.
Keep it coming!!!
I’m glad that your a Christian Michael . I enjoy listening to these videos God Bless you and your family ❤️
I remember seeing this movie. It is one of my favorite mob movies. Great acting and Franzese talking about how authentic it is made glad I saw it. Haven't seen the one with Travolta.
Love how HBO stuck with all of there boys this movie literally made the Sopranos great film
The Sopranos took a lot of material from Michael's autobiography Quitting the Mob. I'm sure he'll get to it eventually.
Hope everything is well with you Michael! Much love from Scotland
Armand Assante took this to another level on MOB movies.
It really is a great movie if you’ve not seen it you need to
I got a enormous amount of respect for you Mr. Franzese. I appreciate the content you put out.
Faith isn't about how much you talk about it, but about how you live it! God bless you, Michael.
Can’t wait to see more Mob Movie Monday’s Mr. Franzese. This was hands down the best break down of a Mob movie I have ever watched. You did a fantastic job. much respect and keep’em coming.
Always look forward to your videos Mike. I hope I get the honor to meet you one day soon!!!
After your reviews and insight on it, I managed to score a DVD of this movie and have watched it several times in the last few weeks. It lives up to what you say about it. A rare gem of a film to be sure. I know others here have said it, but I'll add my voice in that I truly hope at some point there is a Michael Franzese movie. Given your experiences it would not only surpass Gotti, but no doubt many other La Cosa Nostra films that have been made over the years.
I agree. Anthony Quinn was absolutely amazing in this film. Only you know the depths of how amazing and accurate it was. Thank you Mr Franzese for you commentary. I would love to sit with you and watch the entire film.
I'm so glad you like it, to me the movie is totally underrated.
I watched this after hearing you talk about it, and it’s probably one of the best mob films I’ve ever seen. I watched it two times in a row in one day. Severely underrated film.
Been following you’re story for a few months now Michael, very interesting life you’ve lived I hope the best for you.
@@michaelfranzese Do you have any idea who I am? The Travolta Gotti movie was better please review it!
James Nah, definitely not
He's pretty brutally honest about his life as well & I appreciate that he talks about his experiences & that lifestyle & how destructive it can be. God bless him for being willing to share what's he learned.
Travolta was terrible everyone in that movie was terrible John rolling over what his kids did to his legacy.
I always look forward to hearing your stories or comments Mr Franzese. Have a good day sir.
Michael, these stories just blow me away. I actually spend a lot of time watching them. I've worked the prison system, my father was a cop. I've been to Sicily on ships so I've seen with my own eyes. This life has always interested me. Thanks for the stories keep them comin.
This was a good film, very underrated. I was 15 when this came out I when I saw it I became intrigued with the Mobb even more after Goodfellas.
one thing I recall from the film was the discussion and distrust between the Neopolitan Mafia and the Sicilian Mafia... could you discuss those differences (if any) in a future episode?
It’s mostly an old timer old school thing that began with the old Sicilian bosses that only viewed their fellow Sicilians as trustworthy mafiosi and discriminating against them, so back in the day there was some bad blood between Sicilians and Napolitans
its age old adage in la cosa nostra sicillians are seen as royalty in la cosa nostra italians ie neapolitans were viewed as just good for muscle work and enforcing. before 1930 main land italians couldnt get into la cosa nostra in usa you had to be sicillian however the great mafia war in usa CASTELLAMARESE WAR needed more recruits couldnt get enough sicillians so decide to recruit main land italians ie of naples descent. as a result mobsters such as costello.genovese,valachi who were all italian but not sicillian were able to get made thanks to liberal minded sicillians like luciano and to a lesser extent salvatore maranzano. if you read the valachi papers which in my opinion is the original and best book on the mafia in usa explains the distinction between sicillians and italians.
JOE VALACHI TOLD HIS FRIEND DOMINIC THE GAP PETRELLI THAT HE WANTED TO JOIN LA COSA NOSTRA AND PETRELLI TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS MAINLY SICILLIANS AND THAT SICILLIANS WERE TREACHEROUS IN THAT IF YOU WERE FRIENDS WITH A SICILLIAN FOR 20 YEARS AND YOU HAD AN ARGUMENT WITH A STRANGER WHO WAS SICILLIAN IN THE STREET YOUR SICILLIAN FRIEND OF 20 YEARS WOULD TAKE THE SIDE OF THE STANGER WHO WAS SICILLIAN AGAINST YOU. believe you me the book THE VALACHI PAPERS is the best read on the mafia in usa from 1929 to 1970. all that we know about the mafia in usa came firstly from joe valachi in my opinion all other mafia books afterwards are just cashing in on what joe valachi started. its the original and still the best. to this day sicillians still look down their noses at italians in NEW YORK.
Take it easy kid
They are 2 different organisations.. Diff structures.. Cammora is in naples, cosa nostra is in sicily
@@nikko.lottsahcocc6917 even Furio on the Christopher Columbus episode expressed how the northern Italian stuck their noses up to the sicilians.. " I never Iiked Columbus"- Furio -
Incredible film. Everybody delivers. The scene with Don Carlo, Paul, Neil and Piney deciding Johns fate was amazing.
Thank you for your content Michael. Hope you're doing well.
Armand Assante nailed this role. Just an amazing performance.
One of the few mob movies I haven’t seen. That will change soon! I have always loved Armand Assante’s acting skills. He’s great in everything he does...Q&A was another great film he did!
Just watched it for a 3rd time this weekend and I loved it... sure it cuts huge chunks out the actual story but that’s expected in Hollywood! 10/10 it flows so well and definitely keeps your attention!
Love this movie and love listening to your stories. Here in the UK, was into all sorts of trouble in my 20's (went to a similar institution, like you did, if you know what I mean *cough cough prison*). 34 now, I'm taking your advice and staying on the straight and narrow! 😎💙
Michael I always love your take on the Mob Movies because your were there and knew the people!!
I’ve been listening to Michael for like 2 months straight and I’m just loving the content and I’m so happy I found this his new channel
I've seen this many times- free on UA-cam as well. Armand Assante won an Emmy for his performance.
Anthony Quinn was our very special treasure.Brando had the chemistry.
But Quinn could play anyone.
Amazing actor.
This gotti film is 1000 times better than the new Travolta one
easy --- the older version is a classic
Agreed, Travolta just didn't have it like Armand Assante, Assante was absolutely brilliant!!!
Travolta's Gotti was a huge disappointment.
John Travolta is a pillow biter!
Kept waiting for Travolta to start dancing to “Staying Alive”.
We appreciate the video! I hope you and yours are doing well Michael.
Lovin the longer videos
Michael Franzese Thank you
Been meaning to check this movie out ever since you mentioned it in The Last Sitdown. And what a story that. With the punchline , "Would you have told you?" I mean: mindblown. Glad you made it through it all. Keep up the great work and blessings upon your house.
My dad always said this movie was great and said it was a real mafia movie... now I’m going to watch it
It’s on UA-cam
this is a very good movie...
Thank God someone with a bigger stage is showing some appreciation for this film.... 🙏🏼
Michael, this is one of my favorites, filmed in Toronto Canada, very well done
There has been a mob war happening up here in Quebec and Ontario, Montreal , Toronto and Hamilton ...lots of guys whacked in the past five years. Look into it. Very interesting stuff. One Mafia family in Hamilton reports to Maggadino family in Buffalo. The rest of the families are Indrangetta .
This movie is my favorite also. Never gets old. A classic.
I look forward to these keep em coming mike! Forgedaboutit! Love from the UK
The way Michael said “Hmm” during the scene where Neil is letting Gotti know he negotiated for his life’s, let’s me know this movie is the most authentic. You cannot fake that “hmm” it brought him back.
HBO GOTTI THE BEST MOB MOVIE OF ALL TIME MIKE IF YOU CAN CAN YOU DEDICATE A PROGRAM ON THE LIFE OF CARLO GAMBINO
Not as good as Goodfellas
@@mikeydubbz1 not far real
@@mikeydubbz1 budget?
Finally found this channel. Just randomly went to see if you made one. Immediately subscribed!
I watched this movie years ago and have loved it ever since… Switch it in every so often and never get tired of it. Armand absolutely nailed it!! From watching so many docs, reading books over the years and watching this channel, you can almost taste the atmosphere, pressure, attitude in this movie…. He did an amazing job! Some find it strange I’m interested in this because I’m only a wee 5’ petite thing lol, but they need to understand… this isn’t fiction, it actually happened. It’s history. Keep up the good work! Unmissable 😉
Good movie, but We need a movie about the Chin! So much more history, mystery and power with Gigante than Gotti.
MrAitraining the chin, Roy demeo and the gemeni lounge , the Westies etc any mobster besides gotti.
He was behind the attempted murder of Gotti.
Forget the chin
it’s all about Albert Anastasia
Boss and big time killer
I always loved the mob movies. In my mind movies are good if they are fantasy, but if they are great and they could happen in real life like the mafia ones we all know and love, they are the best type of cinema, because they show the true nature of man. It's great to have a man like Michael Franzese to come in and give his take on how realistic the films were.
Best line in the movie where Neil says before he dies, "This whole thing last 5 effin minutes" One of the most authentic mafia movies!
Gotta say , the youngest 70 year old I've ever come across
Lol. I don't know. Don't get me wrong...Michael looks great for his age. God bless him! But look up, 'Lou Corona'👍🏻
he looks like he’s in his 50s
Well his dad lived to 103.Hes got those genes.
Yes very odd to be looking that young being 70 year old for being white.
@Jonathan you must be from America. Everything's racist here.
Love the content, Michael! Keep it up!
I liked Neil's line when he dies "This whole thing lasts....only 10 minutes" Maybe he didn't say that in real life when he died but it was still impactful.
When Gotti was mad Paul didn't come 2 pay his respect & did that turnaround, u knew it was on!
Wow it’s been my favorite movie for years, what a great explanation Michael 👍
I watched this movie over 10 times lol I know the scripts by heart ... one of the greatest authentic movie ever made . Absolutely fascinating 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I literally bought the 96’ Gotti dvd from your praise of the film Michael. I respect the authenticity of your nature and appreciate these videos you extend the people with reflections of your past.
1 of my favorite films ever
One of my favorite films of all time. I remember when it first came on HBO.
No foul language... guess the Sopranos didn’t get that memo.
The Sopranos aren’t old school. They are of the generation that came after. Each generation gets worse. Today they buy and sell humans. Disgusting.
@Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor the government for centuries have been putting those kinds of spiteful charges in people they hated. You go into prison with a rape or a weirdo sex beef and its gonna be a really bad time for you. Law enforcement has always known that. They use it as a tool.
Have you heard the recordings of those guys? Every other word is "cocksucka" or some variant of "fuck".
The old timer bosses were regularly dealing with the upper level people in their society, such as politicians, lawyers, etc. and they were trying to 'prove' themselves in a country where they immigrated; so they refined their language. But their crew were still dealing with the streets, so the soldiers and associates were using the language of the street unless they were talking to their bosses. But at the end, this was the 'old school'.
With the new generation, starting with 80s, two things changed: One, the codes of the old school eroded as Franzese mentioned in this video; in a nutshell: Gotti generation.
And two, the high life of the mafia eroded, and the upper class connections have been limited or restricted. As depicted in the Sopranos, the mob 'culturally' became the working and the lower middle class, so cursing or foul language was embraced by the bosses too.
The mob members might be outcasts; but they are still part of their era, generation and social culture: Foul language has become a sort of 'normal' on TV, in movies, everywhere compared to 40 or 50 years ago. Also the real life mob members started to act, dress, and talk like their movie counterparts; the-art-imitates-life-imitates-art business. Some mob documentaries on UA-cam talks about how the entertainment industry infiltrated the psyche of the real mob. The old school were proud of being Italian and Sicilian; this identity was strong, it was the central thing in their organisation. For the new generation, the Italian identity came second or third; they were not the first or second generation immigrants anymore, they were 'American'. So the old school was Italian mafia in America, but the new generation was 'American Mafia' that was already recognised and known by a wider culture.
The Sopranos were a gloried crew, a little midget thing off on the side of the five families. They don't count.
Gotti from 96 is still one of my top movies I enjoy to watch. And listening to Mr. Franzese talk about it and bring in his insights is amazing, and can listen to this video over and over.
Any chance of a movie about your Dad, with your story of how you got involved in it ?
Michael Franzese no one is gonna stick to the exact or closest truth possible as you would if you co-produced it. Could be the movie that just might carry you & your fathers folklore and cement it for the ages if it hasn’t already.
@@PO3TRYN3NTROPY ....or wind up IN cement, literally. 😂
UniteAllTribes We all probably assumed that not everything would have been divulged in it’s entirety but at the same time Michael’s father was probably the last living member from the “golden age of the Mafia”, 10 - 20 years from now nearly everything that hasn’t been spoken on or told will most likely be lost forever.
@@PO3TRYN3NTROPY hey, anybody ever tell you that ya talk too much? Well, I just did.
UniteAllTribes instant replies probably indicate you don’t get out much when I would expect you to.
Needless to say, one should never attempt to romanticize or glorify the deadly, destructive, and criminal ways of the mob lifestyle. Something which I’m certain you wholeheartedly agree with, at this particular juncture of your life. That said, and as you know, Carlo Gambino was without a doubt one the most legendary figures in the entire history of the La Cosa Nostra (i.e. the American Mafia). In fact, after Lucky Luciano (the father of the modern organized crime in the US), Carlo Gambino was deemed to be the closest thing to the Boss of all Bosses; at least in terms of the sheer respect that he had garnered and demanded (even if Luciano’s establishment of The Commission formally abolished the title in 1931). And yet, at least in retrospect, Carlo Gambino made the absolute wrong decision in the case of Gotti. Gotti broke the rules, and that should have sealed his fate. The consigliere was absolutely correct in his assessment; the rules are there to protect the organization at its most vulnerable and critical moments - they shouldn’t be subject to exceptions. Gotti with his murderously reckless, and publicly outlandish and flashy, ways eventually ended up detonating a nuclear bomb right in the heart of the La Cosa Nostra. A great movie, though; and as always, I thoroughly enjoyed your insightful analysis and your captivating storytelling abilities.
I liked what you said. Well done.
Mafia groupie
@@caesartapia5702 Stone Cold comes out of nowhere, kicks you right in the balls and stuns your ass. Stone Cold walks out the ring, up the ramp looks back and holds up a 🖕🏾 the crowd cheers. Stone Cold leaves.
Yea but wasn't big paul also secretly taking income from drug deals? That's against the rules and also would bring the downfall of the family
Just finished this movie. Armand Assante did a phenomenal job. Absolutely nailed this role. I’d love to see a movie you create. Your story is worth telling, definitely.
Why wasn’t Armand Assante in more mob movies? He has the look, the swag, and can act. That is why it’s very perplexing why he wasn’t featured in “The Sopranos,” “The Irishman,” or even the mob movie “Casino” which came out many years after Godfather; in the case that Assante was too young or not an accomplished actor when Godfather saga was made. Many forget Assante gave a powerful performance in
the star studded hit movie “American Gangster” that focuses on the rise and fall of black kingpin Frank Lucas. Assante’s renaissance role, albeit a supporting one, showed Assante hasn’t skipped a beat.
While many would characterize Assante as a skilled actor whose bailiwick just relates to mob roles. The liberals might find that stereotypical in this overly sentimental age of bleeding heart bureaucracy where you are expected to choose your words more carefully or be considered a racist, bigot, xenophobe etc. Me I say what I believe and yes Assante does shine in mainly those roles, but if you are damn good at something why not exploit that or utilize it the best you can. Now I haven’t seen all of his roles in movies or tv shows but for my $$$$ Armand Assante is aces when it comes to mob roles and there depiction, period.
I absolutely agree... Pretty much any movie he plays in, no matter what character, you can still hear that authentic Italian dialogue...
If you haven't already seen it, check out the original Judge Dredd movie with Sylvester Stallone & Armand Assante where play as brothers in the movie.
Although the movie itself is set in some apocalyptic neon future, based off the comic character Judge Dredd, you can still hear Assante's capo talk...
unfortunately it’s just bad luck for Armand Assante is a under rated actor. “Mambo Kings” was another amazing performance. Armand Assante is terrific talent actor without a doubt
Triple A That brother movie was Mambo Kings. Did Armand actually perform the music himself ? if so he is also a right on amazing musician
@@patrickpatman3653 idk, I don't beleive I've seen that one. I have to check it out... But Sly and Armand were technically brothers in the original Judge Dredd, as well as prior best friends and partners in the movie, even though they were both manufactured.. Which is what made them brothers. Lol
@@triplea5860 he played a criminal in ncis i forget the episodes but it was ongoing for abit
6:29 If you pause it looks like an amazing American Realism painting.
My favorite mob movie. I watched it again two days ago and I never get sick of it!
Totally agree with Michael- This is the best Mafia Film.
I think my favorite one is Donnie Brasco.
Its ok. Some good acting and a good script, but please, it’s impact on the culture is virtually irrelevant compared to the real classics. Don’t get me wrong, I like it, but it’s gotta be put in perspective.
Donnie Brasco is way better but Asante nailed the role
Neither Gotti nor Donnie Brasco are the best, although they’re very good
@@maxfieldnuckels9075 what is your favorite?