Crime Films with Rituals: A Cinematic Journey into the Underworld

Description: A cornerstone of crime cinema, 'The Godfather' intricately weaves family loyalty with the dark rituals of the mafia, including the iconic baptism scene where Michael Corleone becomes both a godfather and a murderer.

Fact: The film was initially turned down by several studios due to its controversial subject matter. It was also the first film to have its sequel, 'The Godfather Part II', win the Best Picture Oscar.

Description: This film explores the complex rituals of the Japanese Yakuza, including the code of honor, loyalty, and the ritualistic dismemberment known as yubitsume.

Fact: The film was one of the first to portray the Yakuza to Western audiences, with Robert Mitchum and Ken Takakura delivering powerful performances.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans decades, showing the evolution of Jewish gangsters in New York, with scenes of initiation, betrayal, and the harsh rituals of the criminal life.

Fact: The film was initially released in a heavily edited version, but the director's cut restored Leone's original vision, adding nearly an hour of footage.

Description: This film portrays the battle between law enforcement and Al Capone's gang, highlighting the rituals of power, corruption, and the enforcement of mob justice.

Fact: The famous "Untouchables" nickname was given to Eliot Ness's team by a Chicago newspaper, not by Ness himself.

Description: This film dives deep into the life of Henry Hill, showcasing the mafia's initiation rituals, the code of silence (omertà), and the brutal enforcement of loyalty through violence.

Fact: The famous "Copacabana" tracking shot took three days to film and was done in one continuous take. Also, the film's title was changed from 'Wise Guys' to 'GoodFellas' to avoid confusion with another film.

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut explores the mafia's influence on a young boy, including the rituals of respect, loyalty, and the harsh realities of street life.

Fact: The film is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play, which he wrote after his own experiences growing up in the Bronx. De Niro was so impressed by the play that he bought the rights to turn it into a movie.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows an FBI agent infiltrating the mafia, revealing the rituals of trust, loyalty, and the consequences of betrayal within the mob.

Fact: Johnny Depp's character, Donnie Brasco, was based on the real-life undercover agent Joseph D. Pistone, who spent six years undercover.

Description: Martin Scorsese's remake of 'Infernal Affairs' showcases the intricate rituals of loyalty, betrayal, and the code of silence within the Irish mob and the police force.

Fact: The film was originally set in Hong Kong but was adapted to Boston for the American audience. It also won Scorsese his first Best Director Oscar.

Description: David Cronenberg's film delves into the Russian mafia's brutal initiation rites and the dark rituals surrounding human trafficking, with a particularly memorable bathhouse fight scene.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for the role and got a real tattoo to match his character's, which is a symbol of the Russian criminal underworld.

Description: This Italian film provides an unflinching look at the Camorra, showcasing their initiation rites, the code of silence, and the brutal enforcement of their criminal code.

Fact: The film was inspired by Roberto Saviano's book, which led to him receiving death threats from the Camorra, forcing him into hiding.