Top 10 Crime Films Exploring Criminal Codes

Description: This pre-Code gangster film directed by William A. Wellman is one of the earliest to explore the criminal code of the Prohibition era, focusing on the life of a bootlegger.

Fact: James Cagney's performance as Tom Powers was so iconic that it cemented his status as a leading man in Hollywood, and the film was controversial for its depiction of violence.

Description: This film, while focusing on the police, also gives insight into the criminal underworld's codes through the eyes of a relentless detective. It's a gritty portrayal of the drug trade and the lengths to which both sides will go.

Fact: The famous car chase scene was done with real traffic, and Gene Hackman did most of his own driving.

Description: Francis Ford Coppola's epic saga about the Corleone family is not just a story of mafia life but a deep dive into the codes of honor, family loyalty, and the price of power. It's a cornerstone film for understanding the criminal ethos.

Fact: Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, and the film's script was adapted from Mario Puzo's novel, which he wrote after failing to make it as a screenwriter.

Description: Oliver Stone's screenplay and Brian De Palma's direction bring to life the rise and fall of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee turned drug lord. It's a raw depiction of the American Dream through the lens of criminal ambition.

Fact: The film was initially given an X rating due to its violence, and Al Pacino improvised the famous "Say hello to my little friend!" line.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans decades, telling the story of Jewish gangsters in New York. It's a meditation on friendship, betrayal, and the criminal code that binds them together.

Fact: The film was initially released in a heavily edited version, but the director's cut restored Leone's original vision, running over four hours.

Description: Brian De Palma's film about Eliot Ness's fight against Al Capone provides a vivid backdrop of the criminal codes during the Prohibition era, showcasing the ruthlessness and the code of silence among gangsters.

Fact: The film's script was inspired by the real-life memoirs of Eliot Ness, and Kevin Costner was cast after Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson turned down the role.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece explores the life of Henry Hill, a small-time crook who rises through the ranks of the mob. This film is a quintessential study of the criminal code, showcasing the importance of loyalty, the consequences of betrayal, and the allure of the gangster lifestyle.

Fact: The film was based on the real-life experiences of Henry Hill, whose story was detailed in the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi. The famous "Copacabana" tracking shot was done in one continuous take.

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut, this film examines the life of a young boy torn between his father's honest ways and the allure of the local mob boss. It's a poignant exploration of the moral codes within the criminal world.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man show, and De Niro cast Palminteri as the mob boss after seeing his performance.

Description: Martin Scorsese's remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" showcases the intricate codes of loyalty and betrayal within the Boston Irish mob. It's a tense thriller that examines the thin line between law enforcement and organized crime.

Fact: The film won Scorsese his first Best Director Oscar, and it was the last film to feature both Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Description: David Cronenberg's film delves into the Russian mafia in London, focusing on the strict codes of conduct and the brutal enforcement of these rules. It's a chilling look at the Vory v Zakone, the Russian criminal underworld.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role, and the film's fight scene in the bathhouse was done in one continuous take.