Crime Films Exploring Generational Conflict

Crime Films Exploring Generational Conflict conflict_nature

The theme of generational conflict has always been a rich vein for storytelling, especially within the crime genre. These films not only entertain but also offer a profound look at how different generations perceive justice, morality, and family loyalty. Here's a curated list of 10 crime films that brilliantly explore this dynamic, providing both thrills and thought-provoking narratives.

The Godfather (1972)
TRAILER

The Godfather (1972)

Description: This iconic film showcases the transition of power from Vito Corleone to his son Michael, highlighting the stark differences in their approaches to family and business, and the inevitable conflict that arises.

Fact: Marlon Brando improvised the famous line "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." The film was initially met with resistance from Paramount Pictures, who were skeptical about its potential success.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
TRAILER

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Description: Sergio Leone's epic crime drama spans decades, showing the evolution of friendship, betrayal, and the clash of ideals between childhood friends turned gangsters.

Fact: The film was initially released in a heavily edited version, but the director's cut restored Leone's original vision, which is now considered the definitive version.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
Goodfellas (1990)
TRAILER

Goodfellas (1990)

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece delves into the life of Henry Hill, showing the generational divide between the old-school mobsters and the new generation's more reckless approach to crime.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the aging of the characters naturally. Ray Liotta's mother was cast as his on-screen mother.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
A Bronx Tale (1993)
TRAILER

A Bronx Tale (1993)

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut explores the conflict between a father's honest work ethic and the allure of the mob life through the eyes of his son, Calogero.

Fact: The film is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man play, which he also wrote and starred in. De Niro was so impressed by the play that he bought the rights to direct it.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
Donnie Brasco (1997)
TRAILER

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Description: The story of an FBI agent infiltrating the mob, where the generational conflict is evident in the differing attitudes towards loyalty and betrayal between the old guard and the new recruits.

Fact: Al Pacino and Johnny Depp both learned to play the piano for their roles, and the film was based on the real-life experiences of Joseph D. Pistone.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
Road to Perdition (2002)
TRAILER

Road to Perdition (2002)

Description: A tale of a father and son on the run from the mob, highlighting the generational conflict in their understanding of duty, revenge, and redemption.

Fact: The film was shot in Chicago, with many scenes filmed in the actual locations where the story was set.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
The Departed (2006)
TRAILER

The Departed (2006)

Description: This film pits a young undercover cop against an older, seasoned criminal, showcasing the generational divide in their methods and morals.

Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," and it was Martin Scorsese's first Best Director Oscar win.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
Eastern Promises (2007)
TRAILER

Eastern Promises (2007)

Description: This film examines the clash between old-world Russian mafia traditions and the modern world, with a young nurse caught in the middle of a generational power struggle.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role and improvised the famous bathhouse fight scene, which was shot in one take.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
The Town (2010)
TRAILER

The Town (2010)

Description: Ben Affleck's directorial effort focuses on a group of bank robbers in Boston, where the generational clash is evident in their differing views on crime, loyalty, and escape from their past.

Fact: Affleck drew inspiration from the book "Prince of Thieves" by Chuck Hogan, and many scenes were filmed in the real-life neighborhoods of Charlestown, Boston.

Amazon Prime Video Watch Now
The Irishman (2019)
TRAILER

The Irishman (2019)

Description: Martin Scorsese's latest exploration of mob life focuses on Frank Sheeran, whose relationship with his daughter highlights the generational divide and the personal cost of his criminal life.

Fact: The film uses de-aging technology to portray the characters at different stages of their lives, a process that took years to perfect.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
Rate collection
cinepicker.com
Add a comment