Top 10 Crime Films: Life by the Code

Description: This iconic film delves into the life of Vito Corleone, the head of a powerful New York crime family, and his son Michael, who takes over the family business. It's a masterclass in portraying the code of silence, loyalty, and the consequences of breaking the code.

Fact: Marlon Brando improvised the famous line "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." The film was initially offered to Sergio Leone, who turned it down because he didn't want to glorify the mafia.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a small-time hood who becomes part of the mob. The film captures the allure and the brutal reality of living by the mob's code, with its famous "How am I funny?" scene highlighting the thin line between respect and disrespect.

Fact: The famous "Layla" scene was shot in one take, and the actors were not told what song would play, leading to genuine reactions. Ray Liotta's mother made a cameo as a woman in a pink dress at the Copacabana.

Description: Robert De Niro's directorial debut, this film tells the story of a young boy torn between his honest father and a charismatic mob boss. It's a poignant look at the choices one makes when living by the code of the streets versus the code of family.

Fact: The film is based on Chazz Palminteri's one-man show, which he performed for years before it was adapted into a movie. De Niro saw the play and insisted on directing it.

Description: Michael Mann's epic crime drama pits a professional thief against a relentless cop, both adhering to their own codes of conduct. The film is renowned for its realistic portrayal of criminal life and the moral dilemmas faced by those who live by the code.

Fact: The famous diner scene between De Niro and Pacino was the first time the two actors shared a scene together, despite both being in "The Godfather Part II." The film was shot over three years due to scheduling conflicts.

Description: Johnny Depp stars as an FBI agent who infiltrates the mafia, living by their code while struggling with his own identity. The film explores the psychological toll of living a double life and the consequences of breaking the code of silence.

Fact: The real-life Donnie Brasco, Joseph D. Pistone, served as a consultant on the film. Al Pacino's character, Lefty, was based on a real mobster named Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero.

Description: Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film about an undercover cop and a mole in the police department, both living by their own codes within the Irish mob. The film's tension comes from the constant threat of betrayal and the need to adhere to the rules of their respective worlds.

Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs." The scene where Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) punches a wall was not scripted; DiCaprio was genuinely frustrated.

Description: This film chronicles the rise of Frank Lucas, a real-life drug lord who adhered to a strict code of business and loyalty, while also showing the efforts of a determined cop to bring him down. It's a study in contrasts between the criminal code and the law enforcement code.

Fact: Denzel Washington improvised the line "The most important thing in business is honesty, integrity, hard work... family, never forgetting where we came from." The film was based on a true story, with some liberties taken for dramatic effect.

Description: This David Cronenberg film explores the Russian mafia in London, focusing on a driver who must navigate the treacherous waters of his organization's code of conduct while protecting a young woman. The film is known for its intense, visceral scenes that depict the harsh realities of living by the code.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for the role, and his tattoos were authentic to the Russian prison culture. The film was shot in chronological order to capture the character's physical and emotional changes.

Description: Ben Affleck directs and stars in this film about a group of bank robbers from Charlestown, Boston, who live by a strict code of silence and loyalty. The film explores the tension between personal relationships and the criminal code.

Fact: The opening scene was filmed in one take, with Affleck driving through the city, showcasing his directorial skills. The film was shot on location in Boston, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: Martin Scorsese's latest epic crime saga follows Frank Sheeran, a truck driver turned hitman, who navigates the treacherous waters of the mob, living by their code until the very end. The film is a meditation on loyalty, betrayal, and the passage of time.

Fact: The film used de-aging technology to portray younger versions of the characters, with Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci all appearing significantly younger in flashbacks. The film was Scorsese's first collaboration with Netflix.