10 Must-Watch Crime Films Featuring Ethnic Gangs

Description: This iconic film delves into the inner workings of the Corleone family, an Italian-American mafia clan. It's a tale of family, loyalty, and the American Dream, showcasing the complex relationships within ethnic crime groups.

Fact: The film was initially turned down by several studios due to its controversial subject matter. Marlon Brando improvised the famous cat scene, using a stray cat found on the set.

Description: This film explores the world of the Japanese Yakuza through the eyes of an American ex-soldier. It's a cultural clash and an examination of honor, duty, and the code of the Yakuza.

Fact: Robert Mitchum and Ken Takakura, who play the leads, had a genuine friendship off-screen. The film was one of the first to portray the Yakuza in a nuanced way to Western audiences.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic spans several decades, following Jewish gangsters in New York City. It's a sweeping tale of friendship, betrayal, and the American Dream, with a focus on ethnic identity and the criminal underworld.

Fact: The film was initially released in a heavily edited version, but the director's cut restored Leone's original vision. Robert De Niro learned to play the violin for his role.

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the life of Henry Hill, an Irish-Italian American, as he rises through the ranks of the Lucchese crime family. It's a raw and unflinching look at the allure and the downfall of the gangster lifestyle.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the aging of the characters naturally. Ray Liotta's mother made a cameo as a neighbor in the film.

Description: Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this Brazilian film portrays the rise of a young drug dealer amidst the backdrop of poverty and violence. It's a gritty, realistic depiction of the life within a favela's gang culture.

Fact: The film was shot in real locations, with many actors being non-professionals from the favelas. It was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Description: A Hong Kong thriller about a police officer infiltrating the Triads and a Triad member infiltrating the police force. It's a tense cat-and-mouse game that explores themes of identity and loyalty within ethnic crime groups.

Fact: This film inspired the plot of "The Departed" by Martin Scorsese. It was a major commercial success in Asia.

Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Frank Lucas, a real-life African-American drug lord who built his empire in Harlem. It's a study in ambition, power, and the intersection of race and crime.

Fact: Denzel Washington's character was based on a real person, and the film took liberties with historical accuracy for dramatic effect. The film's budget was over $100 million.

Description: David Cronenberg's film dives into the dark world of the Russian mafia in London. It's a chilling exploration of loyalty, family, and the brutal realities of immigrant crime syndicates.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen learned Russian for his role and got a tattoo that was later removed. The film features a now-iconic bathhouse fight scene.

Description: Based on a book by Roberto Saviano, this Italian film provides an unflinching look at the Camorra, a powerful Neapolitan crime syndicate. It's a stark portrayal of the pervasive influence of organized crime in Southern Italy.

Fact: The film was shot in real locations, often with real members of the Camorra. It won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Description: This Hong Kong classic explores the brotherhood and betrayal within the Triad gangs, focusing on two brothers on opposite sides of the law. It's a poignant look at honor, redemption, and the clash of old and new values.

Fact: The film was a major influence on John Woo's career and helped popularize the heroic bloodshed genre. It was banned in China for its portrayal of organized crime.