Brooklyn Rules

Brooklyn Rules is an engaging crime drama set in the 1980s in one of New York City's quintessential boroughs. Released in 2007 and directed by Michael Corrente, the film stars Paulo Araujo, Daniel Tay, and Ty Thomas Reed. It is known for equating the simplicity yet intricate dimensions of personal relationships with the grim, hard-hitting mob life in Brooklyn.

The film places Brooklyn's energy and spirit at its core, framing it as a central ‘character' in the narrative. Its portrayal of Brooklyn is highly reminiscent of the '80s era, marked by characteristic street culture, the emergence of the mafia, and the distinctive linguistic quirks unique to the time and place.

At its heart lies the story of three childhood friends – Michael Turner (played by Paulo Araujo), Bobby Canzoneri (played by Daniel Tay), and Carmine Mancuso (featuring Ty Thomas Reed). As the narrative unfolds, we see these friends traverse a common path till life places them at crossroads. All born and brought up in Brooklyn, the friends share a strong bond and a vibrant childhood. As they grow up, each of them forges distinct paths shaped by their individual aspirations and choices, painting a picture that interweaves their lives with the underlying currents of love, loyalty, and discord.

Michael, an intelligent young man, pursues a law degree. Nurturing the vision of breaking free from his neighborhood's underlying mob influence, he aims at a life governed by law and order against the backdrop of the legal system. Bobby, a lover at heart, seeks a simple yet fulfilling life of love and togetherness. He aspires to marry his long-time girlfriend and to maintain deep relationships rather than seek wealth and power. On the contrary, Carmine is drawn to the glamour and power of the mafia. He views it as a means to ascend the societal ladder swiftly, demonstrating a clear dichotomy in aspirations.

The performances by Araujo, Tay, and Reed create compelling characters that skillfully embody their respective roles. Each actor brings a distinct flavor to the character, further enriched by their insightful portrayal of friendship, aspirations, decisions, and the accompanying struggles. The performances deliver a vivid picture of the turbulence of life caught in a web of personal decisions and societal influences.

The filmmaking merits special appreciation - the cinematography captures both the raw charm of Brooklyn and the vices that lurk beneath the surface, while the editing maintains a seamless narrative flow. The original score complements the onscreen action, contributing to the overall emotional depth of the film.

The screenplay, penned by Terence Winter, a well-known name for his work on The Sopranos, stands out for creating a narrative that seamlessly combines the quintessential Brooklyn life, personal relationships, ambitions, moral dilemmas, and the inevitable entrapment of organized crime.

However, Brooklyn Rules is not just about the crime-riddled life of the mafia. Throughout the narrative, it underscores the importance of life choices, the impact of upbringing, and the concept of home. Michael, Bobby, and Carmine, despite their divergent paths, are tied together not only by their shared history and friendship but also by the city they call home – Brooklyn. Hence, the film is not merely about personal ambitions or the dominant mafia culture; it is about how one's home can shape one's identity, dreams, and even destiny.

On the whole, Brooklyn Rules is a powerful drama that showcases the contrast between youthful aspirations and life's harsh realities against the raw background of 1980s Brooklyn. It will appeal to fans of films that delve into human psychology, the impacts of crime and social factors on youth, and the enduring power of a city's character on its people.