First We Take Brooklyn

First We Take Brooklyn (2018) is an intense and compelling drama that offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the world of crime and retribution. Director Danny A. Abeckaser, who also stars in the movie, successfully guides viewers into a captivating underworld, anchoring the narrative with a potent mix of authentic performances, suspenseful moments, and gritty visuals.

The movie follows the life of Mikki Levy (Danny A. Abeckaser), who, after being sentenced to life in an Israeli prison for a crime he did not commit, gains his freedom due to a technicality. Rather than living as a free man in Israel, he chooses to move to Brooklyn, NY, with hopes to begin afresh. Unfortunately, life in Brooklyn isn't as straightforward as one might dream it to be, and Mikki quickly finds himself trapped once again in a cycle of vice and criminality.

A standout element of First We Take Brooklyn is the portrayal of Mikki as a complex and deeply flawed human being. The character was skillfully brought to life by Abeckaser. Mikki is not depicted as an archetypal criminal but a man struggling to escape his past yet continually drawn into the seedy underbelly of organized crime. His yearning for redemption is consistently overshadowed by the lure of power, money, and respect, making him an absorbing protagonist.

Added to the mix is AnnaLynne McCord, who delivers a solid performance as Esther, Mikki’s love interest. Their relationship, strained by Mikki's dangerous lifestyle, adds an emotional layer to the narrative. Esther is a strong character who stands her ground, and her interactions with Mikki provide some of the film's most tension-filled moments.

The supporting cast, including Sasha Feldman, enhances the narrative significantly by adding depth and nuance to the story. Feldman plays a significant role as a key character in Mikki's life, adding a layer of reality to the web of crime and power struggles the narrative spins.

First We Take Brooklyn isn't just about crime and punishment. It extensively explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, love, and survival while brilliantly capturing the cultural dynamics of the Brooklyn neighborhoods. It depicts a vibrant, multicultural society and how these vastly different worlds intersect, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the film. The director makes excellent use of the setting, with the grimy streets, low-lit bars, and rundown apartments in Brooklyn all contributing to the film's overall somber mood.

The look and feel of the film are deeply grounded in realism, making it an engaging watch. The movie’s cinematography constructs a rich visual landscape that perfectly complements the harsh realities of life it portrays. The direction and script are well-executed and showcase Danny A. Abeckaser's phenomenal range as an actor-director. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing effective and the story unfolds in a way that is both unpredictable and intensely compelling.

The film benefits greatly from a well-selected soundtrack, which mirrors the emotional cadences of the story. From the tension-riddled confrontation scenes to the quietly poignant moments, the music enhances the viewer's immersion in the film.

Despite its dark narrative, First We Take Brooklyn is also a story of redemption and hope. Mikki, even though deeply embroiled in the world of crime, persistently seeks to find a way out of his circumstances. This juxtaposition of light and dark makes the film a complex, intriguing watch.

In First We Take Brooklyn, Abeckaser offers a harsh and unapologetic portrayal of a man trying to outrun his past in a ruthless and unforgiving world. Powered by strong performances, a gripping plot, and an atmospheric depiction of Brooklyn, this movie promises an engaging viewing experience for those drawn to crime dramas with a realistic edge.