Five Corners

Five Corners, released in 1987, is a unique amalgamation of coming of age drama, psychological thriller, and noir narrative. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast with standout performances by Jodie Foster, Tim Robbins, and Todd Graff. The film was directed by Tony Bill and written by John Patrick Shanley, who would later win an Academy Award for "Moonstruck."

Set in the Bronx in the 1960s, the movie delivers a gritty yet intriguing portrayal of an urban neighborhood on the verge of monumental change. The plot primarily revolves around three intertwined lives navigating a fraught landscape of social and moral dilemmas. The title refers to a specific junction in the Bronx where the lives and destinies of these main characters intersect, illustrating the pivotal role of the environment in shaping their lives.

The film opens with Harry (played by Tim Robbins), an idealistic young man who is more interested in joining the Civil Rights upheaval in the south than the concerns of his neighborhood. Meanwhile, his childhood friend Linda (played by Jodie Foster) is a strong, street-smart waitress who yearns for a life beyond the Five Corners. Their lives take an unpredictable turn when Linda's dangerous ex-boyfriend Heinz (John Turturro) is released from prison and returns to the neighborhood with ominous intentions.

Linda, in particular, is confronted with her past when Heinz begins stalking her. Desperate and scared, she turns to Harry for help despite his non-violent libertarian principles. The dynamic relationship between these three characters forms the core of the film’s narrative. This internal conflict fuels the film as Harry grapples with his moral and ethical judgments while also wrestling with his growing feelings for Linda.

Along with this central story arc, the film simultaneously introduces a number of subplots featuring an array of characters found in any urban community with their unique tales of sorrow, hope, and survival. The prominent subplot involves Jamie (Todd Graff), Harry’s best friend, who is grappling with his own crises, one of them being his own unrequited romantic feelings.

Each subplot insightfully ties back into the primary narrative, contributing to an increasingly intense and suspenseful mood as the film progresses. Furthermore, the movie effectively captures the cultural and social atmosphere of the era, hinting at the larger national upheavals that indirectly influence the characters' lives.

Director Tony Bill paints an authentic portrait of the Bronx during a time of social change, while screenwriter John Patrick Shanley’s screenplay manages to inject gritty realism, humor, and tension into what could have been a standard urban drama. The movie also excels in its visual storytelling, with Bill masterfully utilizing the grim, decayed urban setting to reflect the uncertainty and volatility of its leading characters' lives.

In terms of performance, Jodie Foster enhances Linda's character with a gritty yet vulnerable portrayal. As the tough but traumatized young woman, Foster exhibits a range of emotional depth that makes her character the strong emotional heart of the film. Tim Robbins, on the other hand, is excellent as Harry, whose philosophical moral stance becomes a point of tension throughout the film. His internal struggle, fueled by his pacifist beliefs and a rising sense of justice, adds to the richness of his character arc. Moreover, John Turturro delivers a chilling performance as the unstable and violent Heinz.

In a nutshell, Five Corners is an underrated blend of drama, suspense, and social reflection that explores themes of love, courage, and moral conflict against the backdrop of a turbulent historical period. Bolstered by a strong narrative, compelling performances, and thoughtful direction, the film offers a complex exploration of neighborhood dynamics and the human struggle towards change.