Mob Story

Mob Story is a dynamic, intriguing, and captivating crime drama film set in the late 1980s era directed by Gabriel Markiw and Menahem Golan, encapsulating elements of action and comedy in a balanced proportion. Released in the year 1989, the movie borrows much of its charm from its talented cast which includes the likes of John Vernon, Kate Vernon, and Al Waxman, who deliver proficient and praise-worthy performances, helping the film to create a substantial impact on its audience.

The plot of Mob Story revolves around the life and perspectives of an erstwhile mob enforcer. John Vernon, known for his adept portrayal of complex characters, steps into the shoes of Mick O'Brien, a robust and humorous mob enforcer that has left the life of organized crime to embrace a life of peace and tranquility in Canada. However, life has other plans for him.

Mick's old life catches up to him when he becomes a target of a hit orchestrated by his former mob affiliates, who mistrust his intentions of being away from the criminal world; they believe Mick can potentially expose their criminal operation. This sets the tone for the film as Mick is thrown back into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with the underworld, battling both his past and present.

On the home front, Mick has to deal with his estranged daughter Mary (played masterfully by Kate Vernon). There's an underlying tension though as Mary is grappling with her feelings towards her father Mick. She struggles with whether to accept her father back into her life or keep him at bay, understanding that his liaisons with the crime world could spell danger for her. The father-daughter duo stitches a highly emotional subplot that keeps the audience hooked.

Al Waxman plays the role of Louis "The Lip" Bronkowitz, the head of the mob who Mick used to work for. Waxman adorns this character with the right amount of menace and authority, creating a character that's both feared and respected in the criminal world. The touch of comedy he adds in this otherwise serious character lightens the mood. His looming presence throughout the movie adds tension and keeps the threat to Mick's life very real.

As the movie unfolds, we see Mick contrasting his old ways with his new life in Canada. The plot smartly explores this dichotomy, adding more depth to Mick's character. He's not just an ex-mob enforcer in a foreign land but also a man trying to reconcile with his past and make amends with his loved ones.

Mob Story does an incredible job of bringing to life the sense of the late 1980s with its milieu, costumes, dialogues, and cultural references. The film also doesn't shy away from some of the more gory aspects of Mick's previous lifestyle, striking a balance between reality and cinematic elements perfectly.

The film's narrative style is unconventional yet engaging. It combines threads of comedy, action, and drama seamlessly, making it a highly entertaining watch despite the intense subject matter it deals with. The dual side of the story – one showing the mob life in all its brutality and the other showing Mick’s innocent desire and attempts to lead an honest life - fuels the core tension of the film which keeps escalating until the climax.

Intertwined within the fast-paced action and intense drama is a subtle commentary on the mob life's harsh realities, its impact on relationships, and also the struggle for redemption. Mob Story is not just a depiction of the mob world. It would be more appropriate to call it a character study, diving deep into the protagonist's psyche to depict his struggle with his past and hankerings for a better future. Given its powerful performances, suspense-laden storyline, and a potent mix of drama and action, Mob Story is indeed a film that leaves the viewer intrigued and satisfied.