This Thing of Ours

This Thing of Ours is a direct examination of the reality that exists beyond the romanticized Hollywood glamorization of the world of organized crime, showcasing a different view of the life and internal politics of mobsters while giving viewers an up-close and personal dip into the otherwise clandestine operations of a close-knit mob family.

Directed by Danny Provenzano and released in 2002, 'This Thing of Ours' features renowned 'mafioso' actors, Frank Vincent and Vincent Pastore, both of whom are most well-known for their unforgettable performances in hit series 'The Sopranos.' The film also features Louis Vanaria in a pivotal role adding another layer of authenticity to the film's already impressive ensemble.

The narrative predominantly revolves around the character of Nicholas Santini, convincingly portrayed by actor, director and writer Danny Provenzano. Santini occupies a lower-level position in his family's crime syndicate that is quietly enduring increasing pressures due to federal investigations and changing societal trends that conflict with the traditional 'old world' values of the mafia.

Santini, ambitious and energetic, aspires to ascend the ranks of the mob and prove his worth to the older members who govern the family. Disturbed by the physical dangers and disillusioned by stagnancy that the life presents him, Santini'sstory conveys a struggle to balance loyalty and survival with ambitions for change and status in a ruthless segment of the society.

Frank Vincent assumes the mantle of Santini's uncle 'Danny', a well-respected player within the crime syndicate’s hierarchy. Vincent delivers a seasoned performance that is typically associated with his stellar oeuvre of mob figures, providing an intriguing counterpoint to Santini's energetic naivety.

Vincent Pastore, another 'Sopranos' alumni, enriches the narrative with a multilayered performance and introduces some humorous undertones, complementing the otherwise gritty nature of the film.

Louis Vanaria delivers a strong performance as 'Jimmy', another up-and-coming mobster and a close friend of Nicholas Santini. Their camaraderie is among the key emotional anchorages in the film, cutting through the violence and deception inherent to their lifestyle.

This Thing of Ours departs from typical mob movie formula by tapping into new-age cyber technology for its primary plot. Written and produced at a time when computer crime was a rising trend, the film skillfully blends the time-honored tradition of organized crime with the novel concept of cyber theft, marking its unique stance within the mob film genre.

The film maintains the interest of viewers through tense confrontations, underhanded deals, dramatic twists, and the constant fear of familial betrayal. The gritty realism in the depiction of mob life, combined with trademark mafia ethics of loyalty, respect, and vengeance forms the backbone of This Thing of Ours.

On a broader scale, it offers a backwards glance to a passing era, where a generation of traditional mobsters struggles to cope with the technological advancements and changing social dynamics of the new century. It marries age-old rules of organized crime with the revolution of cybercrime, providing a captivating, intriguing viewing experience.

The strengths of This Thing of Ours really lie in its authenticity, be it in the portrayal of the characters, the narrative's remarkable attention to detail, or the intricate depictions of the neighbourhoods. Provenzano – armed with first-hand experience of the locations – brilliantly captures the raw energy of the New Jersey underworld. The character-driven performances, dialogue delivery, and the visual portrayal of mob operations build a rich, textured world that absorbs viewers.

The movie is also peppered with a light touch of humor, which provides relief in the otherwise tense narrative. It carries echoes of the grim reality of mob life intertwined with instances of dark humor, which creates a distinctive style in storytelling.

In a nutshell, This Thing of Oursdelights in demystifying the mob and portraying its players as humans rather than untouchable figures shrouded in the mystery of their deeds. It illuminates the softer faces of hardened criminals and shows the viewer that there is much more to the life, and much more behind the code and honor that the family lives by.