The Funeral

The Funeral is a compelling and engaging crime drama movie set during the 1930s. Released in 1996, this movie is directed by notable film director Abel Ferrara. It boasts an all-star cast that includes the legendary Christopher Walken, Chris Penn, and Annabella Sciorra. The renowned Nicholas St. John wrote the screenplay. His previous collaborations with Ferrara made him perfect for the role, and the duo created a film that really showcases their talents.

The story revolves around the lives and relationships of the Tempio brothers, who embody the American Dream's dark side in the prohibition era. Christopher Walken shines in his role as Ray Tempio, the oldest of the three brothers. He's a conflicted anti-hero who straddles a thin line between intense violence and profound introspection, trying his best to keep his younger siblings on the straight and narrow.

Chris Penn, meanwhile, delivers a powerful performance as Chez Tempio, the hot-headed, unpredictable middle brother who possesses an explosive temper. This contrasts with his emotional fragility and vulnerability, which often lead him down a tortuous path. Try as he might, Chez's attempts at establishing a semblance of normal family life with his wife Jean (portrayed by Annabella Sciorra) are routinely foiled.

Finally, there's Johnny Tempio, the youngest sibling. He isn't as present as his brothers but remains a major figure within the film's narrative arc. Johnny's actions dictate the Tempio brothers' trajectory, leading to a whirlwind of heavy consequences.

The title, The Funeral, refers to the grim event at the film's core. After a devastating tragedy, the brothers grapple with grief, anger, and the desire for retaliation. The viewers get to witness how each brother tackles their collective sorrow differently, providing an in-depth exploration of their respective characters. Furthermore, it provides a fascinating dive into the complex dynamics of a family deeply entrenched in the underworld.

This film is an exploration of the bonds of brotherhood, the brutal cost of violence, and morality's fragility. It strips back the glamor typically associated with mafia stories to display the raw, emotional, and often grim reality beneath. With its gritty realism and morality play, it offers a unique perspective on the mafia genre - one that is somber, reflective, and profoundly moving.

The film thrives on its hard-hitting dialogue and intense emotional performances, especially from the triumvirate of Walken, Penn, and Sciorra. The era-specific set and costume design, combined with the evocative cinematography, pull you into the grim realities of the 1930s New York mafia scene. Be prepared for a mix of violence and melancholy, life and death, crime and punishment, and love and loss, which is underlined by a constant undertone of impending doom.

Annabella Sciorra as Jean is particularly effective, providing a softer contrast to her male co-stars' hard edges. Standing as the symbol of domesticity and family life, she's a tragic figure caught in a vortex of violence and emotions that she can barely comprehend, let alone control. The way she handles her grief and struggles to hold her family together evoke sympathy and admiration.

Director Ferrara transforms what could be made into an ordinary mafia flick into an emotive and philosophical exploration of life and death, right and wrong, and love and violence. The film consistently probes deeper, exploring its characters' philosophies and the ethical quagmire they've seeped themselves into. It invites viewers to question their perceptions of morality and loyalty - a trait that sets this film apart from other mafia-centric films.

In summary, The Funeral is an intense, emotionally charged film that combines outstanding acting performances, thoughtful direction, and a riveting script into a commentary on the human capacity for violence, redemption, and love. Unlike typical mafia films that glamorize organized crime, this narrative focuses on the personal and emotional aspects and the theme of consequence. Whether you are a fan of crime dramas, mafia stories, or character-driven narratives, The Funeral offers a cinematic experience worth watching.