UNTOLD: Crime & Penalties

UNTOLD: Crime & Penalties is a gripping documentary that offers an intriguing look into the darker side of sports and crime. The 2021 film, directed by Chapman Way and Maclain Way, stars Richard Brosal, James Galante, and A.J. Galante.

Structured as a part of the UNTOLD documentary series, Crime & Penalties fixates on the extraordinary story of the Danbury Trashers, a minor league hockey team in Danbury, Connecticut. The unusual aspect of this team is that it was managed by the 17-year-old son of a mob-tied owner, making it one of the most peculiar teams in sports history.

At the film's center is team owner James Galante, an imposing figure in Danbury's waste management industry, who has strong ties with New York's Genovese crime family. The film delves into Galante's unique management style, his involvement in the world of crime, and the significant consequences of his actions for those around him and the city of Danbury.

His son, A.J. Galante, also plays a central role in the narrative. At an age when most teenagers are finishing high school, A.J. finds himself at the helm of a professional hockey team. Despite his tender age and inexperiences, he earns the respect of the team, crafting a squad that reflects his belief in aggression and pugilism. Fans quickly embrace the young manager's vision and the Trashers' games become legendary for their rough-and-tumble style, reflecting the aggressive nature of their young leader.

Another notable figure in this tale is Richard Brosal, the director of the United Hockey League (UHL) in which the Trashers compete. Brosal's reactions to the unconventional ways in which the Trashers are managed adds yet another layer of complexity to the story, evolving the narrative beyond a simple tale of sports and offering a probing study of corruption, defiance, and unconventional management.

Directorial duo Chapman and Maclain Way skillfully navigate these rich narratives, interspersing interviews with players, fans, and figures from both Galante families with game footage, court documentation, and an immersive selection of music that capture perfectly the gritty, blue-collar essence of Danbury.

At its core, UNTOLD: Crime & Penalties can be viewed as a sports documentary, but it is so much more than that. The film vigorously explores the blurring lines between crime and sports, bringing to light a world where corruption exists even in arenas where it is least expected. Crime & Penalties also tells a deeply human story of ambition, resilience, and fallout. It examines the dreams of a father for his son, the weight of responsibility on the young shoulders of A.J., and the profound impact their actions have on the people and city around them.

Despite the seriousness of its subject, the film does a phenomenal job of encompassing humorous elements. The elder Galante's reign over the Trashers is portrayed with a quirky sense of humor that makes the mob-related activities seem almost endearing. Amid the flurry of punches and penalties, audiences will find themselves chuckling intermittently at the sheer audacity of the happenings.

UNTOLD: Crime & Penalties does more than just recounting a chapter from the annals of American sports history. It invites viewers to question established norms, challenging the definitions of success and power. The grandeur and infamy of the Danbury Trashers are brilliantly captured, showcasing a raw, uncensored version of professional hockey.

In conclusion, UNTOLD: Crime & Penalties is a remarkable tale of ambition, criminal involvement, and the unorthodox in the world of sport. It's a compelling, humor-infused escapade that will keep viewers hooked from start to finish, irrespective of whether they're hockey fans. Throughout its gripping narrative, the film experiments brilliantly with the conventions of storytelling, reinventing the preconceptions of the sports documentary genre, and offering a thoroughly captivating window into the world of the Danbury Trashers.