I violenti di Borrow Street

I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. In fact, I really can't think of many negative things to say about this movie, other than that the story moved slowly a few times throughout. The main characters were quite likable, and the script was coherent enough. The film gives us a realistic look at the lawless nature of what inner cities may be like without a strong police foothold, painting a gritty picture of urban life and the struggle for survival.

The performance by the lead protagonist as the reluctant hero was solid, bringing a sense of vulnerability and determination to the role. The supporting cast also did a commendable job in adding depth to the storyline.

One of the highlights of Defiance is its portrayal of community and the power of standing up against oppression. The film's depiction of vigilantism is both thrilling and thought-provoking, raising questions about justice and morality in desperate circumstances.

The cinematography captures some interesting scenery throughout the city, adding to the film's authentic feel. The urban setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the tense and often violent confrontations that occur.

Overall, I'd say this movie is definitely worth a watch, especially if you enjoy movies about vigilantes. While it may not be a groundbreaking film, it offers a compelling story with engaging characters and a gritty, realistic atmosphere that should keep you emotionally invested throughout.

Jan-Michael Vincent portrays a suspended young seaman who takes up temporary housing in a neighborhood overrun by a gang,while waiting for his next orders to ship out.The gang is in dominating control.They steal and rob at will.No one will press charges due to fear of retribution.So he takes matters into his own hands to combat the growing violence spurring his fellow neighbors to join him.I remember seeing "Defiance" on Polish TV many years ago.I am also a big fan of John Flynn's earlier revenge thriller "Rolling Thunder"."Definace" doesn't disappoint.It's a gritty drama/thriller with excellent central performance of Jan-Michael Vincent.The look of the film is ugly and washed out,but the violence is kept to minimum.A must-see for fans of "Death Wish","The Warriors" and the likes.8 out of 10.

This entertaining but often overlooked film stars Jan-Michael Vincent as a seaman who must temporarily reside on the tough, crime-filled and gang-infested streets of New York, where he is persuaded by fearful residents to join them in their war against "The Souls," a local Puerto Rican gang led by Angel Cruz (played by the underrated Rudy Ramos, who would later work on "Quicksilver" (1985) with Kevin Bacon). "Defiance" was filmed mostly in New York's East Village (specifically on 12th Street between Avenue A and B) at a time when street gangs did in fact control that particular area of Lower Manhattan. This film brings to mind the highly controversial release "The Warriors" (1979), about a group of young fighters framed by a rival gang. Director John Flynn is dead on with the emotional aspect of the film, capturing the heart-wrenching struggle between good and evil, the romance between Tommy (Vincent) and Marsha (Theresa Saldana) and the brutal and poignant deaths of two characters - Whacko (Lenny Montana, who played Luca Brasi in "The Godfather" (1972)) and Abe (Art Carney).

Highly recommended for cult film enthusiasts. I would love to see a DVD edition in the near future by MGM/UA (formerly Orion).

Defiance is one of those films that you can find once in awhile on cable TV at some odd hour. Jan-Michael Vincent portrays a merchant marine who makes his home in a rundown tenament that's undersiege by a local street gang. Highly enjoyable film with a depressing aura of realism. Many of the films stars are veterans of this genre. Sadly, this film has been over looked for years and it's deserves a release in the future on DVD. The movie has the markings of a cult classic.

Highly recommended if you can find it.

B.

John Flynn was remembered for making gritty realistic dramas, and you'll see by his impressive inventory, the projects he chose. This well made and absorbing drama is no different, and by the end, has become quite impactful movie. Out of work, merchant seaman (Jan Michael Vincent) gets dealt a really bad hand, where he has to tough it out in a derelict apartment, in the more lower class, crime ridden New York. A real scary black gang called The Souls, who get more scary as the movie progresses, run this lower part of New York, where we have tough man (Vincent) as the first to go up against these bastards, first enduring a bit of bruising for his troubles. Befriending a boy and an old man, once a prize fighter, both now squatting in the tenenment, they form a friendship, as he does with some others, real New Yorker (Aiello) and some other familiar faces, from other mob films, here all good guys. They have all had enough of The Souls s..t, where Vincent could be the one that takes them down and makes one of the great likable hero's out there. It was a great casting choice. This gang really lets you know, they're not one to be messed with, especially if you squeal about their activities, the leader, a very fearful face, one merging with that of Ice T, and Mario Van Peebles. Art Carney is great as a convenient store owner, not of the not so lucky ones. Theresa Saldana is the other great standout one, Vincent's neighbor and romantic interest. She's very good and has the most memorable, such believable performance, but There's good acting by all, and Vincent does the role justice. This is one of those well made, search out 80's movies, a heroic urban tale of will and steel defiance, where the ending, that comes accompanied with a great victorious and inspiring music score, we walk away proud. This is a movie to be proud, a defiant tale that defies, two scenes featuring some heavy impactful violence, but that goes with the territory of this film.