Uomini d'onore

This is definitely worth checking out if you enjoy the story of "Macbeth". The challenge of turning the characters into mobsters was met well. It was done creatively, and it follows all the main points without cheating. John Tuturro and Peter Boyle are good; everyone else is fine. If this was a completely original work, it would rate lower, but I think it is very good considering what they were trying to do, and that's why it is ultimately satisfying. The other comments posted by another viewer are undeservedly harsh. It's a bum wrap. Again, if you like "Macbeth", this is pretty cool. If you love iambic pentameter and period pieces, go rent Roman Polanski's version of "Macbeth", or something of Shakespeare's with Kenneth Brannagh.

While not the greatest modernization of a Shakespeare play, this movie is visually stunning and John Turturro can always be counted on to give a great performance. The fortune teller is a decent substitute for the 3 witches and the period sets and costumes are wonderful. I wouldn't recommend this movie if you are a die hard Shakespeare fan, but would if you love gangster flicks or interesting ideas.

William Reilly's "Men of Respect," starring John Turturro and the fascinating Katherine Borowitz, is one of the few genuinely innovative gangster films produced in recent years. Chronicling the rise of a very bold, but not very decisive hit man (Turturro, the film's characters are carefully and convincingly delineated, and the frequent scenes of grotesque violence are almost a diversion from the development of the characters themselves. Although Turturro is splendid as the bloodthirsty, but slightly addled killer, the film is stolen by the performance of Ms. Borowitz, who plays his long-suffering, titanium-spined wife. Other characters include the ill-starred mob bosses played by Rod Steiger, Peter Boyle, and Rod Steiger. Other scene-stealers include three unforgettable "witches," whom Turturro consults for a glimpse of his future. If this is beginning to sound familar, it should: "Men of Respect" is a very faithful update of "The Tragedy of Macbeth!" A movie to savor, and an actress not to be forgotten.

This is an awesome adaptation of a great play. I am a big fan of Turturro's company of players - they work as a true ensemble. The settings, the use of Uncle Will's language - everything works for me. I was introduced to the film by my father, who was doing research for a stage production he was appearing in as the Porter. I was particularly taken by the way the plot and characters played into the New York gangster genre. I I have used this film from time time when studying the Scottish play with my students and find that it actually helps them understand the original a bit better - I suppose they related to the more contemporary setting.

Checked this film out because of a positive review in the New York Times. Really captures the spirit of the Bard's play in a modern gangster setting. Doesn't romanticize the gangster life like other contemporary films in the genre. Doesn't pull any punches. Goes for the jugular instead, literally. Easy to see how top of the line actors like Stieger, Turturro, Boyle, Farina and Tucci were attracted to this low budget project. A daring experiment which shows how the themes and narratives of Shakespeare transcend time and place, Dark. Stylish. Intense. Very original adaptation with real flair. Would love to see it projected wide screen in a revival but will settle for the DVD release for the time being.