The Brooklyn Banker

Set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the 1970's "The Brooklyn Banker" is about Santo Bastucci (Troy Garrity), a young banker with a rare gift, an eidetic memory, whose life is interrupted when local mob kingpin "Manny the Hand" ( David Proval) decides he wants Santo to work for him.

David Proval is masterful as Manny the Hand, and Troy Garity is brilliant in his portrayal of an average guy, content with his life, caught in the middle of a living nightmare.

One of the most powerful and compelling scenes in the entire movie takes place on a rooftop. The dialogue between Santo and Manny is bone chilling. Manny plays his cards, deliberately trying to manipulate Santo into working for him by telling Santo the true story of his relationship with Santos' father, betting that the truth will destroy Santos' relationship with his uncle, the local Priest, and convincing Santo that his destiny is with Manny's world. It is the scene that deftly defines the themes of the movie, and becomes the turning point in all their lives.

To some, this movie might seem like just another mob flick, but it isn't. It is a story with much richer themes, about self discovery, about choices we must make when faced with adversity, about loyalty, fighting for that in which we believe, and knowing who to lean on in times of trouble. The beauty of this story is in the dialogue, richly woven with clues about the motivations of the protagonists, deliberately planned by the writer, Michael Ricigliano. In this sense, the movie is counter Godfather; the protagonist, Santo, chooses to fight for the values in which he believes and distance himself from Manny's world, and many of the powerful blows are delivered with words, not violence, although there is plenty of the latter in the movie as well. It is a story to which everyone can relate, since, at some point in our lives, we are all faced with difficult choices.

Whether or not you are a fan of mob movies, or you are a fan of movies where the dialogue is as, if not more important than the action, then "The Brooklyn Banker" won't disappoint.

The Brooklyn Banker exceeded our expectations, especially with the excellent stand out acting by Garity and Proval.

The director obviously has a good eye for detail as the camera work, lighting, and locations chosen, transported one into a somewhat gritty looking Brooklyn in the 1970's. Hats off, too, to the costume and set directors for being such perfectionists in keeping every detail true to that decade. The realistic casting of the extras and use of locations was also quite effective in bringing that era alive.

The movie was well paced and built up by the good acting and story line which rang true. Refreshingly, it did not overreach.

Quite good genre/indie film with a Scorsese type ending.

From someone who grew up in the Bronx and Brooklyn, this film captures what it was like to live during that time. The Mob was not revered like some of the Mob Genre films I have seen in the past. They were avoided and the story of a legitimate guy who unintentionally gets involved seems very real.

I enjoyed the cinematography that captured a gritty but beautiful view of the area as it was starting to change. Troy Garity, who I understand grew up in California, captured the nuances and cadence of the residents of Brooklyn who spoke was was on their mind, were loyal to a fault and protected their friends and family.

David Proval played a simmering psychopath who was ready to blow at any moment. Paul Sorvino was great as the goofy father in law who is smarter than he lets on.

All in all, I think this film will stand the test of time.

I had the pleasure going to the movie premier in NY. I was amazed on how well written the story line was done. Many talented actors & actress in the movie. I enjoy the movie very much and it had real life event in it like seeing the feast. Also shows how the family sticks together but if you cross the wrong person...watch out. All the best to all to everyone who had a part in making this movie, Michael, Frederico, are amazing men with a bright future ahead of them. For everyone else congrats on making a movie that will be in all movie theaters soon across the country all in time. I would recommend anyone to see it.

All the time people say "They don't make em like they used to." The Brooklyn Banker breaks that statement. I recommend seeing it if you are a true fan of old school mob movies like the Godfather and Goodfellas.

This film gave us an excellent taste of what we loved so much about these classics. Not only did it have two of the greatest mob actors of all time starring but the piece also transported us to the 1970's and has preserved on film a unique part of NYC Italian history & culture - The Giglio.

The irony of this film was so poignant and unique. It had a quiet elegance even though there was violence. Could make for an interesting sequel. Would love to see what could be done with a non- indie budget!

Note: *You will especially enjoy it if you spent any time growing up in Italian parts of Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx. It will feel like going home, even if for just a few moments. How often do we have that kind of opportunity? Thank you to the makers of this film. Keep em' comin'!