IMDb RATING
6.7/10
1.8K
YOUR RATING
Underboss "The Bull" Gravano rises through the ranks of the Gambino mob. His brutal past catches up to him when he lands behind bars and faces the life-threatening decision to turn state's e... Read allUnderboss "The Bull" Gravano rises through the ranks of the Gambino mob. His brutal past catches up to him when he lands behind bars and faces the life-threatening decision to turn state's evidence against his former friend, John Gotti.Underboss "The Bull" Gravano rises through the ranks of the Gambino mob. His brutal past catches up to him when he lands behind bars and faces the life-threatening decision to turn state's evidence against his former friend, John Gotti.
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
This movie is tragically miscasted. And though many reviewers claim that this movie is closer to the truth than HBO's Gotti was, it is inferior in every way.
It all starts with Turturro. Someone here claims he looks the part of Gravano, but that just ain't true. He's far too dark skinned, and though he has Italian ancestors he has always looked more Mexican to me. It also has to do with his role in NYPD Blue. Turturro doesn't play the part of a made mafia man. He always looks timid, shy and a bit anxious (same for his role in NYPD Blue). The supporting cast is full with the usual suspects you see in mafia films, and most have got their known roles in the Sopranos. But that also makes it a problem, a supporting cast that clearly overshadows the lead role just doesn't work. I don't know about Tom Sizemore, I love the actor, and he does a decent job. But Assante was better, he really embodied Gotti.
It all doesn't work. And the story may be closer to the truth. But remember that 'truth' is a strange concept in this context. The truth is based on a single testimony and some investigative work. In my opinion movie makers have some freedom in interpreting such truths for their work. HBO's Gotti just works much better.
It all starts with Turturro. Someone here claims he looks the part of Gravano, but that just ain't true. He's far too dark skinned, and though he has Italian ancestors he has always looked more Mexican to me. It also has to do with his role in NYPD Blue. Turturro doesn't play the part of a made mafia man. He always looks timid, shy and a bit anxious (same for his role in NYPD Blue). The supporting cast is full with the usual suspects you see in mafia films, and most have got their known roles in the Sopranos. But that also makes it a problem, a supporting cast that clearly overshadows the lead role just doesn't work. I don't know about Tom Sizemore, I love the actor, and he does a decent job. But Assante was better, he really embodied Gotti.
It all doesn't work. And the story may be closer to the truth. But remember that 'truth' is a strange concept in this context. The truth is based on a single testimony and some investigative work. In my opinion movie makers have some freedom in interpreting such truths for their work. HBO's Gotti just works much better.
All mafia films seem to be excellent. They just have that edge, tension and suspense to them which bulids up during the movie and then which is all released at the climax. Witness to the Mob is no exception. However what was unusual, being a mafia film, was that I cant remember any swear word said during the whole film nor was there hardly any blood. Most of the killings were done with quick, clean silencers. Violence was very limited. But it did not detract much from being a good well done movie which will keep the viewer's interest from start to finish. Tom Sizemore is the highlight and is just great, especially when he loses his temper, and is perfect for his role. I would defnitely recommend Witness to the Mob to all mafia film lovers. 8/10.
Where do i start.. this is like the Expendables of gangster actors and a true gem. there's not many mob films that i do not own, after seeing Getting Gotti and Gotti this beats them both mainly because of the great cast and Tom Sizemores performance. from Frank Vincent to Frankie Vally this movie has them all. Sopranos, Goodfellas, Casino, Gotti, Godfather, Once upon a time in America yes this epic has them all, this is one of my favourite mob movies with good reason..
It never gets tiresome its strictly gangster all the way, some great dialogue and visual shots. you just know they had lots of fun making this. Tuturro as Sammy Gravano is the best ever, very convincing and and a tough guy who means business. best line in the movie is "the next time you break a rule you go"....Big Paul Costallano
It never gets tiresome its strictly gangster all the way, some great dialogue and visual shots. you just know they had lots of fun making this. Tuturro as Sammy Gravano is the best ever, very convincing and and a tough guy who means business. best line in the movie is "the next time you break a rule you go"....Big Paul Costallano
This movie is based on the true story of "Sammy the Bull" Gravano, a self-confessed killer who helps prosecute Mafia boss John Gotti, in exchange for immunity. Yes, the acting is a bit wooden, and the script full of cliches, but it's an interesting study of a real life Mafia case - definitely worth a look, but certainly not a classic.
As someone who is borderline obsessed with the Gotti/Gravano story, I have read nearly every book, and seen nearly every movie and documentary on the subject. That being said, I feel this film is vastly superior to HBO's "Gotti", not only in production value but in taking less liberties with the story. The movie pretty much follows Sammy the Bull's book "Underboss" to a T. I feel this is pretty accurate, except it portrays Sammy as too much of a saint. "Gotti" does the same for John Gotti, of course, and it also shows Sammy to be kissing John's ass a little too much. The production, costumes, acting, music, and attention to detail are all far superior in this film.
As far as the acting goes, Nick Turturro does a good job as Sammy, although he's a little too stocky and way too dark-skinned. Sizemore is excellent as Gotti, his performance probably at least equaling Armand Assante's portrayal in "Gotti". I much prefer Abe Vigoda here as Paul Castellano to the actor who played him in the other film, and one of my favorite actresses, Debi Mazar does fine as Sammy's wife Debra. The rest of the cast are mostly Sopranos actors, many of whom played different parts in "Gotti". Michael Imperioli, who wasn't in the other film, does a fine job here as Sammy's longtime friend Louie Milito.
All in all, this is certainly no "Goodfellas" but in my opinion is still very good and much better (and more accurate) than "Gotti".
As far as the acting goes, Nick Turturro does a good job as Sammy, although he's a little too stocky and way too dark-skinned. Sizemore is excellent as Gotti, his performance probably at least equaling Armand Assante's portrayal in "Gotti". I much prefer Abe Vigoda here as Paul Castellano to the actor who played him in the other film, and one of my favorite actresses, Debi Mazar does fine as Sammy's wife Debra. The rest of the cast are mostly Sopranos actors, many of whom played different parts in "Gotti". Michael Imperioli, who wasn't in the other film, does a fine job here as Sammy's longtime friend Louie Milito.
All in all, this is certainly no "Goodfellas" but in my opinion is still very good and much better (and more accurate) than "Gotti".
Did you know
- TriviaVincent Pastore, who plays Mikey De Batt, is introduced to Angelo Ruggiero, played by Johnny Williams. In Gotti (1996) Pastore plays Angelo Ruggiero. In Gotti (2018) De Batt is only mentioned, not seen.
- GoofsThe building purporting to be Sparks Steak House on E.46th is completely unlike the real place. Also the longer street shot which shows Grand Central Station appears to be the view from Park Avenue, not E.46th Street.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Mafia Killers with Colin McLaren: Sammy 'The Bull' Gravano (2018)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Mafia - La trahison de Gotti
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content