Product: Mean Streets (1973)
Rating: 4.0
"Right where you breathe"
This is as real and as gritty as movies get. You've got to appreciate the feel of the film, especially if you're from New York or a similar area, where characters like those in the movie are common. You've also got to appreciate the interplay between Keitel and De Niro throughout the film. Some of the supporting acting was a bit shotty, yet I believe this story was told to bring the realism of the streets to the silver screen rather than to impress people with Hollywood glitz.Martin Scorsese draws upon his experiences growing up in Little Italy for the film's material and characters. There is a bonus featurette called "Back on the Block" in which Scorsese and friends speak about the inspiration and basis for the movie.This movie began the very successful Scorsese/De Niro pairing that would continue long into the future. De Niro and Keitel are great in their roles - but De Niro stands out in this movie. You will be anticipating his appearances on screen throughout.