Top Gangster Films to Watch Before Mafia: The Old Country Drops

Summary

Mafia: The Old Country moves the series to Italy, exploring the Italian Mafia’s early days
Fans should watch crime films like The Godfather, Goodfellas, and The Public Enemy for insight
Movies like Boyz n The Hood and The Roaring Twenties have themes similar to the Mafia series

2024’s unveiling of “Mafia: The Old Country” has generated quite a buzz among players. The unexpected revival of a franchise last seen in 2016 with “Mafia 3” was a pleasant surprise for many, and this installment promises something fresh. Instead of sticking to the American settings of its predecessors, “Mafia: The Old Country” delves into the Italian Mafia’s early days, tracing its origins in Italy. This shift offers an intriguing premise that could lead to a captivating game experience. However, it’s unfortunate that we have to wait for its release. In the meantime, players might find solace in games with similar themes or perhaps explore something unique. Why not delve into the films that served as inspiration for this renowned series on organized crime? After all, understanding the roots of these stories could enhance the anticipation for “Mafia: The Old Country.

The “Mafia” series is heavily influenced by gangster films, notably those falling under the category of crime dramas. This genre has stood the test of time, initially gaining traction in the 1930s and maintaining its popularity up to the present day with only minor modifications. Typically, these movies revolve around a determined character who starts at the bottom rung and leverages an opportunity to ascend through power, wealth, and fame, only for their success to crumble in the climactic finale. Many actors have become synonymous with this genre, with Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney establishing the iconic image of a cigar-smoking gangster armed with a tommy gun in earlier years, while Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci have carried on this tradition more recently. For enthusiasts of the Mafia series, there are numerous intriguing gangster films to explore as they eagerly await the release of the upcoming fourth installment.

8. Boyz N The Hood (1991)

A Must-See For Fans Of Mafia 3

This 1991 gangster movie, while not depicting the Italian mafia, shares many themes that may feel familiar to players of Mafia games. It will particularly strike a chord with fans of Mafia 3, which emphasized the pervasive issue of institutionalized racism in America. Given this context, it’s logical that these topics intertwine. In a society where one group is unfairly marginalized due to random factors, crime rates tend to rise because such conditions often leave individuals with little choice but to resort to criminal activities for survival. Once ensnared in the criminal underworld, extricating oneself can be extremely challenging.

The movie ‘Boyz n the Hood’ focuses heavily on the tough realities of growing up in 1980s Los Angeles, a period marked by the height of the War on Drugs. This era was particularly challenging for African Americans, as they were often trapped between police violence and constant gang conflicts. This experience might resonate with many players of ‘Mafia’ games.

7. The Godfather (1971)

One Of Mafia’s Biggest Influences

Undeniably, Francis Ford Coppola’s 1971 film, often considered the epitome of gangster movies, has had a profound and lasting impact on the genre and cinema at large. This influential piece not only shaped future crime films but also left indelible marks on literature, television, and video games. In fact, it’s argued that it significantly influenced the “Mafia” series. The movie delves into the lives of various characters entangled in the drama surrounding the Italian mafia, with Vito Corleone, portrayed by Marlon Brando in a memorable performance, serving as the central figure. As the patriarch of the Corleone crime family, he grapples with passing his empire to his son, Michael, who’s hesitant about embracing a life of organized crime. The narrative is filled with tension, betrayals within the ranks, and numerous deaths, including an iconic scene where a studio executive discovers the head of his favorite horse in his bed.

While I must note that “The Godfather” is a well-crafted film, it’s essential to acknowledge its complexity. With a running time of approximately three hours, the storyline is intricate, featuring multiple characters and subplots that can be challenging to follow. If you prefer straightforward narratives, this might not be the best choice for you.

6. The Godfather Part 2 (1974)

A Sequel That Should Be Very Relevant To The New Mafia Game

In its own right, Coppola’s sequel to “The Godfather” has become a standout for some fans, who even argue it surpasses the original. This ambitious production doesn’t just follow a straightforward narrative but interweaves both prequel and sequel plotlines. The sequel element continues Michael Corleone’s story from the first film as he navigates his role as the new head of the Corleone family. Meanwhile, the prequel storyline delves into the rise of young Vito Corleone, played by Robert De Niro in this installment. This dual narrative structure in “The Godfather Part 2” would make it an appealing choice for those interested in playing “Mafia: The Old Country”.

The storyline of “The Godfather” unfolds in Sicily, Italy during the emergence of organized crime. This movie appears to have served as a significant inspiration for “Mafia: The Old Country“, given their shared setting. To recognize the impact of “The Godfather Part 2 ” on the new game, it would be beneficial to watch it. It is important to note that, much like the original “Godfather”, this film can be complex and challenging to follow, and in fact, it is longer than its predecessor. Therefore, viewers should be well-prepared before they decide to watch it.

5. Goodfellas (1990)

An Icon Of Crime Cinema

Martin Scorsese’s 1990 biopic about real-life gangster Henry Hill, often considered the second most iconic post-Production Code gangster film (after The Godfather), has been a defining crime movie for decades. Many aspects of it resonate with Mafia enthusiasts, particularly the allure of the mob lifestyle that lures people in but ultimately ensnares them in a ruthless environment where even minor mistakes can transform friends into foes. Henry Hill himself expresses this desire early on, stating “As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a gangster.” However, by the film’s conclusion, he comes to regret his choice, as he realizes that those labeled “goodfellas” are not truly noble.

To put it simply, it’s quite likely that the classic movie “Goodfellas” served as a significant inspiration for the original “Mafia” game. The narrative in this film, particularly the storyline about Tommy D’Angelo and his eventual imprisonment to shield his family when everything falls apart, bears striking similarities to the game’s plot. If you’re a fan of crime films, it’s definitely worth watching “Goodfellas”.

4. Little Caesar (1931)

One Of The Original Hollywood Gangsters

Release Date	January 9, 1931
Director	Mervyn LeRoy
Cast	Edward G. Robinson, Douglas Fiarbanks Jr., Glenda Farrell, William Collier Jr., Ralph Ince
Runtime	79 minutes

Leaving out the timeless classics from a conversation about gangster movies wouldn’t feel quite right. The 1931 film “Little Caesar” was instrumental in setting a trend for pre-Code gangster films during the early ’30s. This movie also launched Edward G. Robinson into stardom, who later became a significant influence on crime films, similar to how Robert De Niro shaped his genre in subsequent years.

The film “Little Caesar” narrates the tale of Caesar “Rico” Bandello, a small-time crook with lofty ambitions, who yearns to rise above his station and become a notable figure. In typical fashion for such movies, Rico ruthlessly climbs the ranks until he attains the position of boss, only to meet his downfall at his own hands. “Little Caesar” played a significant role in establishing the gangster film genre, although its production was temporarily halted in 1934 due to the Motion Picture Production Code (with this movie being cited as a reason for censorship). Nevertheless, it continues to exert an enduring influence on productions ranging from “The Godfather” to “Mafia.

3. Once Upon A Time In America (1984)

An Epic Drama About The Life Of A Gangster

The movie “Once Upon a Time in America,” directed by the esteemed Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone, who also influenced the famous game series “Red Dead Redemption,” delves into the intricate narrative of Jewish gangster David “Noodles” Aaronson (Robert De Niro). This film offers a deeply personal and character-focused journey, highlighting how Noodles is molded by his life events and the people he encounters. However, unlike typical gangster films, this production by Leone is marked by artistic exploration and ambiguity in its portrayal of events, along with an expansive timeframe that adds to its complexity.

In a nutshell, the movie “Once Upon a Time in America” spans an impressive five decades of American history. The narrative commences with the character Noodles’ childhood in the 1920s New York City and concludes with him as an elderly man in the 60s, albeit not in chronological order. The film features a talented cast, including Jennifer Connelly in her debut acting role as a teenager. It’s important to mention that this movie runs nearly four hours long, so those planning to watch it should ensure they have sufficient time to enjoy the entire production.

2. The Public Enemy (1931)

One Of The Foundational Pieces Of The Gangster Film Genre

One more timeless masterpiece, “The Public Enemy“, showcased the groundbreaking portrayal of James Cagney, who later became a major figure in crime-themed films by Warner Bros. Studios. Like “Once Upon a Time in America“, it likely drew significant inspiration from this film and chronicles the life of gangster Tom Powers as he progresses from a youth involved in minor criminal activities to achieving prominence during the prohibition era.

Regrettably, his rise to success carries a hefty cost – it erodes his ethical standards and strains his bond with his longtime friend, Matt Doyle. Additionally, he learns the bitter truth that once someone is entangled in criminal activities, escape is seldom an option. Concurrently released with Little Caesar, The Public Enemy served as a cornerstone for the gangster genre, contributing significantly to its enduring formula.

1. The Roaring Twenties (1939)

The Last Of The Classics

One of the final gangster films produced after the enforcement of the Production Code, “The Roaring Twenties” tells the heartbreaking tale of war veteran Eddie Bartlett (played by James Cagney), who manages to survive the war but is continually deceived and unwillingly thrown into the ruthless realm of illicit liquor trading.

Many enthusiasts of the Mafia series might find this scenario familiar, as it bears resemblance to certain plotlines in the game. Interestingly, the initial Mafia game introduced a character who began as a cab driver, similar to Bartlett, and later found himself embroiled in trouble due to ethical dilemmas with his boss. In Mafia 2, the protagonist was a World War 2 veteran, and the narrative incorporated his war-time experiences. The Roaring Twenties served as a significant influence on both of these games.

2025-02-17 16:36