Who Made Tony Soprano?|Sep. 22, 2021|United States|120 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama
Description: “The Many Saints of Newark,” released in 2021, is a film that serves as a prequel to the iconic television series “The Sopranos.” Set in 1967 and the early 1970s, the movie explores the origins of the characters fans have come to know and, in a unique way, love. It aims to deliver a compelling narrative centered around themes of family, loyalty, crime, and the Italian-American gangster lifestyle. Additionally, the film attempts to address significant issues related to race relations and Black crime, particularly in the context of the urban violence that shook the United States during the late 1960s, with Newark being a focal point.
Directed by Alan Taylor and written by David Chase and Lawrence Konner, the film strives to balance its role as a prequel with the challenge of standing alone as a meaningful story. However, it often feels like an ambitious project that struggles to fully achieve its goals, resulting in a mix of scenes that oscillate between frustrating and unsettling.
The movie begins with a striking visual of a cemetery, accompanied by the voices of the deceased on a rainy day. Among these voices, Christopher Moltisanti, voiced by Michael Imperioli, reflects on his life and its tragic end. This opening sets the tone for a story that delves into the complex and often violent world of its characters, offering glimpses into the “whys” behind their actions—a world where motives are as transient and unreliable as the people who inhabit it.
Cast director: Alan Taylor
Cast actor: Alessandro Nivola, Michael Gandolfini, Leslie Odom Jr., Ray Liotta, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Billy Magnussen, John Magaro, Samson Moeakiola
Original name: The Many Saints of Newark