A Bronx Tale (1993)
Robert De Niro's directorial debut — a gripping coming-of-age story set in the 1960s Bronx, where loyalty, love, and street life collide.
A Bronx Tale - Movie Information
- Original Title: A Bronx Tale
- Release Year: 1993
- Directed by: Robert De Niro
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 1, 1993 (United States - R), February 18, 1994 (United Kingdom - 15), July 27, 1994 (Germany - 12), April 20, 1994 (France), May 20, 1994 (Australia - M), January 14, 1994 (Brazil), January 28, 1994 (Italy), June 8, 1995 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: I skuggan av Bronx (SE), In den Straßen der Bronx (AT), 不一样的童年 (CN), Un cuento en el Bronx (ES)
- Production Companies: Price Entertainment, Penta Entertainment, Tribeca Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
A Bronx Tale - Plot
Set in the Bronx during the tumultuous 1960s, an adolescent boy is torn between his honest, working-class father and a violent yet charismatic crime boss. Complicating matters is the youngster's growing attraction - forbidden in his neighborhood - for a beautiful black girl.
A Bronx Tale - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of 1960s the Bronx come to life:
One man lives in the neighborhood, another man owns it. A devoted father battles the local crime boss for the life of his son.
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A Bronx Tale - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert De Niro
Main Cast
- Robert De Niro
- Chazz Palminteri
- Lillo Brancato
- Francis Capra
- Taral Hicks
- Kathrine Narducci
- Clem Caserta
- Alfred Sauchelli, Jr.
- Frank Pietrangolare
- Joe Pesci
Writers
- Chazz Palminteri
Producers
- Robert De Niro
- Jon Kilik
- Jane Rosenthal
A Bronx Tale - FAQs
What is A Bronx Tale about?
A Bronx Tale follows young Calogero, a boy growing up in 1960s the Bronx who finds himself caught between two father figures: his honest, hardworking bus driver dad Lorenzo and Sonny, the magnetic local mob boss. The film explores loyalty, identity, and the pull of street life versus a decent upbringing.
Is A Bronx Tale based on a true story?
Yes, it's rooted in real life. Chazz Palminteri, who wrote the screenplay, based it on his own childhood growing up in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx. He originally performed it as a one-man stage play before Robert De Niro saw it and pushed to turn it into a film.
Where can you stream A Bronx Tale right now?
You can stream A Bronx Tale on AMC+, which is available through its own app or as an add-on channel via Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku. It's also on Kanopy for free with a library card, and on YouTube TV and Philo. Rental and purchase options are available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and more.
Was Chazz Palminteri reluctant to sell the story rights?
Absolutely. Palminteri famously turned down a reported $1 million offer to sell the rights without a guarantee he could play Sonny on screen. He held out until Robert De Niro agreed to cast him in the role, ensuring the character he'd lived and performed stayed true to his original vision.
Who are the main actors in A Bronx Tale?
Robert De Niro plays Lorenzo Anello, the principled bus driver father, while Chazz Palminteri is the unforgettable Sonny LoSpecchio, the neighborhood crime boss. Lillo Brancato and Francis Capra portray Calogero at ages 17 and 9 respectively, with Taral Hicks as Jane and Joe Pesci in a supporting role.
What is the famous "door test" scene in the film?
One of the film's most quoted moments comes when Sonny tells young Calogero about the "door test" — a way to judge a woman's character by whether she reaches over to unlock your car door after you let her in. It's become one of cinema's most beloved pieces of street-corner wisdom.
Was A Bronx Tale Robert De Niro's directorial debut?
Yes, A Bronx Tale marked Robert De Niro's first time in the director's chair. He also co-produced and starred in the film. Critics praised his assured, confident debut, noting how naturally he balanced intimate character moments with the gritty atmosphere of 1960s the Bronx.
How was A Bronx Tale received by critics and audiences?
The film earned warm critical praise for its performances, authentic atmosphere, and emotional depth. Palminteri's screenplay and De Niro's direction were singled out for particular praise. Over the decades it has grown into a beloved cult classic, later inspiring a successful Broadway musical adaptation in 2016.
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