A "Ganstah" like me, loves films like these....

I would have to say that my favorite movies are gangster films. For some reason the main character or "lead gangster" has qualities that even though bad are acceptable and exciting. For instance, Al Pacino in Scarface is NOT a nice character. However, the audience sees him as both a killer and a loving brother and friend. He stands up for his friends and has his own values. Another film that comes to mind is the Godfather, where we know that the family is corrupt. The family kills, steals and manipulates the church and other establishments that are supposed to be respected. The film makes it so that you are on the side of the family and makes it so the Godfather is respected. "Nobody goes against the family," or you will regret that decision. Typical settings for gangster films are busy prominent cities of New York, Chicago, LA, and European cities. The setting for the violent activity can be in the dark of night or in the bright daylight hours for some of these films. However, I have noticed that if an extremely violent act is about to happen, the setting is quite dark. The settings also use fog and sound effects to bring about the feeling of darkness and violence. Most of the gangsters in the films that I watch are very intelligent and dress sophisticated. Nobody can deny that Andy Garcia looks fantastic in the Godfather! Often the values in these films represent that there is a fine line between good and evil. The standard community has the rules that they live by, and the gangsters find the loopholes that make them rich and even prominent community members. The gangsters seem to live by a code; their code usually involves taking care of your family and comrades in crime. The storyline of gangster films usually revolves around money, power and respect. The drama that occurs in these films is getting money, power, protecting family members and friends. The language of these films is usually tough and hostile. The gangster often uses tough and persuasive talk to get what he desires. The means that these gangster characters utilize is the "eye for an eye" mentality where if anybody threatens their power and control, they are going to get it. The endings of these films still leave the gangster on the top no matter if he dies or survives. In the Godfather, one conflict leads to another, and it is a series of violent acts juxtaposed with the idea of peace and stability in the family. The ending usually leaves the viewer with a feeling of strength for having been a part of the gang. It also leaves the viewer with the feeling that they too can accomplish what they want to survive and protect their own existence.