Emperor of the Bronx

Watch Emperor of the Bronx

"He tried to run from the evil... But he couldn't hide from it."
  • 1989
  • 1 hr 50 min
  • 5.1  (86)

Emperor of the Bronx, released in 1990, is a classic action movie revolving around the story of a street gang in the Bronx. Directed by Joseph Merhi and starring William Smith, Alex D'Andrea, and Charles T. Kanganis, it follows the journey of two friends, Tony (D'Andrea) and Dave (Kanganis), who are forced to join one of the most notorious gangs in the Bronx to take revenge against a common enemy.

The film highlights the gritty reality of life in the Bronx during the 1990s. The movie is set in the South Bronx, where gang violence is rampant, and the streets are ruled by different gangs. Tony and Dave are childhood friends, living together in the same neighborhood. However, the sudden death of Tony's mother changes their lives forever. Tony feels betrayed by his friends and family, and he becomes a loner. As a result, he starts to hang out with a tough street gang, led by Chaco (Smith), who takes him under his wing.

The gang is comprised of members who have diverse personalities and backgrounds. Tony quickly develops a bond with them and becomes an integral member of the group. But things change when a rival gang from Brooklyn enters the Bronx and starts to create unrest.

The Brooklyn gang is led by Fat Sam, who wants to expand his territory and take over the Bronx. The arrival of the Brooklyn gang leads to a war between the two gangs, resulting in several casualties. Tony and Dave are caught up in the crossfire and become targets. The situation becomes grave when Tony's sister, Maria (Rita Rusciano), is kidnapped by the Brooklyn gang.

Tony, along with Chaco and the rest of the gang, sets out on a mission to rescue Maria and take down the Brooklyn gang. They plan and strategize, and their mission takes them deep into enemy territory. The final showdown between the two gangs is a tense and action-packed sequence, filled with guns, fistfights, and explosions.

Along with the action, the film has several emotional moments that add depth to the characters. The camaraderie between Tony and his friends is heartwarming, and the audience is invested in their success. The film also highlights the impact of family dynamics in shaping an individual's life and choices.

The performances of the actors are noteworthy, especially William Smith, who plays the role of Chaco with finesse. His imposing presence and commanding voice add authenticity to his character, and he portrays the role of a gang leader with ease. Alex D'Andrea, in his debut role, delivers a convincing performance as Tony. He brings a sense of vulnerability and intensity to his character, and the audience is rooting for him throughout the movie.

The film's soundtrack is another highlight, with classic tracks from the 1990s that add to the overall mood of the movie. The score by Richard Yuen is also worth mentioning, as it elevates the tension and action in the movie.

In conclusion, Emperor of the Bronx is an entertaining and classic action movie that highlights the reality of life in the Bronx during the 1990s. With a gripping storyline, excellent performances, and a memorable soundtrack, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1989
  • Runtime
    1 hr 50 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.1  (86)