Watch Gangster Wars

1981
2 hr 1 min
6.5 (218)

Gangster Wars is a 1981 crime movie directed by Richard C. Sarafian and starring Michael Nouri, Brian Benben, and Joe Penny. Loosely based on real-life events that took place in 1920s America, the film follows the rise and fall of infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel and his involvement in the notorious criminal underworld of the time. The film is set in the backdrop of a nation gripped by Prohibition, illegalized sale of alcohol created an atmosphere of lawlessness as people continued to drink in secret. In this chaos, a number of criminal gangs rose to power, vying for control of the lucrative bootlegging business. Among them was Bugsy Siegel (Michael Nouri), a feared mob boss whose ruthless tactics and ambition led him to the top of the criminal underworld. Through murder and intimidation, Bugsy built his empire, sharing it with his best friend and partner, Meyer Lansky (Joe Penny). The movie portrays the intricate relationships between the different criminal organizations in the city, highlighting their alliances and betrayals as they compete for power. The film also sheds light on the political corruption of the time, with corrupt politicians and police officers being bought by the mob to turn a blind eye to their activities. As tensions between rival gangs escalate, Bugsy focuses his attention on taking over the lucrative illegal gambling trade in the city. His violent tactics spark a vicious gang war, with casualties on both sides. Meanwhile, Bugsy's personal life becomes complicated when he falls for Virginia Hill (Madeleine Stowe), a beautiful and ambitious woman who is more than willing to use her charms to gain power and influence in the mob world. Throughout the movie, viewers are given a glimpse into the complex web of deceit and betrayal that characterized the criminal underworld of the time. As the bodies pile up and alliances shift, it becomes clear that no one can be trusted in this world of violence and corruption. The performances in Gangster Wars are strong, with Michael Nouri delivering a gripping portrayal of Bugsy Siegel as a complex, ruthless man with a drive for power. Brian Benben brings a nuanced performance as Harry Greenberg, a former associate of Bugsy who becomes a traitor to the mob. The movie features some intense action sequences, including shootouts and car chases. However, the focus remains on the characters and their relationships, making it more of a character study than an action-packed thriller. Overall, Gangster Wars tells a gripping story of the dark and violent world of crime and corruption that plagued America in the 1920s. It is a fascinating look at a time when the law was often ignored and violence was used to gain power and influence. Both fans of the gangster genre and those interested in American history will find something to enjoy in this movie.

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Description

The movie portrays the intricate relationships between the different criminal organizations in the city, highlighting their alliances and betrayals as they compete for power. The film also sheds light on the political corruption of the time, with corrupt politicians and police officers being bought by the mob to turn a blind eye to their activities.

As tensions between rival gangs escalate, Bugsy focuses his attention on taking over the lucrative illegal gambling trade in the city. His violent tactics spark a vicious gang war, with casualties on both sides. Meanwhile, Bugsy's personal life becomes complicated when he falls for Virginia Hill (Madeleine Stowe), a beautiful and ambitious woman who is more than willing to use her charms to gain power and influence in the mob world.

Throughout the movie, viewers are given a glimpse into the complex web of deceit and betrayal that characterized the criminal underworld of the time. As the bodies pile up and alliances shift, it becomes clear that no one can be trusted in this world of violence and corruption.

The performances in Gangster Wars are strong, with Michael Nouri delivering a gripping portrayal of Bugsy Siegel as a complex, ruthless man with a drive for power. Brian Benben brings a nuanced performance as Harry Greenberg, a former associate of Bugsy who becomes a traitor to the mob.

The movie features some intense action sequences, including shootouts and car chases. However, the focus remains on the characters and their relationships, making it more of a character study than an action-packed thriller.

Overall, Gangster Wars tells a gripping story of the dark and violent world of crime and corruption that plagued America in the 1920s. It is a fascinating look at a time when the law was often ignored and violence was used to gain power and influence. Both fans of the gangster genre and those interested in American history will find something to enjoy in this movie.