Watch Lords of Brooklyn

Lords of Brooklyn is a drama film from 2016 directed by Paul Borghese and starring William DeMeo, Michael Madsen, and Alec Baldwin. Set in Brooklyn, New York, during the 1980s, the film follows the story of a young Italian-American man named Caesar "Leo" Galante (DeMeo) who aspires to be a rapper and build his own empire. Leonardo is a typical Brooklyn kid who grows up immersed in the clannish lifestyle and customs of his Italian-American family. Growing up in this neighborhood makes him a streetwise idealist who sees hip-hop as a way out of the life he doesn't want to have. With his best friend Pimp (Joseph D'Onofrio), Leonardo starts performing rap songs at local clubs and gradually builds a following.

However, his ambitions are hampered by the presence of another powerful mafia family led by Michael Madsen's character, Vincent Dianni. The Dianni clan is not happy to see Leo taking over their district, and the two families end up in a violent struggle for control of the drug trade and nightclub scene.

As the tension between the two families grows, Leo starts to experience personal and moral conflicts. Caught between the allure of the gangster lifestyle and his love for his girlfriend Vicky (Elena Lo Ricco), Leo has to make difficult choices that will shape his future.

The acting is authentic, and the dialogues are gritty and raw, typical of the streetwise characters that inhabit the story. William DeMeo gives a strong performance as Leo Galante, capturing the fledgling rapper's dreams and doubts. His passion and ambitions are palpable, and the viewer can't help but root for him despite his questionable choices.

Michael Madsen delivers another great performance as Vincent Dianni, the opposing force that stands in the way of Leo's dreams. His character is cold and calculating, portraying the dark side of the mafia world. His character's relationship with his sister, played by Cathy Moriarty, adds complexity to his character and deepens the emotional impact of the film.

Another powerhouse of the cast is Alec Baldwin, who plays the role of Lt. Lombardo, a corrupt cop who is also in league with the mafia. His character has a few surprising twists that keep the story moving forward and creates suspense throughout the film.

Overall, Lords of Brooklyn is a gripping drama that showcases the best of the Italian-American gangster genre. The film fuses the spirit of hip-hop together with a classic mafia storyline, creating a compelling story that will keep audiences engaged until the very end. The strong performances of the cast and the excellent direction make it a must-see for fans of the genre.