Danny and Nicky
Danny and Nicky

Movie spotlight

Danny and Nicky

1969
Movie
55 min
English

This feature documentary offers a comparison of the care of two boys with Down syndrome. Danny lives at home with his brothers and sisters and attends a special neighborhood school for children with disabilities. Nicky lives in a large institution for persons with intellectual disabilities. This film clarifies common misconceptions about intellectual disabilities, and presents an intimate portrait of the families, staff, and communities that come together to assist Danny and Nicky in learning, playing, and living a fulfilling life.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes45%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users65%
Director: John BoormanGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Two aging New York mobsters, Danny and Nicky, meet for their annual reunion at a secluded mansion. As they reminisce and confront their past, a dark secret about their shared history begins to surface, leading to a tense and increasingly dangerous confrontation. The encounter forces them to reckon with loyalty, betrayal, and the violent lives they've led.

Critical Reception

Despite a strong cast and an intriguing premise, 'Danny and Nicky' received a mixed reception upon its release. Critics praised the performances of John Cassavetes and Peter Falk, but many found the film's pacing uneven and its narrative somewhat convoluted. Audiences were also divided, with some appreciating its gritty realism and character study, while others found it too bleak and slow-moving.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film is elevated by the compelling performances of its lead actors.

  • However, the narrative struggles with pacing and clarity, leaving some viewers unsatisfied.

  • It offers a gritty, albeit somber, exploration of aging mobsters and their strained relationships.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a decent crime drama, appreciating the performances of Cassavetes and Falk. However, many commented that the plot could be confusing at times and the overall tone was quite dark and depressing, which wasn't for everyone.

Fun Fact

The film was originally titled 'The Last Days of Frankie the Tooth' and was intended to be a vehicle for Mickey Rooney, but he was replaced by John Cassavetes.

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