The Westies
Set in the early 1980s when the construction of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on the Westies' home turf in Hell's Kitchen promises a financial windfall. Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies' legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente. But internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to set a match to this powder keg, which will sweep the Westies into the FBI's ever-deepening investigation into the Italian mafia.
Insights
Plot Summary
Based on T.J. English's book, 'The Westies' is a gritty crime drama that chronicles the rise and fall of the notorious Westies gang, an Irish mob operating out of Hell's Kitchen, New York City. The film delves into the violent world of Irish-American organized crime, focusing on the brutal power struggles, betrayals, and illegal activities that defined their reign. It depicts the fierce loyalty and extreme violence that characterized the gang's operations as they fought for control of the city's underworld.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews, with critics often praising the performances, particularly Robert Blake's intense portrayal, but noting the film's violent nature and somewhat conventional crime drama narrative. It is remembered as a solid, albeit grim, portrayal of a specific era of organized crime in New York.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its raw and intense performances, especially from lead actor Robert Blake.
- Criticized for its unrelenting violence and bleak depiction of organized crime.
- Seen as a competent, if sometimes overly grim, crime procedural.
Google audience: Audience reception information for 'The Westies' on Google is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Robert Blake, who played the lead role of Mickey Featherstone, also served as an executive producer for the film.
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