The Bronx is very cinematic. Its special atmosphere has inspired artists at different times. The unique spirit of this borough of New York cannot be embodied in artificial decorations but can be easily found on every street or in every building here. That is why many feature films were shot in the Bronx. We will reveal the most famous ones in our article on bronx-trend.com.
KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTH BRONX
The premiere of the film directed by Allen Hughes took place in 2005. The film tells the story of a primary school teacher who was forced to change his job at a prestigious educational institution to teaching children from a poor district. According to the director, the plot of the movie is based on real events.
The main roles were played by famous American actors, including Ted Danson, Clifton Powell, Kate Vernon, Malcolm David Kelley and others. The main place of events was the Bronx. The borough of New York was not chosen by chance. There really were areas considered unfavorable and dangerous. The history of the borough is full of amazing examples of how people from very poor families achieved enormous success.
One can see many familiar locations in the movie, as well as be inspired to achieve more and believe in the true power of human aspirations.
THE WARRIORS
The film is based on the novel by Sol Yurick. It was released in 1979 by the director Walter Hill. Many scenes were shot in the Bronx. According to the plot, a street gang overcomes a long and dangerous path from the northern part of this borough to its native Brooklyn. Members of the Warriors group were unjustly accused of murder. This event is the beginning of all their adventures. Fans of action movies will definitely like the film. Those who have been to the Bronx will recognize several locations that appear on the screen. Michael Beck, James Remar, David Patrick Kelly and others starred in the movie
The Warriors is considered a cult film. Everyone should watch it at least once in a lifetime.
MARTY
The film was released in 1955 and won the love of the audience and the approval of critics. Marty became one of the most successful films of its time. It entered the National Film Registry and ranked 64th on AFI’s 100 Years 100 Passions list. Ernest Borgnine, who starred in the main role, received a Best Actor Oscar.
The film tells about the life of the butcher Marty Piletti. The main character lives with his mother, goes to work and leads a fairly average lifestyle. He does not have a girlfriend, which worries his relatives a lot. Mom talks Marty into going to a dance to meet someone. The man resists at first but then still goes to the club. There, Marty meets a beautiful girl, Clara. To find out the continuation of the story, one needs to watch the movie. The film was one of the first popular low-budget romantic dramas
Marty was filmed in the Bronx. After all, many local places are excellent for displaying simple life.
FINDING FORRESTER
Gus Van Sant’s dramatic film was released in 2000. An interesting plot, a wonderful cast and picturesque locations of the Bronx ensured the film’s success.
This is a story about a young basketball player who also shows a talent for literature. The guy goes to school, relaxes with friends, plays basketball and dreams of conquering the creative world.
One day he submits his essay to a literary competition. However, his professor suspects that the athlete did not write such an excellent work by himself. Investigations at the faculty lead to a coincidence between this work and an old publication by William Forrester. The basketball player is threatened with cancellation of the result of the competition, as well as expulsion from the educational institution. However, Forrester himself saves the guy from the destruction of all hopes and aspirations. The film is suitable for anyone who is looking for inspiration and loves good stories.
The cast here is truly amazing and includes Sean Connery, Anna Paquin, Matt Damon, Michael Pitt and other outstanding artists. Thus, Finding Forrester is an interesting picture, shot in the beautiful Bronx.
AWAKENINGS
The premiere of Penny Marshall’s dramatic film took place in 1990. It immediately won the hearts of the audience. The film received three Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture.
It is based on real events and tells about the activities of a medical researcher and the epidemic of lethargic encephalitis, which lasted from 1917 to 1928. The film will be interesting even to those who are not close to the medical field. After all, the lives and feelings of ordinary people are in the foreground here.
The film starred Robin Williams, Robert De Niro, Penelope Ann Miller and Alice Drummond. One can see actor Vin Diesel in a cameo role. This was his first appearance on the big screen. The events of the picture take place in the Bronx.
THE WANDERERS
This film is a must-see for all fans of American gangster stories. It was released in 1979 but remains interesting and fascinating at all times. The Wanderers is based on the novel by Richard Price. It tells about the life of a gangster group that lived in the Bronx in the 1960s. The film perfectly reveals the spirit of the borough of New York, which prevailed at that time. This movie also tells about friendship, love, loyalty and life principles. The roles were performed by Ken Wahl, Karen Allen, Erland van Lidth, Michael Wright and others. Later, the director noted that the period of castings and auditions was extremely difficult. The creators of the picture wanted to make it as real as possible so they approached all aspects with great care. More than a thousand applicants were auditioned to find the most suitable heroes for each role.
SUMMER OF SAM
This crime thriller was released in 1999. This is a story about a real American serial killer, David Berkowitz. The man was involved in criminal activities in America in the 1970s, including in the Bronx. The picture has a gloomy and mysterious atmosphere.
The understanding that this story happened in real life can be shocking.
The cast includes Adrien Brody, John Leguizamo and Mira Sorvino. The film was shot by the famous American film director Spike Lee, whose movies everyone has seen at least once.
AN INTERESTING FACT
When it comes to movies set in the Bronx, the first one that comes to mind is Showdown in the Bronx. It is the action movie with Jackie Chan that is considered the standard among similar ones. Did you know that despite the name and popular opinion the picture was not shot in the borough of New York? In the process of preparing the release, the producers decided to name the film Showdown in Vancouver, where the shooting process took place. Later, it was decided to rename it to Showdown in the Bronx. The creators decided that such a name would provide the film with greater popularity. Although the Bronx did not ‘take part’ in the filming.
The Bronx is very diverse and beautiful in that diversity. It can be sweet and cozy or dark and dangerous. That is why the filmography of this area is so different. Romantic melodramas, action and horror films were shot here. In each of the genres, the Bronx has a beautiful and organic look. Which movie to enjoy tonight? The choice is yours.
