At Close Range (1986)

Director: James Foley

Writers: Elliott Lewitt (story), Nicholas Kazan (story)

Stars: Sean Penn, Christopher Walken and Mary Stuart Masterson

My Review:

                At close range is a film based on the real life incidents of a Pennsylvanian crime family which existed in 1960s and 1970s. Aliases were used in the film for real life Characters by Nicholas Kazan and the film was released in the year 1986. Brad Whitewood, Sr. is the leader of a organised crime family consisting of his Brothers and friends. Brad Whitewood, Jr., who was brought up by his mother, with his friends seeks to join the mid-atlantic gang of his estranged father, unaware of his character that he has no concerns for his family . Sean Penn and Christopher Walken played the roles of Brad Whitewood, Jr. and Brad Whitewood, Sr. respectively.

                Nicholas Kazan has beautifully edited the real life incidents into a movie.  The flow of story from scene to scene was excellent. James Foley has directed the film well such that the impact of the movie never leaves from the mind of the viewer.  Sean Penn's performance was at its best at all occasions. At that very young age, Penn was gifted enough to give a riveting performance in this role. Millie Perkins who played the role of Julie, lover of Penn was also good.

                The best scenes of the film comes at the end, one of the most unexpected ends in a real life, where Whitewood, Jr. confronts a situation that no man in this earth would have suffered. The touching climax of the film is the one that makes the film worth remembering even after years of watching the movie. So be a witness to a great performance from one of the best working actors in the industry even before he got recognized in the industry.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Recommendation: Watch it to see one of best real life incidents which is not an Inspirational one...