“Original Gangstas 1996” is a gritty action film that follows a group of former gang members who return to their hometown to take on a ruthless gang. They are like lions returning to their territory after years away. The violence escalates as they seek justice for their community, with battles reminiscent of gladiator fights. Will they survive, or will they fall victim to the same streets they once ruled? Find out in “Original Gangstas 1996”.
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Review
In the world of gang culture, the film “Original Gangstas” is a masterpiece. Directed by Larry Cohen and released in 1996, this movie showcases the raw reality of street life. The gritty and intense portrayal of a small town overrun with gangs is reminiscent of George Orwell’s “1984.” From the electrifying score to the talented cast, it is easy to see why this movie has gained popularity with audiences around the world.
The storyline revolves around a group of former gang members returning to their hometown to restore order. Gang violence has plagued this once-beautiful town, and its citizens are living in fear. The only way to combat this menace is for these original gangsters to reunite and take back their streets. They must not only confront their own past but also tackle corrupt police forces and violent drug dealers.
The plot includes some intriguing subplots from each character’s backstory. John Bookman (Fred Williamson), a former gang leader, returns home after being away for years. He finds out that his father has been murdered by a street gang called The Rebels who have taken over his hometown Gary. He gets together with other Original Gangstas like Black Caesar (Jim Brown), Goldie (Richard Roundtree), Slick (Jim Kelly), and Chedda Bob (Robert Forster) who also return after many years.
The characters are well developed, especially their bond with each other despite their differences. As Jim Brown mentioned in an interview,” There were no big egos on the set…everyone played their parts as a team.” Even though they all play different roles in the story, they make up an ensemble that complements each other’s strengths seamlessly.
The filming locations were crucial in setting up the mood for the movie. Many scenes were shot at actual locations where gang violence had taken place before. This adds an element of authenticity to these encounters as it feels like you are watching real-life scenarios. The director also used slow-motion effects and close-ups to highlight the action during these scenes, making them more intense.
The dialogue is witty and memorable, especially the one-liners delivered by the main characters. “It’s time for a reality check!” says John Bookman before he embarks on his mission to take down the gang responsible for his father’s death. These lines showcase each character’s unique personality and attitude.
The score was composed by David Michael Frank, whose style fits perfectly with the movie’s theme. The use of electric guitars and synthesizers during action sequences makes them more impactful. In contrast, peaceful moments have a more soothing soundtrack that adds an emotional edge to these scenes.
The popularity of “Original Gangstas” can be attributed to its authenticity in portraying the world of gangs and violence. It serves as a reminder of how dangerous street life can be, and how it affects not only those involved in it but also those around them. Despite being released over two decades ago, this movie still holds relevance today.
Critics have praised this movie for its depiction of gang culture, as well as its memorable cast performances. It received several nominations at various different film festivals, including best action/adventure feature film at the International Fantasy Film Award.
In conclusion, “Original Gangstas” is a must-watch film that grips you from beginning to end. Its engaging storyline, talented cast, excellent score, and authenticity make this movie stand out from others in its genre. It serves as a great reminder of how important it is to take responsibility for our actions and face our past head-on.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 99
- Release : 1996-05-10
- Genre : Action, Drama, Crime, Thriller
- Cast : Fred Williamson as John Bookman, Jim Brown as Jake Trevor, Pam Grier as Laurie Thompson, Paul Winfield as Reverend Dorsey, Isabel Sanford as Gracie Bookman
- Crew : Ousaun Elam as Utility Stunts, Fred Williamson as Producer, Tami Treadwell as ADR Recordist, Tony Brubaker as Utility Stunts, Larry Cohen as Director
- Popularity 5.12
- Budget : $4,800,000
- Revenue : $3,014,000
- Company : Po’ Boy Productions
- Summary : A violent street gang, the Rebels, rule the streets of Gary, Indiana. The Rebels shoot Marvin Bookman, a store-keeper, for giving the police information about a drive-by shooting they committed. Marvin’s son, former NFL star John who created the Rebels, returns to Gary to be with his father and, with a little help from his friends, to destroy the Rebels his way.
- Tagline : The original bad boys are stepping up in ’96!
