The 2011 biographical crime film “Kill the Irishman” may be an unknown entry into Mob Movie March. In a way similar to “Goodfellas,” “Kill the Irishman” follows the seventeen-year career of Irish-American gangster, Danny Greene.
Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, “Kill the Irishman” features a great cast. Its 106 minute length doesn’t waste a single frame. Greene’s story is presented in an objective way. The viewer is left with a better understanding of why he made the choices he made. We are also let in on the brutality he and his cohorts employed.
Immediately we get something new for a mob movie; it doesn’t take place in New York. Hensleigh takes us back to 1960, and the dockyards of Cleveland.
Danny Greene uses his prowess to rise from low level laborer to head of the powerful and corrupt Longshoreman’s Union.
The filters used are perfect.
Watching the movie, you will feel as though the filming happened many decades in the past. We get a true feel of the urban decay that surrounds Cleveland. Tall buildings are surrounded by run down houses and tough neighborhood streets. The smaller sized city only works to increase the reaches of organized crime. 1970s Cleveland looks more far more menacing than Bagdad.
Ray Stevenson does an amazing portrayal of Danny Greene.
We get a real sense of Greene and his life as an uneducated descendant of Irish immigrants. Greene knows the value of hard work but doesn’t shy away from the bureaucratic bullies that run the town. Stevenson bares a striking resemblance to the real life man he is portraying.
Greene works closely with the Italian and Jewish mafia figures that control Cleveland. Close friend John Nardi (Vincent D’Onofrio) brings him to the table with the upper echelon of mobsters; one of which is played by the legendary Christopher Walken. Val Kilmer plays Detective Joe Manditski, the quintessential cop tasked with tracking down the bad guys.
Ancillary characters are played by some great character actors including Bob Gunton, Vinnie Jones and Paul Sorvino. The beautiful Laura Ramsey portrays Greene’s love interest, Ellie. The entire cast fits well in their respective roles. There are no weak links.
“Kill the Irishman” is an enjoyable movie. It offers a historical perspective on a lesser known figure I organized crime. If you are a mob junkie, its well worth checking out.
“Kill the Irishman” is available to stream.
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