The Narrows (2008)

From NetFlix:

Mike Manadoro (Kevin Zegers) is torn between two worlds — his numbers-runner father Vinny’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) Brooklyn way of life and the college lifestyle he discovers as a photography student — in this drama based on Tim McLoughlin’s novel Heart of the Old Country. While earning money for school as his father’s driver and by delivering packages for a local mobster, Mike yearns to fully embrace the urbane new world he’s entered.

Searching for films with Vincent DÓnofrio led to this dark tale of the Brooklyn underworld. An excellently detailed plot with many twists offers the young Kevin Zegers (who can also be seen in “Fifty Dead Men Walking”) a great acting opportunity. No-one disappoints. Be prepared for two especially ugly gang executions. Despite that violence, the story holds your attention at least because you are rooting for Mike Manadoro to save his soul. Vincent DÓnofrio (you either love him or hate him) offers the least quirky role of his career while still doing his usual perfect job. I have to mention Titus Welliver as the soulless gang leader Tony (why are they always named Tony, as in “Tony Soprano” ?) for his creepy unfeeling role. Welliver can be seen in the wonderful TV series “The Good Wife”.

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