King of New York Reviews

Abel Ferrara has garnered a reputation over the years for having a sharp eye for being able to artfully portray the darker, grittier side of New York's criminal underworld, and this is a choice example to back that up.

Recently released from Sing Sing, mobster Frank White sets out to rebuild his criminal empire and reinstate himself as the head of the criminal drug trade. Aided by his army of loyal thugs, they set out to eliminate all threats and rivals, namely various Italian and Asian gangsters, as well as a fiercely ruthless team of cops determined to bring them all down. But getting back to the top isn't the only goal. Frank's not just a criminal, he's a socially conscious one, and it is his hope that, once he's back in full power, that he will try to do some good in the world, a la Robin Hood.

Driven by Schoolly D's groundbreaking influential hip-hop soundtrack, this is a stylish, dark, and tremendously violent crime thriller. Christopher Walken leads an all star cast as Frank, and joining him are stellar supporters like Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, and several others, all putting in some nice work.

The camera work is top notch, the city's underside is suitably raw and grim, and this is a pretty memorable piece of work all around. It's not the most polished or original film of its type, but it is quite entertaining, so give it a watch.

Raw, gritty and stylish gangster picture from director Abel Ferrara who crafts an uncompromising portrayal of New York's criminal underworld. The power of this film lies in the performance of Christopher Walken who plays mob boss Christopher Walken. With a great story to tell, director Abel Ferrara crafts an unrelenting gangster picture with a terrific plot. What makes this film stand out among other films in the genre is that it's a modern retelling of the classic Robin Hood tale, and Ferrara does it very well. Walken is menacing ion his role, and he's what makes this film such a memorable viewing experience. The tone of the film is dark, gritty and with no sense of hope. King of New York shows the ugly side of New York, and the film may not be perfect, but it's a well executed film that shouldn't be overlooked by crime film fans. The film is entertaining from start to finish and manages to give the viewer an in your face portrait of the crime world of New York. With raw violence, effective performance, Abel Ferrara delivers a film that made audiences walk out due to its amount of violence and subject. A solid work in the crime genre, King of New York should be seen by fans of the genre. Christopher Walken as usual delivers a stunning performance and he is perfect for the role of Frank White. Abel Ferrara might have had a so-so career when he came out with his obscured exploitation Slasher flick The Driller Killer, but with King of New York, he proves that he's able to craft a more stylish film with substance and raw intensity that makes you take notice.

Imagine having a forced conversation in a dirty alley with a buffed-up, cracked-out, ex- marine, ex-con, half brag, half rant, this utterly unbelievable New York tale of a "good" gangster is riveting in its over-the-top machismo. Its almost a cartoon, but the name talent keeps you hooked. Watch it.

This was a pretty good movie...But what I couldn't seem to understand was this: The plot was described as "When Walken gets out of prison he has to take back his throne as the king of new york"....but there was no doubt in my mind that he was the undisputed king of new york from the start of the movie...till the end...he had nothing to take back....he had it all. And a little shoutout to Laurence Fishburne...he did a really good job.

I really dug the whole early 90's ness of this entire movie. We had some amazing actors such as Larry Fishburne and Wesley Snipes, giving their all in some memorable side roles. King of New York tells the tale of Frank White, a crimelord that easily buys popularity with the community. He simply flashes some cash around and the cops become the bad guys. Soon, out of sheer desperation, the cops reduce themselves to the level of thugs. They use intimidation and violence. The film shows that such tactics are only a short term solution to a much bigger problem. As all great crime epics should, it shows the allure of crime and the devastating downfalls. Walken is astonishing in his role and Argo simply bursts alive opposite him. The latter shows the real pain and suffering that must be endured to maintain strict morals. It's sad how far Walken pushes him.

Crimelord Frank White is released from jail and sets about reclaiming the New York underworld and shaping it in his own image. King Of New York can be seen very much as the Scarface of the 90s. It has much of its excess, including a larger than life central character played with Walken's usual panache, explosions of visceral action and is all set very much within the popular culture of its time; in this case the gang related culture of early hip hop. This is the film which cemented Walken's reputation as psycho of choice for up and coming directors and Laurence Fishburne's manic turn as a gleeful hitman almost steals the show. It's a very influential formula, obviously making an impact on Tarantino and his contemporaries, and the whole recipe of old school hip hop and late 80s fashions which has been enjoying a revival of late has dated surprisingly well. In fact, despite the comparison with Scarface, it's rather better written, directed AND acted than that film. The only thing that stopped it from reaching firm favourite status for me was the rather anti-climactic ending, but I'd still consider this as Ferrara's finest achievement.

For a gangster movie I'd never even heard of before, this was really good. Mainly with credit to its well-written main character (a drug lord played by a brilliant Christopher Walken), whose dual nature and multi-facetted personality, made for a very interesting watch. His Robin Hood-like ways, of using his power and influences to help the poor and unprivileged, gave the story a quite unique feel. Besides Walken we're also treated to a great supporting cast, including familiar faces like Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and the always-cool Wesley Snipes. A pretty anonymous, yet intriguing and well-acted film, that held my attention all the way through. Worth seeing just for Walken's wonderful acting.

Christopher Walken on top of the world as Frank White, the most charismatic mobster around. I love the idea of a organized criminal wanting to fund a hospital, a modern day Robin Hood if you ask me. Some great casting with Laurence Fishburne and the slimy David Caruso. The filming is amazing, giving you a grand urban New York feel. For modern gangster movies, it is probably the best around.

One of the best gangster films ever! This is a classic and one of Ferrara's best!

A sizzeling and exhilerating crime-drama that packs serious punch. It's riveting and action-packed. A solid and near-perfect fiilm wiht a great story and top-notch all-star cast who all deliver fantastic performances. Christopher Walken is brilliant. David Caruso is electrifying. Lawerance Fishburne is excellent. Wesly Snipes is teriffc,

pure coke-fueled 80's excess. walken is rarely less than riveting and fishburne is a hoot. david caruso, on the other hand, never fails to irritate me. still this was fun.

Boy did this film blow. Walken is great, and Larry Fishburne is a fun character, but the movie itself was seedly 80's garbage.

I'm usually absorbed by well done criminal/gangster films and "King of New York" is no different and with solid directing and a good cast anchored by Christopher Walken this is a solid film all around. The films deals with the underbelly of New York and the various seedy deals and double crosses that take place as well as how deep and far-reaching crime really goes. Christopher Walken gives a both terrifying and yet calmly mellow performance that really makes his character and give a very stylish vibe to the proceedings. Parts of the movie are over the top, specifically any scenes with Laurence Fishburne's character and his wacky demeanor, but overall it stays grounded and conveys it's message clearly.

One of Abel Ferrara's best. Good performances all around, even from Wesley Snipes.

One of the best mafia/hood movies out there. Christopher Walken shines as a crime boss to an all black gang/family. Very cool storyline, with all the mafia trimmings money,drugs, women, and excessive violence. A very impressive performance from laurence fishburne too.

Great movie. Walken gives one of his best menacing performances as a crime lord. A lot of familiar actors in their early years co-star.

Gritty slice of crime life in the big apple; terrific cast including Walken,Caruso, Fishburne and Snipes....a bit cliche but overall plenty of drama and action..and hasa small part played by Ariane, one of my fave actresses:)

From this film being booed off the stage at certain festivals (by cretins I might add), this is now a genuine classic. Ferrara's gritty style mixed with garish sets makes this film quite visually wonderful and the acting is excellent. I remember hating the whole "Where Scarface left off, KONY begins..." tagline (I hate movies that compare themselves to other movies, be your own movie I scream..and then get kicked out of the video store), but this tagline actually fits quite nicely. A lot of Ferrara's Catholicism makes it's way into the movie, but still it's a tough as nails gangster epic. Great performances all around, which is pretty much par for the course in a Ferrara film, and a great story about a chapter in the life of a crime lord. Highly recommended.

It's OK, but that's about it. Some of the lines make me want to punch people in the face, even the great Christopher Walken when he says something to the effect of, "Yo, I heard dat." Give me a ****ing break.

Like any other Abel Ferrara movie. THIS IS WORTH OWNING. Brutal and dark. Tons of great actors get deaded by other great actors.