Maybe this sounds strange but I've never dared to watch a mob movie/show because seeing too graphic violence scenes makes me feel sick. I haven't watched GOT either but I've read the books and many pxs fics. Well, last year I watched Peaky Blinders because I heard it was very different from other mob stories and the violence wasn't to graphic. I truly loved it so I would like to watch more mob stories. From your list, where I should start? Thank you :D And thank you for The Baelishes :D (1)
It does not sound strange at all – for me I don’t truly enjoy graphic violence, so much as I do the power and dominance that come with such displays. To have someone be one way in public but another way behind closed doors with the right lover, is huge to me. I think of it like having the biggest baddest top dog out there be ready and willing to snap his leash and rip your enemy to shreds and then snuggle up to you after, letting you and only you close enough to pet him. It’s just my kink (please don’t judge, lol) so I can overlook some graphic stuff for what it means to the story/romance/kink/plot overall. (I think that’s how I can write some of the scenes I do – it’s very little about the carnage I describe and very much about the emotion behind it and the effect it has on the characters present)
You are welcome for The Baelishes – thank you for reading it. Especially with the violence factor. I know that it can put some off, so I’m always excited when people can look past that and appreciate the story I’m trying to deliver through it all. The violence is just a tool, not the focus.
And as to where to start – oh geez lol. It depends on what you’re looking for. I watch these when I’m looking for different things. I usually watch for these 3 reasons: jealousy/power kink, sibling/family devotion, organized crime structure/mob life. I can organize these quickly into those 3 categories and you just pick what you’re in the mood for. Each one has something graphic in it, but it’s like a scene or two and I just try to remind myself to look at the deeper meaning behind it.
Goodfellas – Karen & Henry, omg lol, they are cray-cray
Pulp Fiction – “You don’t be givin’ Marsellus Wallace’s new bride a foot massage…” lol – you’ll understand if you watch.
Scarface – the scene where Pacino shows up at Michelle Pfieffer’s bedside, sweaty and a little bloody (not too bad) and tells her to grab her things, she’s coming with him, she’s his now. Whoa…just whoa.
Casino – Deniro’s desire to have, protect, and provide for Stone, and her sick addiction/devotion to Woods despite it.
The Black Donnellys – 4 brothers take over their neighborhood from the irish mob and fight off the italians, all the while protecting each other.
Boondock Saints – Connor and Murphy…such sibling love.
Road to Perdition – Father/Son love and protection. Also made me look at Tom Hanks in a new light. Son sees something he shouldn’t, father fights a mob to protect him.
A Bronx Tale – A story of a father trying hard to keep his son out of the mob life, when a mobster takes a shine to him and decides he wants him to work for him.
Peaky Blinders – The shit that Tommy does for his family – and omg Aunt Polly, I love that woman so much lol.
State of Grace– Terry’s bro-love for his crazy friend Jackie
Organized Crime Structure/Mob Life:
Goodfellas – Ray Liotta does a lot of great voice-overs explaining structure
Donnie Brasco – “When I introduce you, I’m gonna say ‘this is a friend of mine’ that means you’re a connected guy. Now if I say ‘this a friend of ours’ that would mean you’re a made guy…” so many great lines like this that teaches so much.
Boardwalk Empire – I love watching the politics of how “Nucky” Thompson rules Atlantic City with his family.
Gangs of New York – The Butcher knew a thing or two about respect.
The Sopranos – Lifestyle. Living in the suburbs while working in the seedier parts of the city. That divide in reality vs appearances.
The Departed -- Mark Wahlburg at the end…that’s all I’m gonna say.
I hope this helps – and remember these are just the movies/shows I enjoy and the reasons why I in particular enjoy them. You may watch them and be like “so not my thing” lol. No harm, no foul either way :-)
