A young boy is befriended by the local crime boss (Palminteri) when the boy refuses to squeal about a murder he witnesses in his Bronx neighborhood. The boy's hardworking father (DeNiro) becomes disgusted that his son has taken up with a dangerous criminal.

This film, penned by Palminteri, really is a great story. There's a great father/son relationship and the mobsters are all interesting (and often hilarious) characters. The story is developed well as the boy is challenged to choose between the teachings of his father and the pressures from the mobsters and his friends. These three parties are constantly at odds with each other and make for a compelling drama. There is a subplot involving an interracial relationship that proves to be superfluous, but all is not lost because of it. A Bronx Tale also has one of the better bar fight scenes you'll see on screen.

Soundtrack recommended.

Directed by Robert DeNiro.