Mean Streets

An American crime drama film from 1973, directed by Martin Scorsese. The story follows Charlie Cappa (Harvey Keitel), a young Italian-American residing in New York City's Little Italy. Charlie is torn between his loyalty to his friend John "Johnny Boy" Civello (Robert De Niro), a reckless small-time criminal, and his ambition to rise within the criminal ranks under the guidance of his uncle Giovanni (Cesare Danova), an influential mafioso. Johnny's constant troubles, including unpaid debts and dangerous antics, place Charlie in a difficult position. Simultaneously, Charlie is secretly involved with Teresa Ronchelli (Amy Robinson), Johnny's cousin who suffers from epilepsy, a relationship frowned upon by his peers. The film delves into themes of sin, redemption, and moral conflict against the harsh backdrop of organized crime. "Mean Streets" marked Scorsese's first significant work, establishing his stylistic approach and initiating a fruitful collaboration with De Niro. The film was critically acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of life in Little Italy and its complex characters. In 1997, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.