Mean Streets

1973 drama co-written and directed by Martin Scorsese stars Harvey Keitel, Robert De Niro.

Keitel plays a young man in New York's Little Italy who makes a living doing collections for his wiseguy uncle. When offered a restaurant to run for his uncle he is forced to choose between what might be a lucrative future or love and friendship.

His girlfriend is has epilepsy and his best friend, Johnny Boy, is a loose cannon. These relationships create tension between he and his uncle.

The young cast (then) shines in what is basically the story of a young man's conflicts between his real life and his moral dilemmas...all played out on the "Mean Streets".

Fascinating and riveting. De Niro is incredible (What's a mook?)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070379/

A Bronx Tale

1993 drama directed by Robert DeNiro and written by Chaz Palminteri from his play.

Both star in this New York story of a boy's coming of age with two strong influences: his straight arrow loving father and a flamboyant criminal who rules the neighborhood.

Good feel for its 1960s setting and both actors know New York. Great cast supports them in a story that is poingant and heartfelt.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106489/

The Warriors

Walter Hill directed this 1979 film starring Michael Beck, James Remar, and Deborah Van Valkenburgh.

Violent drama depicts a street gang's journey from the Bronx to their home base as other rival gangs try to stop them.

Interesting look at the various types of gangs and gritty view of the city and its inhabitants.

Many violent segments but worth seeing Hill's vision of a very tough New York.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080120/