Tony Soprano was one of the most revered and feared television characters in history. During its six seasons, “The Sopranos” was a Sunday night staple on HBO. At the center of the series was Tony (played by the late James Gandolfini), a complex and complicated man who sought to find the balance between his role as a loving husband, son, and father and as leader of one of New Jersey’s most powerful crime families.
The show ended in 2007 with a cliffhanger, but series creator David Chase returned this month with the coming-of-age story of Tony in the film “The Many Saints of Newark.”
Taking place in the 1960s and early 1970s in Newark, New Jersey, “The Many Saints of Newark” is the prequel to “The Sopranos.” This time the story follows Dickie Moltisanti (played by Alessandro Nivola) as he ascends the ranks in the DiMeo crime family. Anthony Soprano is Dickie’s teenage nephew. Anthony idolizes Dickie, as his own father is absent and in prison.
Now for some interesting back story … Anthony is played by Michael Gandolfini, son of James Gandolfini, the late actor who played Tony in the “The Sopranos.” If you’ve watched the show, you’ll also recognize the Moltisanti name. In the series, Christopher Moltisanti, Dickie’s son, is Tony’s younger cousin. Just as Anthony looks up to Dickie, Christopher was Tony’s protégé. Interestingly, the Moltisanti name loosely translates to “many saints,” thus the fitting name for the prequel.
Back to the film. Race riots are at their peak in Newark, adding to the ongoing strife and violence created by the Mafia. While racist attitudes are prevalent in Dickie’s circle, he befriends Harold McBrayer (played by Leslie Odom Jr.), who collects gambling money for him and sets the stage for a power struggle. As a parallel, the film follows the Italian culture and traditions rooted in the Moltisanti family.
Fans of the series will see a cast of familiar characters, albeit the much younger versions of Tony’s sister Janice, Paulie Walnuts, and Silvio Dante. Central to the film are the roles of Livia Soprano, Tony’s mom, played by Vera Farmiga; Junior Soprano, Tony’s uncle, played by Corey Stoll; and Ray Liotta, cast in a dual role as “Hollywood Dick” Moltisanti, Dickie’s dad, and his twin Salvatore “Sally” Moltisanti.
In addition to the superb acting and Chase and co-writer Lawrence Konner’s script, the costume design and soundtrack are spot-on, taking viewers back to the late 60’s.
It’s not a shocker that the film features a lot of intense violence and bloodshed, which is behind the film’s R-rating, along with colorful language, sexual content, and some nudity. Streaming on HBO Max, and in theaters, it’s a bit long at 120 minutes, but It’s a film worth watching, especially for fans of “The Sopranos.”