Bloodbrothers

The trials and tribulations of the Italian American De Coco family are played out in this Bronx-set Robert Mulligan adaptation of the Richard Price novel. While brothers Chubby (Paul Sorvino) and Tommy (Tony Lo Bianco) live their lives as they always have--working at their construction jobs during the day and drinking and carousing at night--Tommy's son Stony (Richard Gere) is torn between following in his father's footsteps and answering the call of his heart to work with underprivileged children. Sidestepping blue-collar and Italian American stereotypes, Mulligan (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD) generously explores the power of loyalty and dreams within the De Coco family, allowing his fine cast to express a breathtaking depth of emotion. Marilu Henner, Lo Bianco, and Sorvino shine, as does Gere in an early role that demonstrates his already smoldering screen presence and star-quality acting.