Crime Genre (Must-See)

The crime genre, more commonly known as gangster movies, has been a staple in cinema since the dawn of polarized film. Filmmakers of every generation have attempted to understand and visualize the runners, gunners and pushers who capitalize on the weak and hurt the innocent.

From films like "Scarface" to "Goodfellas", Hollywood has not left one stone unturned for those gangsters who prowl in the night. It's good though for moviegoers, because there is an endless world of fascination to be had in the interesting and crazy lives that gangsters and criminals lead. But, only few filmmakers have really made an impact on Hollywood with these kinds of films, and even less movies have been made in the crime genre that evoke emotion, assess why these criminals are the way they are, and entertain while creating a unique and quality experience. Here are my must-see films in the crime genre.

5. "L.A. Confidential"

"L.A. Confidential" is a modern classic in Noir-Crime dramas. It is so heavily influenced by films from the 1950s that it shows the essence of life in that era, but adds a modern style in its direction and effortless storytelling. "L.A. Confidential" tells the story of three cops in the Los Angeles Police Department and how they all research, investigate, and start to understand the mystery behind a coffee shop shooting in their own unique ways. The writing is so tight in this movie, adding its own special flair to critique the 1950s era of cinema, but to also pay homage to the not-so- innocent Hollywood of the era. As Sid Hudgens (Danny DeVito) says in the opening monologue, "Life is good in Los Angeles ... it's paradise on Earth. Ha, ha, ha, ha. That's what they tell you, anyway." "L.A. Confidential" is a movie that twists and turns with interesting characters and a far more mind-blowing conclusion that will have you screaming at your television screen.

4. "The Departed"

"The Departed" is a fabulous film that studies the psyche degradation of a cop who goes undercover into the world of crime. Leonardo DiCaprio is here, in arguably his best performance yet, and plays the man character, Billy Costigan. Billy just finishes police school for the Massachusetts State Police and he is asked the simple question right off the bat. "Do you want to be a cop? Or,do you want to pretend to be a cop?" This question leads Billy to accept the duty of going undercover into a world of crime with mob boss Frank Costello, played perfectly by Jack Nicholson. Things get more complicated from there as Costello already has a Massachusetts State Police insider, Colin Sullivan, played by Matt Damon. It is very interesting to see the two lifestyles these characters lead as Billy goes in a downward spiral of drug use and depression, and as Colin becomes the lead detective on the case for arresting Frank Costello. This movie is truly a masterpiece and rightfully won filmmaker Martin Scorsese his first Best Picture and Best Director Academy Awards.

3. "The Godfather"

According to many, nothing passes the seminal work of gangster cinema like "The Godfather." Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece, which some consider to be the best film ever made, is a movie that catalogues the events in the life of crime family the Corleones. Marlon Brando plays Don Corleone and is the best part of this movie. He plays this character so spot on. With blood, sex, violence and character-driven drama, this film brought together most aspects of cinema that weren't even used in major Hollywood films. This was a time when films did not even use violence as graphic as it was used in this film. By today's standards, the film is not violent at all, but in the 1970s when it came out, this film was gory. It was good, and it will always be epic.

2. "Pulp Fiction"

Imagine a film that incorporates gangsters, boxers, bondage, rape, dialogue, and drugs all wrapped around a flawless story about a secret briefcase, a fixed fight and a night out on the town. If you throw all these into a blender of cinema you'll have "Pulp Fiction." John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson pay Vincent and Jules, and they are sent out on a mission by their mob boss Marsellus. Or is it a mission from God? The same mob boss, Marsellus, is after a boxer Butch, who wins a fight that he was supposed to lose and they both get caught up in the most horrifying incident a man can endure. Vincent, the man gangster from before, also takes Marsellus's wife out on a "friend" date while his boss is out of town, and they fall into trouble as well. Quentin Tarantino's best film to date is filled with superb dialogue and storytelling that truly makes this filmmaker one of the best of his era. With snappy and intelligent dialogue passing you by, even the characters, story, and music help you watch this movie, even in repeated viewing, with your jaw dropped waiting to see what happens next.

1. "Goodfellas"

Even though Martin Scorsese created a masterpiece with "The Departed," his best film hands down is still "Goodfellas." The reason being that Goodfellas is flawless, with no creative faults or mistakes. The writing is perfect, the editing is perfect, and so are the amazing performances by Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci. So good, actually, it won Joe Pesci an Academy Award. This film speaks to all the film buffs of the world, cascading you into a world of crime and drama unseen in any other film that comes to mind. Yes, The "Godfather" was the first gangster movie to feature blood and language, but "Goodfellas" said "F" you and slapped a whole new meaning to the word gratuitous. "Goodfellas" will rock you to the core, with its endless use of language, violence, and a near-perfect soundtrack. "Goodfellas" is a must-see.