Polish crime drama “How I Became A Gangster,” directed by Maciej Kawulski, is available on Netflix. It covers the life of a mafioso from his formative years to his latter years as a mafia boss. The gangster, who is affectionately referred to by his crew as Chief, is mostly concerned with gaining greater power and keeping control over others. Walden, a buddy, and Magdalena, his wife, accompany him on the expedition.
The creators altered a few details based on actual events to protect the participants. The protagonist also abides by his own set of norms and regulations, which provides insight into Chief as a person and a character. The movie explores the unseen and hidden facets of a Polish mafioso’s experiences and life. The following recommendations are ideal if you enjoy the action and brutality of such a gangster-based film and want to watch further such tales. The majority of these films that are comparable to “How I Became a Gangster” are available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
How I Fell In Love With A Gangster (2022)
The crime drama film “How I Fell in Love With a Gangster,” which was originally titled “Jak pokochalam gangstera,” is focused on the rise to power and later experiences of real-life Polish gangster Nikodem “Nikos” Skotarczak. The movie, which is narrated by an unidentified woman, details his crimes and deeds that had an impact on the entire nation.
If we look a little closer, “How I Became a Gangster” and “How I Fell In Love With A Gangster” have a lot in common. The same writer and director, Krzysztof Gureczny and Maciej Kawulski, are responsible for both films. As a result, both movies have a similar tone and overarching themes because their plots revolve on well-known Polish gangsters.
Live by Night (2016)
Ben Affleck’s criminal thriller movie “Live by Night” is based on Dennis Lehane’s 2012 book of the same name. It centers on Joe Coughlin, a World War I veteran turned occasional burglar in Boston. Eventually, during the Prohibition era, he climbs the criminal underworld’s ranks to become a powerful mobster in Florida.
Joe runs afoul of the law and competing gangsters as he grows wealthy and powerful. As a result, he must face the negative consequences of his way of life and his mistakes. The gangster’s trials and tribulations are depicted in the well-known film. While Chief is from Poland and Joe is from Boston, their lives have a similar trajectory toward achievement and ultimately failure.
Mesrine: Killer Instinct (2008)
The first of a two-part biographical series about infamous French mobster Jacques Mesrine, “Mesrine: Killer Instinct,” is a crime movie directed by Jean-François Richet. It chronicles his formative years as a young man in the 1960s as he gets involved in vandalism. Mesrine gradually moves up in the Parisian criminal underworld.
Ludivine Sagnier, Samuel Le Bihan, and Vincent Cassel play the roles of Mesrine in the movie. Mesrine, a French mobster, and Chief, a Polish mafioso, are similar to one another. Additionally, crime and violence are a constant part of their lives, and they eventually pay a price for their actions.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
‘Once Upon a Time in America’ tells the dramatic and bloody story of loyalty, betrayal, and the effects of a life of crime. This grand epic, which was directed by Sergio Leone, covers several decades. The crime thriller film depicts a group of young Jewish boys who develop into infamous gangsters while living in New York City’s tough neighborhoods.
Robert De Niro plays David “Noodles” Aaronson, a gang member who gains influence before losing it in the movie. Chief, like David, encounters a number of obstacles along the way to success; their individual films portray their distinct life experiences.
The Iceman (2012)
Ariel Vromen’s biographical crime drama “The Iceman” is based on the real-life experiences of Richard Kuklinski. He was a well-known family guy and contract killer who killed over 100 individuals between 1954 and 1986. The movie chronicles Kuklinski’s life and criminal activities, notably his work as a hitman for the New York Gambino crime family. He was ultimately detained and found guilty. The film earned favorable reviews from reviewers and has since gained cult status. Movies based on actual gangsters and mafia members include “How I Became A Gangster” and “The Iceman.” They provide us with a window into the underground and the life of actual criminals.
The Public Enemy (1931)
The Public Enemy, a film directed by William A. Wellman, tells the tale of Tom Powers, a young man who rises through the ranks of Chicago’s criminal underworld during the Prohibition era. As he gains strength, he also develops a vicious and merciless side. Tom’s actions eventually come back to haunt him. James Cagney, Jean Harlow, and Edward Woods are the main actors in the classic criminal drama movie. Both “The Public Enemy” and “How To Become A Gangster” are set in the criminal underworld and mafia.
Totem (2017)
The crime film “Totem,” written and directed by Jakub Charon, tells the tale of two brothers. Following a botched drug sale, they become embroiled in a web of lies and criminal activity. The siblings must deal with the reality of betrayal, violence, and intricate crime because they are new to a life of lawlessness. Karol Bernacki, Robert Chuchro, and Waldemar Galuszka play major parts in the Polish film. In the Netflix film, Chief and Walden clash with police authorities while pursuing a life of crime and violence, much like the brothers in “Totem.” Additionally, both films are of the crime genre and are from Poland.
Yuma (2012)
The Polish crime drama film Yuma, directed by Piotr Mularuk, centers on a young man named Marek who falls acquainted with some criminals and finds himself caught up in a botched heist. He must wrestle with his own morals and the repercussions of his actions as he attempts to get out of the perilous predicament.
Marek and Chief both commit heists and are apprehended in a lawless environment, which is a common experience in the criminal world. The characters further attempt to protect themselves from a hazardous circumstance. Additionally, Chief and Marek have been associated with the mafia since they were young.
