Amongst Friends (1993)

Best movie of this year hands down!

It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

This movie was so memorable to me that I remember the opening song, "Innocent Child". A fascinating and, for me, riveting character study of the choices and consequences that befall 3 young wealthy Jewish friends. The performances were good, but the writing was the main attraction. And the 5 towns NY setting. An 'early in her career' role by Mira Sirvino is also an added bonus (in a supporting role). I thought the feel/atmosphere of the movie made it attractive and interesting, and the characters unique 'New York dialogue' and provincial sayings spiced up the movie. The movie had a very realistic feel for that time period/era, and is a good time capsule for that slice of life in the early 90's NY area. You will enjoy this movie, in spite of whatever flaws, because the writing/story is that good.

This is the best movie of all time! Why? The dialogue, the actors, and the soundtrack are dead on! Rob Weiss has made something here that is beyond perfect... a true film about friendship, betrayal, and the lust for power and money... I mean what else is this country all about anyways? The soundtrack is unlike any other fitting each scene with perfect precision. What makes this film the greatest is simply the fact that this is a great film from start to finish. Every time I watch it just gets better and better. My hat goes off to everyone involved in the making of this film. I recommend this film to everyone who hasn't seen it!

If you were born or grew up on Long Island, New York, you just might relate in some way to the plot of this film and the great acting by all the actors who portray various backgrounds, Italian, Jewish, and the league of Nations! In many ways this film makes people think that the only way to make a living is cheating, stealing or just plain Wheeling & Dealing. Many families moved from Brooklyn, N.Y. to the suburbs of Long Island, like Merrick, Freeport, Lindenhurst, Lynbrook, and Valley Stream. This film does paint a horrible picture of evil young people following in the footsteps of gangs and mobsters! The ending of this picture was rather sad, lacking in any love or romance, just plain BORING!

Even though many critics have labeled "Amongst Friends" as just a 90's version of "Mean Streets", this is not necessarily a criticism. The acting is solid (see Mira Sorvino in an early role) and the drama level is kept high throughout the film. Basically it's a tale of Jewish Long Island kids growing up to be gangsters, and I recommend it.