King of New York remains as one of the most notable peaks in the legendary trajectory of Abel Ferrara, a quoted cult director (Ms 45), because combines that nostalgic rapture of a lord of the underworld, superbly performed by Christopher Walken, who leaders a gang composed exclusively of black men, who wait for him after he gets out of prison, just to find the world he lived has changed, that Colombian, Chinese and Italian gangs have invaded his territory.

So, as it's usual in these cases he will have to clean and clear this state of things, through a zealous, systematic and hyper violent decantation of every bunch. There's abundant doses of violence, as we may expect, but this device is not free; expresses without circumlocutions, a sort of final testament, because he is infected of AIDS and that's what impulses him to support a public healthy hospital, seriously threatened to close the doors due many financial restrictions.

On the other side of the street, we have a bunch of brave officers, who are reluctant to become stone guests in this solemn façade and are not disposed to allow Frank White appears as a redemptive benefactor before the society. They are aware his procedures and will make the best they can to face him.

The nocturnal stages confers and even accents the tragic atmosphere , of this superb and overlooked Noir of the early Nineties that includes overwhelming performances of supporting characters; Lawrence Fishburne makes an outstanding characterization of sinister mercenary as well David Caruso as the driving force of the arm of the law.

A must see and have. A personal hard to die cult movie ever.

This is a classic CW movie and he shines in this action packed classic. If you like this actor then this is a must have DVD. If violence makes you uneasy then grab your blankie to throw over your head when the action starts!! Chris plays a New York City tough being released from prison...and his original turf has been hijacked from him by competitors. His original gang memebers are still intact...and they set the stage for his release by ELIMINATION. As Christopher says in the movie..."I JUST DON'T FEEL ANY REMORSE." He is a tough guy with a soft heart for his old neighborhood.....gotta see this one. This one compares with Al Pacino's shoot em up movies.....and it has a great supporting cast of well known actors.

Rhythm.

Train tracks, rap tracks, coke rails, bullet trails.

This is a Robin Hood story.

The plot is kinda predictable

.. but the actors are in a weird Nihilistic ZONE.

Mssrs Fishburne, Walken, Caruso and Esposito do some of the best work in their careers up in here.

I also applaud the women: Theresa Randle and Janet Julian.

The Chinese gangster also A+ = Joey Chin. Brilliant performance.

Thanks, Abel. It's so NYC.

I don't what movie the other reviewers were watching, but this film is absolute BS! It is not the worst, but there is a reason that I just saw this the day I wrote this review. I thought it looked weak when it first came out and I was right!

This is another example of a film that cannot make NYC make it good! The only big thing about this movie is NYC and they could not get any good shots. I guess when it's low budget, that is what you get. It is uninteresting and the gangsters are not properly set up and they take every cliche and it sucks. Not only that, it is poorly written.

The shocking part is, Wesley Snipes and even singer Freddie Jackson are in it and just about every Spike Lee supporting actor is in it as well. In fact, everyone in Spike's films are in. SO many that you would think that Spike produced (not directed of course!) the film! Fishburne is a fine actor, but his over the top 'thug' persona. It is like a sub-urban guy's take on a black street thug - clearly unrealistic.

This film tries to think it is going to be a classic, but it is like all horrible films as it fails to even tell you what it's about! The Amazon description is what you learn about the film as the film just jumps into the story(!), not much action except senseless over shooting of guns. The actors must have been despaerate for checks on this one. STAY AWAY or rent it! Trust me!

King of New York (Abel Ferrara, 1990)

When Abel Ferrara is good, he is very, very good. King of New York may be a muddled, overly-complex mess, especially when compared to the movie that came after it in the Ferrara canon (Bad Lieutenant, still his finest offering), but it's a sumptuous mess, and if you don't pay too much attention, it's a blast.

Frank White (Christopher Walken) has just gotten out of prison, and he has a plan for this world, yes he does. He gathers his troops, led by Jimmy Jump (Larry Fishburne, in the days when Laurence was still Larry), and recruits some new ones, and away they go. Meanwhile, a team of young hotshot cops, led by the older, wiser, and more cynical Bishop (Victor Argo), are keeping their eye on Frank, trying to take him down at the earliest possible opportunity.

What really hits home about this movie is the incredible cast, many of whom were still on their way up at the time: David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, Harold Perrineau, Steve Buscemi, etc. All are fantastic actors, and Ferrara gets the most out of them. Second is the photography, which is wonderful throughout (Bojan Bazelli was nominated for an Independent Spirit award for the cinematography, and deservedly so). The end result is a sea of powerful performances and pretty scenes stuck in a movie that never really connects them (though it's entirely possible that this is attributable to the extensive cuts that had to be made to the film for it to achieve its R rating, over fifteen minutes by some accounts). The movie was roundly reviled by audiences when it appeared, which should immediately cause the film buff's ears to prick up; if the masses hated it, you certainly won't. *** ½

If you like ganster movies this will be a great buy. From the start of the movie to the end you will experience action and twisted events. The only downfall to this movie is that it could have been longer, besides that is a great buy by my standard.

Christopher Walken and I are the same age and come from the same neighborhood in Astoria, Queens, NYC. His father owned Walken's Bakery in Astoria. Did we go to the same Public School, I don't remember back that far. But I have been a huge fan of his from the beginning when he played the nutty brother of Diane Keaton in Annie Hall. He didn't have much screen time in Annie Hall but you sure remembered him!

I agree with the five star reviews of King of New York. Walken sure can creep you out! In any movie that he has been in, your eyes rivit to him immediately, he has such a huge presence in everything he does. Even on Saturday Night Live when he portrayed The Continental. He's a genius. And since he started his career as a dancer on Broadway, ever move he makes reflects his dancing Broadway career.

I just purchased this movie on Amazon and will add it to my Christopher Walken collection. Damn, this guy is just the best!

I'll just add that this movie has Wesley Snipes as an honorable cop and Larry Fishburne as a vicious gangster, which is a reversal of those two's usual roles. David Caruso is great, Walken is Walken.

Frank White (Christopher Walken) is a crime boss just released from prison. He rejoins his henchmen, headed up by Jimmy Jump (Laurence Fishburne). No sooner does White step out of prison, that the killing games begin. White is out to finance a local inner city hospital that is on the verge of being closed for lack of funding. He is determined to do this by using the ill gotten gains of drug trafficking, his and that of other drug lords. Since the others apparently will not relinguish the money voluntarily, force is used, quite a bit of it as a matter of fact, to get their money and/or drugs.

Officers Dennis Gilley (David Caruso) and Thomas Flanigan (Wesley Snipes) are part of a team of cops that are looking to stop White. They are outraged that he is on the street and that they are seemingly unable to stop him by fair means. They decide to resort to foul means and end up all the worse for their efforts. Throughout the film, the line is sometimes blurred between the good guys and the bad guys. There is no happy ending here, and justice may or may not be deemed to have been served, depending upon the viewer's own subjective viewpoint.

The performances are good overall, and in particular, Fishburne's manic character, Jimmy Jump, is a good foil for Walker's coolly detached character, Frank White. This is not really a character driven movie, however, but rather a plot driven one. There is a lot of action, a lot of shootings and carnage, and some car chase scenes that will keep the viewer on edge. The violence, when it occurs, is bloody and protracted. Moreover, in addition to being bimbos and sex toys, the women also pack high powered heat and shoot with the best of them. Despite some plot holes, the film entertains, though just how entertaining the viewer will find this film will depend on the viewer's tolerance for violence.

I thought this was a strange movie. Yet I admit it was interesting to watch. Christopher Walken plays a drug kingpin who just gets out of prison. He gets his people together to assert control over the criminal world. Laurence Fishburne's character is one of the most interesting to watch. He's manic compared to Walken's cold demeanor. Yet they're very close.

Three cops are out to get them. They can't stand how Walken and his gang are getting away with just about everything.

This movie has lots of drugs, sex, violence and a disjointed plot. Yet it pulled me in. What can I say? If you like the actors in this movie, you might enjoy it. Especially if you are a Walken fan like I am.

Frank White (Christopher Walken) is a crime boss just released from prison. He rejoins his henchmen, headed up by Jimmy Jump (Laurence Fishburne). No sooner does White step out of prison, that the killing games begin. White is out to finance a local inner city hospital that is on the verge of being closed for lack of funding. He is determined to do this by using the ill gotten gains of drug trafficking, his and that of other drug lords. Since the others apparently will not relinguish the money voluntarily, force is used, quite a bit of it as a matter of fact, to get their money and/or drugs.

Officers Dennis Gilley (David Caruso) and Thomas Flanigan (Wesley Snipes) are part of a team of cops that are looking to stop White. They are outraged that he is on the street and that they are seemingly unable to stop him by fair means. They decide to resort to foul means and end up all the worse for their efforts. Throughout the film, the line is sometimes blurred between the good guys and the bad guys. There is no happy ending here, and justice may or may not be deemed to have been served, depending upon the viewer's own subjective viewpoint.

The performances are good overall, and in particular, Fishburne's manic character, Jimmy Jump, is a good foil for Walker's coolly detached character, Frank White. This is not really a character driven movie, however, but rather a plot driven one. There is a lot of action, a lot of shootings and carnage, and some car chase scenes that will keep the viewer on edge. The violence, when it occurs, is bloody and protracted. Moreover, in addition to being bimbos and sex toys, the women also pack high powered heat and shoot with the best of them. Despite some plot holes, the film entertains, though just how entertaining the viewer will find this film will depend on the viewer's tolerance for violence.

The DVD itself is pretty much no frills, offering pretty standard features, such as widescreen, a theatrical trailer, scene access, and a music video. There is no commentary. The picture, though dark, is clear, as is the sound.

King of New York Christopher Walken is One Of My Favorite Movies,this Special 2 disc set Edition dvd is wonderful,don't mess it!! You wont regret it :))

King of New York begins with the release of Frank White from the confines of a prison cell and the moody opening follows him in his limo onto the streets of New York.From Frank White's release to the bitter end King of New York is a mesmerizing film.The "reformed" Frank White wants to use drug money to build a hospital for underprivlaged children.Standing in his way are a group of cops willing to bend the law to bring him down.King of New York has a terrific sleek look and intense performances by before they were famous stars David Caruso,Wesley Snipes and Larry(Nowadays Lawrence)Fishbourne as a trigger happy killer.As Frank White Christopher Walken has a creepy charisma and this is one of his best parts ever.The film also features some harrowing shootouts,painfully prolonged death scenes and a nightmarish car chase in a rainstorm.The story itself may be nothing orginal but the style,riveting performances and uncompromising approach make King of New York a classic.

Of course, Christopher Walken is one of the all time best actors and Abel Ferrara is an outstanding cult director. Their co-operation is probably among the best ever happened to cinema. Although the story itself is nothing to cheer about, especially where ex-con Walken goes charity, the acting and photography is worth watching this movie over and over again. Great acting by Larry Fishburne as well.

Christopher Walken plays Frank White, a druglord, murderer, and thief who has just been released from prison. He seems to be a powerful man who is also very well off. He is also on the radar of a gang of close freinds who happen to be police officers. Frank seems to be more at home in the ghetto than he does in his high-rise apartment. That much is clear. What is also clear is that his primary motivation for doing the things he does is to keep dishonest criminals at bay and to make enough money to fund a hospital in an underpriviledged part of town to keep it from closing.

The motivation of the police officers, however, seems to only involve doing their job.

Why I love movies like this is that we've all seen the cops and robbers story a million times. What we don't usually see in movies is that sometimes the line between cop and robber is very thin. In this movie, both groups are portrayed as almost the same type of character. They're all drunk on the power that their lifestyles afford them, and they all use bullets to get their way.

There really isn't much to say about this movie except that it's very realistic to my way of thinking, and it doesn't insult the viewer by portraying a black and white view of the world by favoring one way over the other. Everyone is selfish, and everyone is out to get their way. If anything, I found myself siding with Frank for most of the film.

I like that.

I like that I can watch a character on the screen that I have no realistic attachment to and feel for them. I like that I can look at the "bad guy" and know, if not completely identify with, why he does what he does.

This is not a movie for those of you who get uncomfortable hearing points of view you're not used to.

This is for open-minded viewers only.

Forget about good vs. bad. This is every man for himself, and it's one of my favorite movies of the genre.

I am of the firm opinion that Christopher Walken is a national cinematic treasure who is woefully misunderstood and who, sadly, likely won't receive the accolades he deserves until after he's gone. Is there anything this multitalented performer can't pull off? Walken can imbue characters with astonishingly deep dimensions as evidenced in his gut wrenching performances in "The Deer Hunter" and "The Dead Zone." He's also a comedic talent; some of the funniest episodes of "Saturday Night Live" I ever saw were ones hosted by Christopher Walken. He was so great in them that he could easily have joined the cast. The guy can even sing and dance like a professional. Walken's best roles, however, always seem to come in movies where he plays the villain. He was great as Max Zorin in Roger Moore's last James Bond entry, "From a View to a Kill," arguably the best villain to ever grace that franchise. But Walken's portrayals of mob type criminals garner the most acclaim, and that's where Abel Ferrara's "King of New York" comes in. This movie succeeds because of Christopher Walken, no doubt about it, and it's one of the best performances I've seen him deliver. Too bad the movie can't keep up with his performance.

Walken plays Frank White, a jailed drug kingpin who walks out of prison at the beginning of the film. The fact that a limousine takes him to a posh apartment at the Plaza proves this is a man with a lot of money and, after we see his heartfelt reunion with a posse of black gangsters, a man with enormous power. Frank's arrival back on the streets is met with indifference by some of the big mafia chieftains, who think his dependence on minorities is a sign of weakness. It's really no problem for White, however, as he guns down one of the Italians at a card game and thus proves that his power is absolute and unshakable. Life isn't just killing made members of the mob or ordering the executions of Columbian drug dealers; it's also about actualizing some plans Frank came up with in the stir. Prison can change a person, and it's obviously changed our anti-hero to some extent. At a big city affair filled with movers and shakers from both sides of the law, White expresses interest in saving a children's hospital with a multi-million dollar infusion of cash. Perhaps he's just acting out of character to throw a curveball to those on the straight and narrow. Perhaps he really wants to help out his fellow citizens.

Of course, if his intention to help those less fortunate than himself is truly a legitimate enterprise, it's funny that Frank can't seem to break away from his criminal endeavors. He continues to run his multiracial gang, and even enlarges his gang by offering to hire a couple of street thugs after they attempt to rob him one night on the subway. The police watching Frank White wheel and deal are convinced that his attempts at reform are bogus. Disgusted that every attempt to put this guy away forever seems to fail, a cadre of police officers--Dennis Gilley (David Caruso), Thomas Flanigan (Wesley Snipes), and Roy Bishop (Victor Argo)--decide to pursue decidedly extralegal methods to bring Frank White and his gang down. The result is, predictably, a bloody war in which no one is safe from sudden and violent death. "King of New York" also highlights the moral ambiguity involved in big city crime, namely crime revolving around drug trafficking. The illicit profits brought in through the sale of narcotics debase everyone even remotely associated with drugs, from the police to the poor to the politicians. Everyone stands to win or lose, mostly lose, because of their association with drugs. Even Frank White, as powerful as he seems, could very well lose everything thanks to his chosen profession.

It's a bit tricky to provide a thorough summary of "King of New York" because there isn't much of a plot beyond the simple battle between good guys and bad, and how even the men in white hats can fall off their high horse when battling a pervasive evil like drugs. We've seen that theme played out in a million movies portraying organized crime. Nothing new here except that director Ferrara, known for his gritty realism and symbolic images always set against the backdrop of a crime addled New York City, manages to make "King of New York" stand out because of a great cast. Not only do we have Walken in one of his most subtle roles, we've also got Caruso and Snipes in early parts. Laurence Fishburne shows up too in a frightening turn as White's main enforcer Jump, a treacherous goon with a propensity for gunning down anyone who stands in his way. Throw in Giancarlo Esposito and Steve Buscemi in minor roles and you've got all the makings for a fine film. Ferrara tosses out plenty of violent shootouts, some car chases, and lots of menacing dialogue to keep the film zipping along. New York City, as in other Ferrara pictures, is a major character in the film. The city provides the necessary bleak atmosphere against which these actors live and die.

The film's major failing is an ability to fully flesh out the characters. Some of the performers pop up once or twice and then disappear forever, leaving the audience to wonder what happened to them. Too, the motivations of Frank White never receive as much attention as we would like. Why exactly is he planning to help out that hospital? I don't think the movie ever makes this clear. And how does a white guy get along this well with minority gang members? Oh well, the movie still entertains and is one of the better entries in the early 1990s resurgence of crime films with an inner city motif. Fans of Walken should run, not walk, to obtain a copy of "King of New York" if they haven't done so already.

One of the best films I had never seen... Walken is dynomite, as cool or cooler as he ever is! Lawrence Fishburn steals the show! Also watch for Steve Buscemi, who unfortunately gets no chance to shine in this... Overall, an awesome, not so well known flick, overshadowed by your Godfather III's and your New Jack City's... Go Rent this today!

Delivery within the realm of Scarface and Goodfellas...!!! King Of New York demands respect in its own right. Featuring Christopher Walken as Frank White (A Continuos Biggy reference), recently released from prison, the streets of NY become his playground. With a crew that many refuse to accept beacuse of race (including a young Laurence Fishburne), Walken begins to take over a city that has forgotten him. Starting with the competition of his colombian and asian drug counterparts Walken soon rises to the top of the drug empire, all the while maintaining an persona that the NYPD will not standby and accept.
David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, and Victor Argo make up the trio of cops dedicated to rid the city of all drug activity including that of Frank White, from then on it becomes a personal vendetta leading to a somewhat disappointing climax. This is the reason the movie doesn't reach 5 star status. Without spoiling the movie you come to expect more from Walken as far as a standoff or confrontation resulting in a mass shootout of some kind which is not the case.
Overall this is definitely among the top gangsta/druglord flicks you can find and will not leave you dissapointed.

"King of New York" looks right, feels right, smells right, but somehow doesn't come off alright. It just shapes up as a fairly hollow picture. What makes matters worse is this film serves as an inspiration to the worst element of the gangster culture in this country. Christopher Walken, a normally dependable actor, does not add any shading to his character, drug kingpin/philanthropist Frank White. He just seems to glower and shoot off his piece. Laurence Fishburne, an equally fine actor, overplays his role as Frank's triggerman. The best performance delivered in this film is by David Caruso as a cop who seethes at how Frank and his ilk sidestep the law. Interesting, Wesley Snipes, who plays Caruso's partner, assayed a better portrait of a drug kingpin a few years later in "New Jack City". At least that film had the semblance of a moral compass.

Ordered this thru Amazon from an excellent seller, and got it just in time for the holidays. Thanks to Amazon, I was able to get this on VHS, as I don't have a DVD yet.

"King Of New York" is a gritty, no frills crime drama set in Late 80s/early 90s New York. While considered "low budget" by many, this does in no way indicate that it is a low quality film. In fact, I know many "high budget" films that just plain suck. I enjoyed this movie from start to finish, and look forward to seeing it many more times. This film was definitely a breath of fresh air from some of todays bland,cluttered and yuppie infused flicks.

A stellar cast, notably Christopher Walken, Wesley Snipes, David Caruso, Larry Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, and many more fine actors contributed to this spectacular, yet underrated film.

One more thing..Mr. Walken, I have a feeling you were a Brotha in another life, lol

Dark, grimly realistic tale about a laconic Brooklyn drug baron at war with a monomaniacal police force whose style of street justice isn't as harnessed or refined as his. Sobering and brilliant.

Frank White (Christopher Walken) is a crime boss just released from prison. He rejoins his henchmen, headed up by Jimmy Jump (Laurence Fishburne). No sooner does White step out of prison, that the killing games begin. White is out to finance a local inner city hospital that is on the verge of being closed for lack of funding. He is determined to do this by using the ill gotten gains of drug trafficking, his and that of other drug lords. Since the others apparently will not relinguish the money voluntarily, force is used, quite a bit of it as a matter of fact, to get their money and/or drugs.

Officers Dennis Gilley (David Caruso) and Thomas Flanigan (Wesley Snipes) are part of a team of cops that are looking to stop White. They are outraged that he is on the street and that they are seemingly unable to stop him by fair means. They decide to resort to foul means and end up all the worse for their efforts. Throughout the film, the line is sometimes blurred between the good guys and the bad guys. There is no happy ending here, and justice may or may not be deemed to have been served, depending upon the viewer's own subjective viewpoint.

The performances are good overall, and in particular, Fishburne's manic character, Jimmy Jump, is a good foil for Walker's coolly detached character, Frank White. This is not really a character driven movie, however, but rather a plot driven one. There is a lot of action, a lot of shootings and carnage, and some car chase scenes that will keep the viewer on edge. The violence, when it occurs, is bloody and protracted. Moreover, in addition to being bimbos and sex toys, the women also pack high powered heat and shoot with the best of them. Despite some plot holes, the film entertains, though just how entertaining the viewer will find this film will depend on the viewer's tolerance for violence.

The DVD itself is pretty much no frills, offering pretty standard features, such as widescreen, a theatrical trailer, scene access, and a music video. There is no commentary. The picture, though dark, is clear, as is the sound.

Ranking up there with Scarface and even Goodfellas, King of New York is one of the best gangster films ever made, thanks largely in part to the magnetic and explosive performance by Christopher Walken. Walken is Frank White, a ruthless kingpin freshly released from prison who vows to use his connections and money for charitable means. On his trail however, are three cops (David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, and Victor Argo) who, by any means necessary, vow to bring Frank down. Profane, action packed, and filled with unforgettable performances (Walken, Caruso, and Laurence Fishburne are incredible), Abel Ferrara's King of New York is hypnotic from it's first frame to final shot, and the action scenes are pulled off better than most major budget pictures. This new Special Edition from Lion's Gate/Artisan includes a nice amount of extras to tide fans of the film over, and the commentary by director Ferrara must be heard to be believed.

Just like "Scarface" and "New Jack City" before it, "King Of New York" is a gritty gangster flick that takes real-life issues and mixes them with charismatic characters and stylized action that is so over-the-top that it could only work in a cinematic world. Walken's Frank White is the ultimate anti-hero, a murderous drug kingpin who uses his money for good purposes. No matter how good intentioned his motives are, the police are sick of his whole operation and are ready to go to war. The first half of the film has a rough but realistic edge to it while the second half spins into a bullet-riddled, blood-soaked, Hollywood action movie. The movie does have its faults. Fishburne's violent sidekick, while providing some entertaining moments, does occassionally come off looking like a dated and ignorant sterotype of Black youth in the late 80's. Not that it ever kept this movie from acheiving a type of urban cult following that is rivaled only by "Scarface". This movie was one of the first to showcase such young unknowns as David Caruso, Wesley Snipes, and Steve Buscemi and while it can't exactly be credited for launching their careers, it can at least boast their talented performances. But everyone in this film pales in comparison to Walken. He steals the show here. Speaking of steal-showing, this special edition DVD features an audio commentary with director Abel Ferrara that has to be heard to believed. I can safely say that I've never heard a director's commentary like it. A documentary on Ferrara should have been as entertaining but due to the fact that it has no interviews with the director himself, it doesn't quite live up to my expectations. There are a few colorful stories here and there but nothing like what you get on the commentary.

This is one of Chris Walkens best movie, rated and nomminated for 4 oscars, King of New York is a classic gangstar movie based on 1930s crime caper lifestyle and the hunger of ruling the crime world, Frank who recently is released from the pen, he too has eyes set on dominating the crime world and goes into deep trouble and gang bangs to get to where he is, a grand kingpin.
This movie may be cliche but the storyline is like no other and the acting is what makes this movie great, sure it may be low budget but its a one of a kind and frankly, this is the movie the started all dark crime gangstar movies like Goodfellas and The Untouchables, it deserves props. 10/10.

KING OF NEW YORK is, for my money, the most valuable (and the most underrated) film of the last 20 years. It is a homage to the classic American genre - the gangster fable - with the depth and subtext of a European art-movie. It's a precursor to urban crime thrillers like New Jack City and Menace II Society (Ferrara points out they first used a rap-score in 1982). An ode to drug-culture. A pitchblack satire of capitalism and its grotesque fallout. It's got a cast to die for, and a close-knit crew at the height of their powers.

It's shot across an array of locations including Sing-Sing, Donald Trump's Plaza Hotel, and various crack-lanes; it weaves seamlessly between an original score, and the music of Vivaldi and Schooly D; the film is meticulously colour-coded (as pointed out by Nick Johnstone in his book) to add up to a cold critique of the red WHITE and blue, the all-American war-on-drugs; the tempo is expertly-managed, the movie simmers for a while then explodes into heavy-metal carnage, and then it dies with a sad whimper. The film is spectacularly violent, but think about the handling of the violence. There's a big Peckinpah slo-mo shootout, then the audacious shootout in Chinatown. But in the 2nd half of the movie the deaths are direct, painful to watch, and pitiful in their execution.

And then there's the cast: Walken was never better. He mesmirises you, brilliantly charismatic. And he looks so otherworldy, what with the hair and the deathly complexion, he's like the man who fell to Earth, the oddest looking `hero' you've ever seen. Fishburne reinvented a character imagined for James Russo and the whole movie turns on that transition. Its simply impossible to imagine how it could have worked ½ as well with Russo, or any1 else for that matter. Caruso is a fire-engine red ball of rage. The scene when he rushes from his colleagues funeral is one of the most beautifully played-out expressions of vigilantism ever put on film. Argo as a weary, deflated, pill-poppin' `old man' who has been there and knows the war is unwise and un-win-able.

As far as Im concerned, every sequence, every line of dialogue ("I'm not the problem, I'm just a businessman") is pure gold. Ferrara's is the cult-of-cults, his movies usually too far-out or nihilistic to get much of a following. But this one I bet Tarantino wishes he'd made.

And the DVD package...The documentary is not comprehensive, but it re-enforces what sets Ferrara's films above those of most of his contemporaries, the sheer degree of collaboration involved. Abe's anarchist mentality has freed up guys like Joe Delia (music), Anthony Redman (editor), Charles Lagola (production design) and Ken Kelsch to make exactly the sort of films they want. Kelsch makes the most telling statement towards the end, which might explain why Ferrara hasn't made a film for about five years (after a Woody Allen-esque burst of creativity in the 90s). In fact, as basic as it is, the doco is startlingly honest and revealing about its subject.

Ferrara previously contributed a delirious commentary to The Driller Killer, but this time round you kinda feel sad listening to his hazy lack of insight, having the suspicion that his personal curse has robbed him of both his allies and his inspiration at the moment when he's finally getting his dues. But the commentary track is actually a blast! Abel and his best-mate Frankie crack open a few brews, he makes some funny asides about Walken's hair and the reaction to the film on release. And if you get to the credits, you get to listen to Abel bang out Schooly's title-track on an acoustic guitar with a Dylan drawl.

Check out the title card on the trailer. Under the title it reads (a Ferrara / St. John original), like the credits on the label of a 45" record. Like Mick and Keef, or Scorsese and Schrader, these guys made dynamite 2gether. KONY is their towering achievement, it's one of the great films ever made.

seriously underrated,overlooked and unappriciated.this movie will stand the test of time and be looked at as one of the best gangster films ever made.when snipes and fishburne meet towards the end you FEEL it like you were there to witness what just took place,it's amazing.the special edition doesn't have much more to offer than the original but is well worth the 15 bucks.

This movie was terrible. Walken was the only thing that helped me sit through it. Snipes did a terrible acting job and Fishborne did even a worse job. The plot was as deep as a cd case and on top of that, the cover says "where scarface left off" ok, scarface was amazing. this was aweful.

An absolute acting masterclass by Chris Walken at his peak. The two scenes where the cops kidnap and roughhouse Frank and the scene in the hospital where he tries to talk Larry into helping to keep the place open are probably the most incredible acting ever committed to celluloid. Sheer Walken magic.

Scarface is the greatest gangster movie ever made. This one is second. King of New York is one of the most underrated movies of all time. To begin with, if you really sit back and look at all of the actors in this movie, there is no way in this day and age you could assemble a greater cast. King of New York features Christopher Walken, Laurence Fishburne, David Caruso, and Wesley Snipes before most of them were truly famous.
This is one of those movies that I found myself watching over and over again, in fact when I was a teenager I watched this film once a day. I now have to limit my viewing to once a year so I do not ruin it and it still remains fresh, although I'm not sure how fresh a movie can be when you have the full dialog memorized.
The story is about a New York drug lord named Frank White (yes, this is the same Frank White that the Notorious BIG and other rappers refer to in their rhymes.) played by Christopher Walken who is let out of prison after serving 5 years. Once out of prison White is determined to make up for lost time and to continue to build his cartel and ultimately use money to fund hospitals and make the city of New York better. He teams up with his former workers led by high strung and insane Jimmy Jump and unforgettable character played by Laurence Fishburne (Larry at the time) who wields to 9 mili's and a sinister laugh when the stuff hits the fan.
David Caruso, Wesley Snipes and highly underrated Victor Argo play cops who are outraged by Whites release from prison and are so determined to get him back in that they will do anything to make sure White and his crew are off the street one way or the other.
This is a highly dramatic, riveting, and action packed film that will blow even the most jaded movie watchers away. I cannot say enough about this film, it is a must own and an all time classic. In its truest form it is a B movie, however it ranks up there with Scarface, the God Father and Goodfellas. Imagine what could have happened if this movie had a true Holly Wood budget! It might just have been the greatest film ever made and it is my all time #1 favorite film. A true masterpiece.
"I'm not your problem, I'm just a business man."

In the Abel Ferrara tradition, this flick is a caricature of violence. It's nonstop, from the very beginning when Lawrence (then Larry) Fishburne blows away some Latino drug dealers, through the best chase scene in the history of films, even to the scene where Caruso blows away Fishburne, and beyond!

Believe it or not, I'm far from an advocate of violence. I won't even watch a Stallone movie, or Schwarznegger, for example. At the same time, the criminal world isn't as clinically clean as most Hollywood films make it.

Well, the plot's been outlined several times so I won't repeat it here. But I think one person overlooked--the one whose acting was perhaps even better than Christopher Walken's (and his was superior; he's like Dennis hopper without steroids) was Victor Argo, the cops' boss. I don't know why I haven't seen him since!

This isn't for the kids to see. Nor for the wife or relative who's sensitive to tension and superviolence. It's especially not for the activists who so resent violence that they pretend it doesn't exist--They'll completely miss the point. But for quite a good story and the debut performances of many whose names at least one other reviewer went over, it's a gem. But, again, watch Victor Argo. I truly hope to see him in more mainstream films. His acting was superior.

Christopher Walken as an idealistic, EOE, Robin-Hood-inspired, freelance drug kingpin battling an NYPD death squad.
Any questions?
Not CW's best performance, either. But he is, as always, cool in a creepy way--give it 4 stars if you're a dedicated fan.

Originally, I didn't particularly like this film; it didn't make much sense why some total cracker would be the head of this black, murderous, NY gang, much less why they'd follow him (even if he is Chris Walken!). But upon repeated viewings, I payed closer attention to Walken's little nuances, and the brilliance of Nicholas St. John's script.

On top of the phenomenal film editing, is a great--if outdated--soundtrack, and a supporting cast of top-notch stars before they got famous. Wesley Snipes, David Caruso, Lawrence Fishburne, Steve Buscemi to name a few.

It's a worthy (and in some ways, superior) successor to similar films like "Scarface" and "New Jack City", and one of Abel Ferrara's best.

And yes, it includes a Walken dance scene--one of his funniest.

I'm not young and I hate violent movies. However, Christopher Walken is one of my favorites. That is why I bought this movie after reading the reviews here. Nothing like what I thought it was going to be. So real. This is how the drug/sex on the streets and in the bosses rooms must be. Yes, great stars in this tragic tale. Not a predictable movie. Very human, violent and real. But I've said that before. Intense, entertaining. Try it. You'll like it.

This is the movie that type-cast the careers of christopher walkin,,larry fishburne and david caruso.All these actors would go onto careers that would see them essentially reprise their roles so capably deliniated in this seminal flick.If you want a good action flick that's a favorite with every body who's ever seen it,this is one that people memorise.