ONE EYED KING

2001

Set in the violent world of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen, "One Eyed King" is an Irish "Godfather," filled with the drama of five young men, who grew up in this cauldron of ignorance, violence, love, loyalty, and betrayal. The film is so well acted by the likes of William Baldwin, Jason Gedrick, Jim Breuer, Bruno Kirby and a frighteningly-evil Armand Assante, that the viewer feels that he/she is not watching a film, but looking at real people spiralling down into an unsinkable pit. Connie Britton (soon to be the new addition to TV's "The West Wing,") is excellent as a young woman who hates "the neighborhood" that has killed her father, brother, and soon possibly, her lover. She functions as a Greek chorus, looking in at the action from its perimeter (although very much a part of it,) and commenting on it with her eyes and sad face. Chazz Palmintieri is fine as a police officer who is loyal to his friends in the neighborhhood. The friendship of these five young men is portrayed very realistically, complete with its absurd loyalties based on fear, ignorance, and love. When one betrays the others, the friendship is strengthened, and then destroyed. A documentary-like film with an incredible musical soundtrack of hits of four decades. Not for everyone, but I really enjoyed it.

4 Stars

NJB