Director Martin Scorsese magnificently examines with a clear eye the hierarchy of a Mafia family in New York's Little Italy. This intense story dramatizes the slow climb in that hierarchy of a young "small-town operator" and his struggle with the decisions he must face.

"Some films are so thoroughly, beautifully realized they have a kind of tonic effect that has no relation to the subject matter. Such a film is MEAN STREETS . . . one of the finer American films."

- Vincent Canby, NEW YORK TIMES

"Unfolds with the inevitability and power of a classic tragedy against teeming background of Little Italy's annual week-long Festa di San Gennaro. Everything that is said or done has the sense of being absolutely right. It was evident that Scorsese was a born filmmaker. Scorsese’s way with actors (all of whom are exceptionally gifted), words and images is nothing short of prodigious. Harrowing, intense, grueling even, MEAN STREETS is an unqualified success."

- Kevin Thomas, LOS ANGELES TIMES

"MEAN STREETS is a work of undeniable power. This is a provocative movie, a work of intense commitment and integrity on the part of everybody involved. The acting is so splendid that we'd like to see more of it."

- John Koch, BOSTON HERALD AMERICAN

Martin Scorsese’s excellent film would be perfect for a showing on your campus.