A drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take total control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community.A drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take total control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community.A drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take total control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community.
- Awards
- 1 win & 2 nominations
Laurence Fishburne
- Jimmy Jump
- (as Larry Fishburne)
Leonard L. Thomas
- Blood
- (as Leonard Lee Thomas)
Roger Guenveur Smith
- Tanner
- (as Roger Smith)
Frank Aquilino
- Card Player
- (as Butchie Aquilino)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJames Russo turned down the part Jimmy Jump. Laurence Fishburne, who had already been cast as Thomas Flanigan, persistently begged director Abel Ferrara for an audition for the part. He got the part just by coming in looking exactly as he does in the film and did not have to audition.
- GoofsWhen Jump orders food at the chicken place, he asks how much and the clerk says "$56.70, total." However, in the same scene when Jump asks again, the clerk tells him "56.90."
- Quotes
Frank White: From now on, nothing goes down unless I'm involved. No blackjack no dope deals, no nothing. A nickel bag gets sold in the park, I want in. You guys got fat while everybody starved on the street. Now it's my turn.
- Alternate versionsOrignally rated "X", edited and changed for R rating on appeal.
Featured review
This is a strange movie. The IMDb trivia notes for the movie state that the director and writer spent five years working on the script, yet the story is disjointed and doesn't have a strong plot. The story basically follows the life of drug kingpin Frank White (Christopher Walken) after he is released from prison and re-enters the criminal world to reclaim his drug empire. However, there's not much character development and many of the characters are one dimensional. And the movie could be called over-stylized.
Yet, somehow it all works and this movie, while not a classic, could be considered a cult classic for its great cinematography, superb acting performances, tense action sequences, its cinematic risk taking and its outright coolness. For a movie shot in the late 80's (released in 1990) its ahead of its time.
Christopher Walken gives a great performance as Frank White. Many viewers who may only know Walken from his more recent appearances as "the weird but cool guy" will be surprised by the multifaceted performance he gives here. The late Victor Argo's performance as White's nemesis on the police force, Roy Bishop, should also be noted. Argo gives a note perfect, yet nuanced portrayal, of a weary, "seen it all" cop who is determined to get his man.
Wesley Snipes and Laurence Fishburne were still early in their film careers while appearing in this movie, but you can clearly see the qualities that would make them stars. Both bring depth and realism to their otherwise stock characters. David Caruso also does a great job with his character. One of the shortcomings of the movie is that there's no strong female lead... Frank White has a relationship with one of his attorney's, Jennifer (Janet Julian), but the script leaves out a lot of details (e.g., why they are together in the first place). In fact, all the women in this movie look like models which only adds to the stylized unreality the movie creates.
Finally, I have to mention the oldschool rap soundtrack which fits the proceedings to a "t".
If you are a fan of crime/action movies, "King of New York" comes recommended, but fair warning, its not your typical gangsta flick.
Yet, somehow it all works and this movie, while not a classic, could be considered a cult classic for its great cinematography, superb acting performances, tense action sequences, its cinematic risk taking and its outright coolness. For a movie shot in the late 80's (released in 1990) its ahead of its time.
Christopher Walken gives a great performance as Frank White. Many viewers who may only know Walken from his more recent appearances as "the weird but cool guy" will be surprised by the multifaceted performance he gives here. The late Victor Argo's performance as White's nemesis on the police force, Roy Bishop, should also be noted. Argo gives a note perfect, yet nuanced portrayal, of a weary, "seen it all" cop who is determined to get his man.
Wesley Snipes and Laurence Fishburne were still early in their film careers while appearing in this movie, but you can clearly see the qualities that would make them stars. Both bring depth and realism to their otherwise stock characters. David Caruso also does a great job with his character. One of the shortcomings of the movie is that there's no strong female lead... Frank White has a relationship with one of his attorney's, Jennifer (Janet Julian), but the script leaves out a lot of details (e.g., why they are together in the first place). In fact, all the women in this movie look like models which only adds to the stylized unreality the movie creates.
Finally, I have to mention the oldschool rap soundtrack which fits the proceedings to a "t".
If you are a fan of crime/action movies, "King of New York" comes recommended, but fair warning, its not your typical gangsta flick.
- jack_thursby
- Oct 12, 2005
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- King of New York - König zwischen Tag und Nacht
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $5,300,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $2,554,476
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $411,597
- Sep 30, 1990
- Gross worldwide
- $2,554,476
- Runtime1 hour 43 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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