The Alto Knights 4K 2025 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

New York, mid-1950s. Vito Genovese, who has been released from prison, learns that his position as boss of the Mafia family is now held by Frank Costello, whom he must obey. Unwilling to accept the loss of power, Genovese begins plotting behind his new boss's back to kill him.

Review 4K Movie

The film “The Alto Knights” tells the story of two powerful mobsters, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, who were once close friends but became sworn enemies.

The film is set in the 1950s and stars Robert De Niro.

Yes, in this film, De Niro plays two mobsters at once, and that's what I didn't like.

I understand that this may have been done to emphasize the closeness and unity of the two friends.

Perhaps to show different approaches to power and leadership.

Or perhaps — and I am inclined to believe this version — to interest the viewer and Robert De Niro himself, as well as to draw attention to the film. Although, frankly speaking, I don't think De Niro needs it.

In my opinion, the “split” not only did not benefit the film, but also harmed it — the film is perceived as an attraction.

Unfortunately, the actor was “split” with the help of makeup, but not with the help of diversity in his acting. Although, to be fair, one should not have expected anything else from De Niro.

De Niro has essentially played several roles throughout his career, and that is precisely why he is loved. When viewers go to see “De Niro,” they know exactly what to expect.

I have enormous respect for this actor and have seen all his films. So I wasn't surprised to see the same De Niro in each of his roles.

I also didn't like the style of the film's narrative. The story is told through flashbacks, photographs, and long monologues. The absurdity of this is that the fast-paced narrative was supposed to accelerate the development of events, but instead it completely deprived the film of its dynamics.

The plot moves along slowly and seems very sluggish. So much so that even the attempt on Costello's life is tensionless and seems lackluster, although I suspect it was intended as a “powerful start.”

The short summary is as follows:

I didn't like the idea of using one actor in several roles — it distracts greatly from the plot.

I didn't like De Niro's performance — I emphasize! — specifically in the context of the dual role.

I didn't like the style of narration through monologues and memories. It felt like watching a chronicle of life from the sidelines, without being moved by it.

I still don't understand what the director was trying to achieve. The film didn't turn out to be a serious drama. It didn't turn out to be a gangster movie either.

Instead, it turned out to be a “one-man show.”