Lansky Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old mobster trolls the FBI by telling a struggling writer his life story while simultaneously hiding millions, probably to buy a lifetime supply of prune juice.

🍿 Lansky: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Writer and the Gangster

In 1981, struggling writer David Stone is approached by the infamous Meyer Lansky. Lansky offers Stone the opportunity to write his biography, promising to reveal the true story of his life in the National Crime Syndicate. Stone, facing financial and personal difficulties, sees this as his chance at redemption. The narrative unfolds through their meetings, with Lansky recounting his past to Stone.

Early Years and Rise to Power

Lansky’s story delves into his early life, showcasing his exceptional mathematical abilities and his partnership with Bugsy Siegel. They navigate the dangerous world of organized crime, establishing themselves as formidable figures. Lansky’s strategic thinking and Siegel’s ruthlessness prove a potent combination, leading to connections with Lucky Luciano and the formation of a powerful criminal network.

Vegas and Beyond

Lansky recounts his role in developing Las Vegas into a gambling mecca. His narrative touches on his dealings in Cuba and other international locations. The film also explores the FBI’s relentless pursuit of Lansky, convinced that he has hidden millions of dollars. The investigation adds tension to Lansky’s story, as Stone becomes entangled in the cat-and-mouse game.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Meyer Lansky (Harvey Keitel): An aging, retired gangster investigated by the Feds, who recounts his life as the boss of the National Crime Syndicate.
• David Stone (Sam Worthington): A writer who is contacted by Meyer Lansky to write his biography, hoping to solve his personal and professional struggles.
• Young Meyer Lansky (John Magaro): The younger version of Meyer Lansky, showing his rise in the criminal underworld and his shrewd business acumen.
• Maureen Duffy (Minka Kelly): David Stone’s love interest.
• Frank Rivers (David James Elliott): The FBI Agent who is obsessed with solving the Lansky case and locating his hidden fortune.
• Ben ‘Bugsy’ Siegel (David Cade): Lansky’s flamboyant and muscular partner, who helps in the development of their criminal business.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Meyer Lansky: “When you lose your money, you lose nothing. When you lose your health, you lose something. When you lose your character, you lose everything.” – Lansky’s philosophy, highlighting the importance of character above all else.
• Meyer Lansky: “I have no knowledge on the subject.” – Lansky’s repeated denial when questioned about organized crime, a common tactic to avoid incrimination.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $61,030
• Worldwide Gross: $136,579

💥 Lansky Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Lansky’ to be a fascinating, albeit flawed, exploration of a complex man. Harvey Keitel’s portrayal of the aging gangster was mesmerizing; he really brought Lansky to life. The story jumps around a bit too much, and I wish they had focused more on his rise to power. Still, the ending left me wondering if the money really was hidden, or if it was all just a game to him. It’s a movie that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gangster films”
  • “Viewers interested in true crime stories”
  • “Harvey Keitel fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief drug use”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb User Review: “Harvey Keitel delivers a captivating performance as the aging Meyer Lansky. While the film has a compelling premise, the flashback scenes feel somewhat generic and overused. The core tension revolves around the mystery of Lansky’s hidden fortune, but the film lacks the punch and depth of other mob classics.
• IMDb User Review: “Though the cast is great, particularly Harvey Keitel, the story feels rushed and tries to cover too much ground in two hours. The film bounces between Miami, New York, Cuba, and Vegas, making it hard to connect with the characters or the intricate details of Lansky’s life.
• IMDb User Review: “The film feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of Meyer Lansky’s character. While Harvey Keitel is excellent, the writing and pacing prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s an interesting story, but not very well told.

Audience Reactions

Harvey Keitel’s performance was exceptional, and he carries the movie.: Most viewers praised Harvey Keitel’s acting as a major highlight.

The flashbacks were interesting but sometimes felt disjointed from the main story.: Many found the pacing slow and the narrative jumps confusing.

Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews, with praise for Keitel’s performance but criticism for pacing and plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a story by Robert Rockaway, a leading academic and Jewish historian, who also conducted the last interviews with Meyer Lansky.”
• “Harvey Keitel’s performance as the aging Meyer Lansky was widely praised, with some critics suggesting it was one of the best roles of his career.”
• “The movie explores Lansky’s role in facilitating the connection between the Italian, Irish, and Jewish mafia, a significant aspect of his influence on organized crime.”

🖥️ How to Watch Lansky?

Lansky is available to stream on various platforms. Check Prime Video for rental or purchase options. It’s also available on Apple TV and other digital retailers. Check local listings for cable on-demand options as well. You might be able to find it on Tubi or other free ad-supported streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lansky, you might like these similar films:

• Bugsy (1991): A biographical crime drama focusing on another prominent gangster, Bugsy Siegel, and his role in the development of Las Vegas.
• The Irishman (2019): Shares a similar narrative structure with an aging gangster reflecting on his life and involvement in organized crime, while also starring Harvey Keitel.
• Lansky (1999): Richard Dreyfuss portrays the infamous mobster as he gives a series of interviews to a journalist, reflecting on his dark past.

🛒 Lansky Related Products

• Meyer Lansky: Mogul of the Mob: An in-depth biography exploring the life and times of Meyer Lansky, providing context and understanding beyond the film’s portrayal. Perfect for history buffs and true crime enthusiasts.
• Gangster Classics Blu-ray Collection: A collection of classic gangster films, including ‘The Godfather’, ‘Goodfellas’, and ‘Scarface’. Enhance your movie nights with some of the best crime dramas ever made.
• Art Deco Casino Chip Set: A luxurious casino chip set with an Art Deco design, reminiscent of the casinos Lansky was involved with. Perfect for poker nights and themed parties.
• Classic Fedora Hat: A stylish fedora hat to capture the classic gangster look of the era. Made of high quality materials to give you the perfect retro look.

🎧 Soundtrack

Lansky features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Keep This Going” – performed by Jonathan Murrill, Lee Richardson, Tom Ford, James Cocozza, Sarah Jane Norman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jewish Mafia- Arnold Rothstein, Meyer Lansky, Lefty Rosenthal, Bugsy Siegal With Michael Franzese

Ever wondered about the Jewish gangsters who played a key role in shaping the Mafia? Michael Franzese breaks it down, naming names like Lansky and Siegel. I found it super fascinating to hear about their influence!

Meyer Lansky: The Mafia’s Financial Maestro

Want a quick rundown on Meyer Lansky before diving into the movie? This short doc gives you the highlights of his life and rise in the mafia. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the real-life mobster!

MEYER LANSKY SHOOTS MOBSTER IN HEAD – BUGSY SIEGEL AND LEPKE INVOLVED

Did you know Meyer Lansky allegedly shot a mobster in the head? This video dives into that story, featuring names like Bugsy Siegel! I personally thought it was crazy to hear what went down.

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