City Island

City Island

Year: 2010

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Raymond De Felitta

DramaComedy

A seemingly normal family's quiet life is disrupted when long-held secrets surface in a close-knit New York City fishing community. Vince, a corrections officer with dreams of acting, struggles to balance his aspirations with his marriage to a passionate and devoted wife. Unexpectedly, he brings home a son he never knew he had, triggering a chain of deceptions and forcing the family to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their relationships. The experience reveals the complexities of family and the lengths people go to protect those they love.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – City Island (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of City Island (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern issues within a family. Themes of dysfunction, identity, and the pursuit of dreams are prevalent in today’s societal context.

Location

City Island, Bronx

City Island is a quaint, residential island located in the Bronx, known for its maritime charm and seafood restaurants. It has a rich history as a fishing community, home to both clam diggers and immigrants. The island serves as a unique backdrop for personal dramas that unfold within its close-knit community.

🏙️ Urban 🏖️ Island

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Main Characters – City Island (2010)

Meet the key characters of City Island (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Vince Rizzo (Andy García)

Vince Rizzo is a complex character, struggling with the responsibilities of being a father and pursuing his personal dreams. Despite his role as a prison guard, he yearns for a deeper connection with both his family and his estranged son. His journey symbolizes the battle between familial obligations and the quest for self-fulfillment.

👨‍👧‍👦 Fatherhood 🎭 Acting 🔥 Ambition

Joyce Rizzo (Julianna Margulies)

Joyce is portrayed as a woman feeling unfulfilled and trapped in her marriage. She navigates her desires and frustrations, leading to a series of misguided actions that complicate family dynamics. Her character reflects the challenges of intimacy and the quest for personal happiness.

💔 Marriage 🔄 Infidelity 🌪️ Conflict

Tony Nardella (Steven Strait)

Tony is Vince's estranged son, grappling with the realities of being in prison while also seeking acceptance from his father. His character represents the tension between loyalty and the desire for independence. As he navigates his connection with the Rizzo family, he finds himself in the midst of their tumultuous dynamics.

🕵️‍♂️ Prison 👨‍👦 Connection 🧳 Escape

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Major Themes – City Island (2010)

Explore the central themes of City Island (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Dysfunction

The theme of family dysfunction runs deep throughout the movie, showcasing the various secrets and conflicts within the Rizzo family. Each member faces their own struggles, leading to a chaotic yet relatable portrait of modern family life. Ultimately, the film emphasizes the importance of communication and reconciliation.

🎭 Pursuit of Dreams

Vince's journey to becoming an actor symbolizes the struggle for personal fulfillment and self-expression. His participation in acting classes and auditions reveals the desire to break free from societal expectations. The theme highlights the impact of personal ambitions on family dynamics.

🧩 Identity

The film explores themes of identity as characters grapple with their pasts and hidden truths. Vince's secret son Tony embodies the search for belonging and recognition, while the family's various façades reveal deeper insecurities. Their journey towards acceptance ultimately shapes their identities.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Unlock the Full Story of City Island

Don't stop at just watching — explore City Island in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what City Island is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

City Island Summary

Read a complete plot summary of City Island, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

City Island Summary

City Island Timeline

Track the full timeline of City Island with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

City Island Timeline

More About City Island

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about City Island: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About City Island

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