King of New York

King of New York

Year: 1990

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Abel Ferrara

ThrillerCrime

As a ruthless kingpin seeks to dominate the city's illicit drug trade, he forges an unlikely alliance with the marginalized and downtrodden, all in the name of spreading wealth and power through the underbelly of New York.

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Timeline & Setting – King of New York (1990)
Explore the full timeline and setting of King of New York (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

While the film does not specify an exact year, it captures the essence of New York City during the late 1980s. This was a time characterized by rampant crime, the rise of drug lords, and the cultural shifts leading to the vibrant yet dangerous urban narrative depicted in the film.

Location

New York City, Plaza Hotel, Little Italy, Times Square, Chinatown

The film is set primarily in the vibrant and gritty environment of New York City, a hub of crime and culture. Key locations include the luxurious Plaza Hotel, which serves as Frank's base of operations, and Little Italy, famous for its rich Italian cuisine and community. Chinatown plays a crucial role in the drug trade within the movie, while Times Square serves as the dramatic backdrop for the film’s intense conclusion.

🏙️ City 🏨 Hotel 🍝 Cuisine 🌆 Location

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:54

Main Characters – King of New York (1990)
Meet the key characters of King of New York (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank White

Frank White is a complex character portrayed as a ruthless drug lord determined to reclaim his power after prison. His charm masks a cold-blooded ambition that drives him to eliminate rivals and bend the criminal world of New York City to his will. His moral code, although twisted, suggests he sees himself as a savior against greater evils, which complicates the audience's perception of him.

🕴️ Drug Lord 🔫 Ambitious 💔 Tragic

Jimmy Jump

Jimmy Jump is a loyal associate of Frank White, characterized by his street smarts and cunning nature. As a key player in Frank's operations, Jimmy navigates the dangerous underworld with a mix of bravado and loyalty. His unexpected death adds emotional layers to the story, highlighting the brutal consequences of their criminal lifestyle.

🦸‍♂️ Loyal ⚔️ Street Smart 💔 Tragic

Detective Gilley

Detective Gilley represents the law enforcement perspective within the chaotic narrative. He is part of the NYPD's narcotics squad, determined to bring down Frank and his operations. His actions are often driven by a sense of justice, but ultimately lead to a tragic confrontation with the criminals he seeks to apprehend.

👮‍♂️ Determined ⚖️ Law Enforcer ⚔️ Tension

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:54

Major Themes – King of New York (1990)
Explore the central themes of King of New York (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Power

The pursuit of power is a central theme in 'King of New York,' as Frank White's ambition drives him to manipulate and eliminate anyone who stands in his way. His quest to become the mayor highlights the intersection of crime and politics, revealing how power can corrupt and lead to violence. The film starkly portrays the lengths one will go to secure and maintain authority in a complex world.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is portrayed from multiple perspectives in the film, raising questions about morality and legality. Frank’s justification for his brutal actions stems from a perceived moral imperative to eliminate rivals involved in human trafficking and exploitation. The conflict between the NYPD and Frank illustrates the gray areas in the fight against crime, prompting viewers to ponder the nature of justice.

🌌 Tragedy

Tragedy unfolds throughout the narrative as personal loss drives characters to extremes. Frank's emotional arc is marked by grief over the death of friends, manifesting in a vengeful pursuit that ultimately leads to his downfall. The film encapsulates the inevitable consequences of violence, leaving a haunting impact that lingers long after the credits roll.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:54

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