Year: 1995
Runtime: 101 mins
Language: English
Director: Barbet Schroeder
Little Junior Brown rules the streets and the criminal game, but he isn’t the only player. Ex‑con Jimmy Kilmartin wants a fresh start yet accepts a risky driving job to protect a friend threatened by Brown. When the job falls apart, Jimmy is blamed, his life unravels, and the police chase him, still after Little Junior Brown.
Get a spoiler-free look at Kiss of Death (1995) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the restless streets of Queens, the city pulses with a gritty energy that feels both familiar and unforgiving. Shadows of past crimes linger in alleyways, and the ever‑present hum of traffic masks the quiet negotiations that keep the underworld humming. Within this concrete maze, power is measured not by wealth alone but by the ability to command respect—and fear—on every corner.
_ Jimmy Kilmartin_ returns to the neighborhood after serving time, determined to rebuild a life that once slipped through his fingers. A former inmate with a history of alcoholism, he now clings to the hope of redemption, balancing the demands of an ordinary existence with the lingering weight of his reputation. His resolve is tested when the fragile stability of his world is threatened by forces he thought he had left behind.
When a desperate request comes from a close friend, Jimmy is drawn into a risky driving job designed to shield that friend from the looming menace of Little Junior Brown, the street‑level kingpin whose influence casts a long shadow over the borough. The agreement feels like a chance to prove his loyalty while staying on the straight‑and‑narrow path he has been carving out for himself.
However, the plan quickly unravels, and the consequences ripple outward. Suddenly, Jimmy finds himself blamed for a fallout he never intended, thrust into the crosshairs of both the law and the relentless pursuit of Brown’s empire. The police close in, and the chase forces him to confront a world he hoped to escape, setting the stage for a tense struggle between survival, conscience, and the unforgiving rhythm of the city.
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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Protagonists trapped in a criminal world with no easy way out.If you liked the gritty fight for survival in Kiss of Death, explore more movies where characters are trapped in the criminal underworld. These similar crime thrillers and dramas feature protagonists facing impossible choices, corrupt systems, and relentless threats, capturing that same desperate and tense mood.
The narrative typically follows a protagonist, often an ex-con or reluctant participant, who is pulled back into a world of organized crime. Their attempts to break free or protect loved ones are systematically thwarted, leading to a series of escalating crises where survival hinges on dangerous alliances and morally grey actions.
These movies are grouped by their shared mood of desperation and high-stakes tension within a criminal setting. They feature a dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and a steady pacing that methodically tightens the vise around the main character, creating a cohesive experience of gritty, high-intensity survival stories.
Characters achieve a partial victory, but it comes with profound loss.Fans of the costly resolution in Kiss of Death will appreciate these movies with bittersweet endings. Discover similar dramas and thrillers where characters pay a heavy price for their freedom or redemption, resulting in emotionally heavy conclusions that are poignant rather than purely happy or sad.
The narrative arc involves a character seeking a fresh start or aiming to correct a past wrong. Their path is fraught with severe consequences, often including the loss of loved ones or their own innocence. The climax provides a form of resolution—perhaps safety or vengeance—but it is undercut by the immense personal cost, resulting in an emotionally complex and resonant ending.
These films are united by their shared emotional journey towards a bittersweet conclusion. They balance a dark, heavy tone with a narrative structure that allows for a partial victory, creating a specific and impactful viewing experience defined by the high cost of redemption and the weight of consequences.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Kiss of Death 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 Kiss of Death is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Kiss of Death, 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.
Track the full timeline of Kiss of Death with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Kiss of Death. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Kiss of Death: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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