The Wanderers

The Wanderers

Year: 1979

Runtime: 112 min

Director: Philip Kaufman

Drama

In 1963 New York's gritty underbelly, the Wanderers, an Italian gang, navigate adolescence amidst rival gangs and high-stakes football games. As they face off against their enemies, they find solace in classic rock 'n' roll sounds like "Walk Like a Man" and "My Boyfriend's Back." With honor and turf at stake, the gangs put aside differences to defend their territory in a rousing display of unity and nostalgia.

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Timeline & Setting – The Wanderers (1979)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Wanderers (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1963

The film takes place in 1963, a pivotal year in American history marked by social upheaval and the fight for civil rights. It was also the year when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, an event that profoundly affected the nation and is referenced in the movie.

Location

Bronx, New York City

The movie is set in the Bronx, a vibrant and diverse borough of New York City known for its rich cultural history and street life. In the early 1960s, this area was a melting pot of different ethnicities, particularly Italian and African American communities, which is central to the film's gang culture narrative.

🏙️ Urban 🌆 City Life

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Main Characters – The Wanderers (1979)
Meet the key characters of The Wanderers (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Richie (Ken Wahl)

Richie is the charismatic leader of 'The Wanderers,' navigating the pressures of gang life and personal relationships. He faces moral dilemmas, particularly regarding loyalty to his gang versus his affection for women.

👨‍🎤 Leader 🥊 Charismatic

Perry (Tony Ganios)

Perry is a tough yet sensitive new member in the gang, recently moved from New Jersey. He faces the dual challenges of integrating into the gang while managing his troubled home life with an alcoholic mother.

👊 Fighter 🤝 Loyal

Joey (John Friedrich)

Joey is portrayed as small yet brave, often impulsive and willing to stand up for his friends. He struggles with his abusive father, which adds depth to his desire for friendship and belonging.

💪 Brave 😟 Troubled

Despie (Toni Kalem)

Despie is Richie's girlfriend who becomes entangled in his emotional struggles. Her character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative as she navigates her feelings of love and betrayal.

❤️ Girlfriend 💁‍♀️ Strong

Turkey (Alan Rosenberg)

Turkey is a conflicted member of the Wanderers who seeks acceptance from the Baldies. His story ends tragically, reflecting the dangers of gang affiliation and the extremes of seeking belonging.

🤷‍♂️ Conflicted 😔 Tragic

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Major Themes – The Wanderers (1979)
Explore the central themes of The Wanderers (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👊 Gang Culture

The movie explores the dynamics of gang life in the Bronx, showcasing themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pressures of belonging to a group. It delves into how these young men navigate their identities against the backdrop of violence and rivalry among different gangs.

💔 Love and Betrayal

Interpersonal relationships are central to the narrative, as characters wrestle with betrayal and romantic entanglements. The complicated love triangles that emerge highlight the emotional turmoil and conflicts that can arise in tight-knit communities.

⚽ Competition

Competition is not only portrayed in terms of gang rivalries but also through a scheduled football game meant to settle conflicts. This theme showcases the intensity and camaraderie found in sports, juxtaposed with the underlying tensions between groups.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

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