The Funeral

The Funeral

Year: 1996

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: Abel Ferrara

DramaCrimeCrime drugs and gangstersGritty crime and ruthless gangstersGripping intense violent crime

After a family member is killed, a criminal clan gathers for the funeral and finds themselves tangled in a web of deception. Driven by grief and a thirst for vengeance, they set out on a tense, emotionally charged quest to avenge the death, confronting betrayal and violence at every turn.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Funeral yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Funeral (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Funeral (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:59

Main Characters – The Funeral (1996)

Meet the key characters of The Funeral (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gaspare (Benicio Del Toro)

A rival gangster and chief suspect in Johnny's murder. He is abducted for interrogation and, while he claims Johnny's killer, his calm, calculating demeanor makes him a target in the escalating feud.

🕵️ Rivalry 🗡️ Criminal 💼 Gangster

Ray Tempio (Christopher Walken)

Cold and calculating leader of the feud who drives the plan for revenge. He manipulates events and orders killings, ultimately meeting a violent demise at the hands of his own brother.

⚔️ Leadership 🔪 Violence 👨‍👦 Family

Chez Tempio (Chris Penn)

Hot-tempered and obsessive, Chez embodies impulsive violence and fuels the cycle of retaliation. His actions culminate in a double tragedy for the family.

🔥 Impulsiveness 🧭 Obsession 💥 Tragedy

Johnny Tempio (Vincent Gallo)

The compassionate middle brother whose death becomes the catalyst for revenge. His murder reveals the brutal consequences of gangland violence.

💔 Sensitivity 🕊️ Innocence 🗡️ Murder

Jean (Annabella Sciorra)

Ray's wife who opposes the campaign of retribution and the violence it will unleash, embodying the moral conflict within the family.

🚫 Opposition 💔 Family

Clara Tempio (Isabella Rossellini)

Chez's wife who struggles to cope with her husband's obsessive nature and the violent world surrounding the Tempio brothers.

💬 Struggle 🧭 Loyalty

Sali (John Ventimiglia)

A member of the gang who is involved in the affairs surrounding the Tempios and the murder investigation.

🤝 Gang member 🕵️‍♂️ Involvement

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:59

Major Themes – The Funeral (1996)

Explore the central themes of The Funeral (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Revenge

The film centers on a family-driven vendetta after Johnny's murder, with Ray and Chez pursuing retaliation and orchestrating killings that escalate quickly.

👪 Family

The Tempio brothers and their spouses are bound by loyalty and ties of blood, shaping decisions and moral choices as their lives spiral into violence.

🕯️ Superstition

Superstitions about the killer and the victim's wounds color the investigation and mindset, influencing the characters' willingness to confront or forgive.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:59

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Funeral

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Funeral 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 The Funeral is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Funeral Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Funeral, 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.

The Funeral Summary

The Funeral Timeline

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

The Funeral Timeline

The Funeral Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Funeral that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Funeral Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Funeral

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Funeral: 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 The Funeral