Little Caesar (1931) Review in 2025
Little Caesar is a classic gangster film that tells the story of a young man's rise to power in the underworld, with a gripping performance from Edward G. Robinson.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and violence.
CineReview Recommendation
Definitely worth watching, especially for fans of classic gangster films. However, be prepared for some dated cinematography and pacing issues.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows the character of Rico Bandello, a young man who becomes a powerful gangster in Chicago, but his ambition and desire for power ultimately lead to his downfall.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear narrative that explores the rise and fall of a gangster. However, some plot points feel a bit predictable.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Edward G. Robinson delivering a standout performance as Rico Bandello. The supporting cast is also excellent.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Rico Bandello being a particularly compelling protagonist. Edward G. Robinson's performance is outstanding.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with some effective uses of lighting and camera angles. However, the pacing can feel a bit slow at times.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is decent, with some nice shots of the Chicago cityscape. However, the black-and-white photography can feel a bit dated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Outstanding performance from Edward G. Robinson, engaging story, well-developed characters.
Cons
Some predictable plot points, dated cinematography, pacing issues.
Notable Quotes
"I'm gonna be a big shot, see? I'm gonna be a big shot!"
"You can't win 'em all, Rico."
