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Little Odessa
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Synopsis
A somber portrait of organized crime and family trauma, Little Odessa centers on the trouble caused when hit man Joshua Shapira (Tim Roth) returns to his old neighborhood of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. A hired killer for the Russian Mafia, Joshua is given an assignment in his hometown, where he renews contact with his younger brother Reuben (Edward Furlong) and an old flame (Moira Kelly). But others do not welcome Joshua's return, particularly his harsh, estranged father (Maximillian Schell), who had disowned Joshua years before and currently attempts to keep him from visiting his seriously ill mother (Vanessa Redgrave). The pressure of these family crises combine with Joshua's deepening involvement in the local crime scene, ultimately triggering a bloody confrontation. First-time director James Gray creates a solemn, oppressive atmosphere that emphasizes the already grim nature of his story. The slow pace and familiar crime narrative were attacked by many viewers, contributing to a mixed critical reaction, but Little Odessa nevertheless won admiration for Gray's visual sense and the skilled performance by Roth in the unsympathetic lead role. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Cast

Edward Furlong Reuben Shapira
Moira Kelly Alla Shustervich
Vanessa Redgrave Irina Shapira
Tim Roth Joshua Shapira
Maximilian Schell Arkady Shapira
Natalya Andreichenko Natasha
David Vadim Sasha
Paul Guilfoyle Boris Volkoff

Production Crew

Judy Rhee Art Director
Douglas Abiel Casting
Douglas Aibel Casting
Tom Richmond Cinematographer
Kerry Orent Co-producer
Dana Sano Composer (Music Score)
Michael Clancy Costume Designer
James Gray Director
Dorian Harris Editor
Claudia Lewis Executive Producer
Nick Wechsler Executive Producer
Rolf Mittweg Executive Producer
Steve Apicella First Assistant Director
Tom Paul Musical Direction/Supervision
Paul Webster Producer
Kevin Thompson Production Designer
Christopher Goode Production Manager
James Gray Screenwriter
Charles Ford Set Designer
Year: 1994
Runtime: 98
Country: USA
MPAA Rating: R
for strong shootings, sexuality and language
Category: Feature

Genre
Crime

Color type
Foto-Kem prints

Sound
Dolby

Produced by
New Line Cinema

Awards
1994 - Silver Lion - Venice International Film Festival
1995 - Best First Feature - Independent Spirit Award