When I saw NYC on the title of the week's Contest; the good old neon lights, nighttime square, sparkling, and busy streets came to mind.
I was having a glimpse of a movie in my mind but can't remember what it was. Only one image came to my mind, and that's the face of young Robert De Niro. And I remember the monologue style of describing his own life. I had to search for the movie's name as I have watched it many years ago, and it's the great Taxi Driver!
Taxi Driver is a classic, to me. One who watched this movie will remember it for many many years. I have not watched it recently but a long time ago. But I have watched it so many times that I know the scenes very well, even some quotes from the hero or should I say him a villain!
I have never been to NYC but I still think this is what the city looks and feels like. Maybe I'm wrong but in my mind, this is it.
Spoiler!!
Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle acts as a lonely and mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran. He works as a taxi driver and the movie revolves around his thoughts and feelings.
He came in contact with some people like a 12 years old girl (prostitute), who he later saved from a political leader. As he was a veteran so he chose the path of violence.
The movie ends with uncertainty about the future life of Travis.
You can watch the trailer here- 
Why do I love this movie so much?
This movie captures the life of NYC so well. Despite the deep understanding of the background of the main character, the film portrays the city life, the streets of NYC, the dwellers, and their behavior pretty well. Probably it would not match 100% with the current time but it captures the life of the 70s and 80s.
I like the fact that this film captures the raw vibe of NYC. The life of political workers, the prostitutes, the taxi driver as a witness of everything, mixing all of these with life tells a very life longing story. Anyone watching it now can also relate this to current society.
The cinematography, the lighting, the dialogue everything was on point. As I said, I remembered the movie because of the actions of Robert De Niro. His acting was so exceptional in this film, you have to agree this is one of the greatest acting in his career.
I love, love, love the monologue style of portraying the movie. Can I say it without judgment that I find the voice of Robert very attractive? I believe it made the film 100 times better.
Lastly, the deep meaning of the movie - we are all alone at the end of the day although we longed for connection and love. We can be the hero or the villain of our life.
If I say, it's a psychological thriller then it wouldn't be an exaggeration. The moral dilemma of Travis (the main character) and the thought-provoking scenes with different side characters, especially the small girl as a prostitute will keep you thinking about the movie.
I have rewatched the film/clips from YouTube to write this review and it reminded me why I loved it so much when I was younger.
My rating would be 9/10, I can't remember if I have given any other movies a 9 till now. IMDb rating is 8.2 and it got 89% rotten tomatoes.
You should watch this if you are a fan of classic movies, I bet you would not be disappointed.
If you want to join the contest, find the details at this link- @cinetv/cine-tv-contest-128-favorite-movie-in-new-york-city
