In this blog, we will examine The Family from its storyline to character development to its critical reception and mafia genre in general. With its runtime of 111 minutes, this film packs quite an emotional punch while providing laughs, action scenes, and touching emotional scenes—so let us break them all down for you so you have a fuller picture of its themes, characters, and impact on viewers!
Besson made headlines for successfully mixing dark comedy, crime drama, and familial bonding into The Family (2013) starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Tommy Lee Jones as an Italian mafia family seeking refuge under Witness Protection Program in France’s countryside. Based on Tonino Benacquista’s novel Malavita, with its mix of farce, violence, and familial bonds, it is all bound by Besson’s signature stylistic touches.
The Plot of The Family
We meet Giovanni Manzoni (Robert De Niro), an ex-mafia boss forced into the FBI Witness Protection Program after turning in several associates for incriminating information against them. Now known as Fred Blake, Giovanni relocates with Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer), their two children Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D’Leo), to a rural town in Normandy, France, to avoid reprisals from mafia members who threatened them during his former activities.
Tackling life in small-town France proves challenging; Giovanni has become used to solving his issues through violence and intimidation, leading him into multiple altercations with locals. Maggie finds it hard to control her temper when overhearing anti-American remarks made against American citizens; their children, Belle and Warren, struggle as well with this transition; Belle takes drastic measures against school bullies while Warren runs black markets within his school community.
As Giovanni is haunted by memories from his past and mafia hitmen arrive in Normandy, the Manzoni family must fight to remain intact while simultaneously coming to terms with their inability to leave mafia ways behind them.
1. The Inescapability of the Past
One of The Family’s central themes is the difficulty in leaving one’s past behind. Giovanni Manzoni may have fled mafia-connected life for witness protection, yet that doesn’t mean his past does not shape who they are; nor can their lives. All are affected by history with mobster.
Although they make every attempt at starting over in a quiet French town, their violent tendencies continue to emerge despite best intentions. Giovanni resorts to assaulting those who cross him; Maggie blows up a grocery store; even their children engage in illegal activities—showing that no matter how hard this family tries, their old identities simply refuse to vanish from them. The film suggests they cannot move past themselves completely.
2. Family Loyalty
In The Family, loyalty is at the core of mafia culture; we see this extended to the Manzoni family unit despite any cracks that might exist between its members. Even during times when their lives may be at stake, all four family members come together as one team to defend each other against mafia hitmen; perhaps best illustrated during the final showdown where all four family members take up arms against them together.
3. Cultural Clash
Much of the film’s humor comes from its depiction of cultural tension between Giovanni’s Manzoni family and their French surroundings in a small-town environment. Giovanni’s violent solutions for daily problems, Maggie’s frustration with French customs, and their children’s disregard for social norms demonstrate how mismatched this family is within this setting—their American mafia-influenced way of living is at odds with its rural French surroundings, creating many comedic yet awkward scenes throughout.
4. Redemption and Second Chances
One theme at the center of The Family is redemption—whether or not people can truly change. Giovanni, his family, and their actions ultimately undermine any chance at change they might get in life; Giovanni attempts to write his memoir but remains halfhearted, while even while hiding, trouble seems to find them. Consequently, The Family presents us with the question: can individuals like the Manzonis ever really be redeemed?
Character Analysis
Robert De Niro as Giovanni Manzoni
Robert De Niro brings an aura of familiarity to his role of Giovanni Manzoni from mafia films such as The Godfather Part II and Goodfellas, making his performance feel effortless yet nuanced. De Niro excels at portraying Giovanni’s internal struggle between wanting to leave the criminal past behind him while being pulled back into it by his nature—making Giovanni more than a stereotypical mob boss.
One of the standout moments occurs when Giovanni attends a film society event only to discover they will be watching Goodfellas—this meta moment highlights both De Niro’s career and Giovanni’s attempts at reformation.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Maggie Manzoni
Michelle Pfeiffer shines as Maggie Manzoni in one of the film’s standout performances, both as fierce protector of her family but equally fed up with life in hiding. Pfeiffer portrays Maggie with equal parts frustration and resilience—her comedic timing shines, particularly in scenes where Maggie loses control.
Pfeiffer brings depth to Maggie as someone yearning for normalcy but struggling against violent impulses, providing plenty of comedic moments, including her violent outburst at a grocery store.
Dianna Agron as Belle Manzoni
Dianna Agron portrays Belle as a teenager with beauty and violence buried underneath. Belle’s relationship with her math tutor provides some measure of vulnerability; yet when confronted by anyone, she responds in kind. Agron’s performance strikes an elegant balance between playing an innocent young woman in love and someone capable of fighting back with brutal force.
John D’Leo as Warren Manzoni
John D’Leo’s performance of Warren Manzoni provides much of the film’s comic relief. Warren is a resourceful teenager who quickly establishes his own criminal enterprise within the school. D’Leo brings an energy and mischievous charm that shows through in scenes where Warren manipulates both classmates and teachers for his gain.
Tommy Lee Jones as Agent Robert Stansfield
Tommy Lee Jones gives an impressive, understated performance as the FBI agent assigned to protect the Manzoni family from their antics, playing him as the straight man amid all their chaos. Jones works well alongside Robert De Niro’s character; both actors share an effortless chemistry that enhances each scene they share.
Mafia Films and The Family’s Unique Twist
Mafia films have long been an American cinematic staple, with classics like The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Casino setting the bar. Mafia flicks typically explore themes related to power, loyalty, betrayal, and moral dilemmas arising from organized crime.
The Family draws heavily upon many familiar themes from mafia films but takes an unusually comedic approach. While films like The Godfather and Goodfellas take a more somber approach with violent scenes, The Family mixes humor into its violence, producing a lighthearted tone despite uneven moments.
Besson’s decision to combine crime with comedy sets The Family apart from other mafia films. His comic take on the Manzoni family’s inability to adjust to normal life is played for laughs, and unlike some predecessors in its genre, The Family doesn’t take itself so seriously, creating an innovative yet chaotic entry in mafia movie history.
Critical Reception of The Family
Critics were divided in their reviews of The Family when it was released. Many enjoyed its humor and performances by its cast, while others found its tonal shifts jarring. The film struggled to balance its elements, though many praised De Niro and Pfeiffer for their performances—some even calling Pfeiffer the standout actress in the film.
Rotten Tomatoes gave The Family an 89% audience rating, with critics noting its overly familiar setup and abrupt tonal shifts. However, many praised De Niro and Pfeiffer’s performances, elevating the film beyond its flaws.
The Family also enjoyed moderate box office success, grossing over $78 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. Its star-studded cast and unique blend of genres contributed to its box office appeal, despite mixed critical reception.
FAQs
1. Is The Family Based on True Events?
No, it is inspired by Tonino Benacquista’s novel Malavita, which centers around a mafia family living under witness protection.
2. What genre is The Family?
The Family is a dark comedy crime film with elements of action and drama that blends humor with violence.
3. Who directed The Family?
Luc Besson, an award-winning French filmmaker best known for helming action films like Léon: The Professional and The Fifth Element.
4. Where was The Family filmed?
Much of The Family was shot in Normandy, France, where the Manzoni family resides in the story.
5. What is the runtime of The Family?
The film runs for approximately one and a half hours (111 minutes).
6. Who are the main cast members in The Family?
Robert De Niro plays Giovanni Manzoni, Michelle Pfeiffer portrays Maggie Manzoni, Tommy Lee Jones plays Agent Robert Stansfield, Dianna Agron plays Belle Manzoni, and John D’Leo takes up Warren Manzoni.
Conclusion
The Family is an engaging blend of dark comedy, crime thriller, and family drama from director Luc Besson. While not his most polished work, The Family manages to entertain with its star-studded cast and humorous take on the mafia genre. Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer’s performances elevate the film further, and it explores themes like family loyalty, redemption, and the inescapability of the past.
Though The Family earned mixed reviews, it remains an enjoyable watch for fans of dark humor and crime films. With action sequences mixed with humor and familial dynamics, The Family offers an intriguing new take on classic mafia stories while staying true to Besson’s signature style—making it well worth watching.