Don Q” is a 2024 comedy-crime drama directed by Claudio Bellante. The film stars Armand Assante as Don Q, a longtime resident of Little Italy who deludes himself into believing he is a powerful mafia boss determined to restore his neighborhood’s fading values. This delusion is challenged by the return of a ruthless ex-con, leading Don Q and a loyal recruit into a turf war over the area.
Cast Highlights:
- Armand Assante as Don Q: Known for his roles in “Gotti” and “American Gangster,” Assante delivers a compelling performance as the delusional protagonist.
- Saundra Santiago as Antonia: Recognized for her work in “Miami Vice,” Santiago portrays a significant character in Don Q’s life.
- Chuck Zito as Rocco: A former boxer and Hells Angels member, Zito brings authenticity to the role of Rocco.
- Federico Castelluccio as Father Peter: Best known for his role as Furio Giunta in “The Sopranos,” Castelluccio plays a local priest.
Critical Reception:
As of December 2024, “Don Q” holds an IMDb rating of 8.7/10, indicating strong positive feedback from viewers.
Cuestionando el uso de estereotipos recurridos al ‘Don Quijote’, una de las críticas termina: “Don Q es una película divertida, muy inteligente y conmovedora. Recientemente se ha desarrollado una versión en la que la historia se centra en las aventuras del Caballero de la Triste Figura, en un contexto contemporáneo’.”
Cultural Significance:
“Don Q” is a retelling of the ‘Don Quixote’ story and commentary on the themes of delusion, identity, and traditional values versus modern culture. The action takes place in the Italian-American Little Italy neighborhood of New York City and incorporates important aspects of its local culture which faces the challenges of the present times in a more globalized context.
Where to Watch:
“Don Q” was released on November 1, 2024, and is available for streaming and rental on various platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase. Amazon
- Fandango At Home: Offers rental and purchase options.
- Microsoft Store: Available for digital download.
Behind the Scenes:
All the credit goes to director Claudio Bellante for combining different genres in ‘Don Q’ that includes the likes of comedy, crime and drama. Little Italy has been captured beautifully through on-location shooting as it adds to the authenticity of the film.
