<P> In 1960, Lorenzo Anello lives in Belmont, an Italian - American neighborhood in The Bronx, with his wife Rosina and his 9 - year old young son Calogero, who is fascinated by the local mobsters led by Sonny LoSpecchio . One day, Calogero witnesses a murder committed by Sonny in defense of an assaulted friend in his neighborhood . When Calogero chooses to keep quiet when questioned by NYPD detectives, Sonny takes a liking to him and gives him the nickname "C". Sonny's men offer Lorenzo a better paying job, but Lorenzo, preferring a law - abiding life as an MTA bus driver, politely declines . Sonny befriends Calogero and introduces him to his crew . Calogero earns tips amounting to $600 working in the Mafia bar and throwing dice, and is admonished harshly by Lorenzo when he discovers it . Lorenzo speaks severely to Sonny, returns the money, and angrily warns him to keep away from Calogero . </P> <P> Eight years later, Calogero has grown into a young man who has been visiting Sonny regularly without his father's knowledge . Calogero is also part of a gang of local Italian - American boys, which concerns Sonny, who warns Calogero to keep away from them and focus more on his schoolwork . Later on, Calogero meets an African American girl named Jane Williams, and is smitten with her . Despite the high level of racial tension and dislike between Italian Americans and African Americans, Calogero arranges a date with Jane . He asks for advice from both his father and Sonny, with the latter lending Calogero his car . Later, Calogero's friends beat up the black cyclists who ride through their neighborhood, despite Calogero's attempts to defend them . One of the cyclists is revealed to be Jane's brother, Willie . Willie mistakes Calogero for one of the assailants . He then accuses "C" of beating him up when Calogero and Jane meet for their date . Calogero loses his temper over the accusation and Willie's lack of gratitude, responding by accidentally addressing him with a racial slur . He instantly regrets it, but it's too late . Heartbroken, Jane walks back to the car with Willie and leaves Calogero . </P> <P> At home, Calogero is confronted by his father who just saw him driving Sonny's car . An argument ensues and Calogero storms out . Shortly thereafter, Calogero is confronted by Sonny and his crew, who found a bomb in Sonny's car and suspected Calogero of planning to assassinate him . Calogero tearfully proclaims his love for and dedication to Sonny . Sonny recognizes Calogero's innocence and allows him to leave . Lorenzo emerges to defend his son, but is held back by Sonny's men . The African - American boys egg the Italian - American boys' usual spot in retaliation for the previous beating, and Calogero's friends make a plan to strike back using Molotov cocktails . They try to force Calogero to participate, but Sonny stops the car and orders Calogero out . Calogero catches up with Jane, who tells him that Willie had since admitted that the boy who beat him up wasn't Calogero . Jane and Calogero make amends, but Calogero suddenly remembers his friends' plans to attack Jane's neighborhood, and the two rush to stop them . Calogero and Jane arrive to find the Italian - American boys' car in flames . During the attack, someone threw one of the Molotov cocktails back into the car window, igniting the remaining bottles . The resulting crash and explosion killed everyone in the vehicle . </P> <P> Calogero rushes into the crowded bar to thank Sonny for saving his life, but an unnamed assailant shoots Sonny in the back of the head before Calogero can warn him . Calogero later learns that the assailant was the son of the man Sonny killed in front of Calogero's house eight years earlier . At Sonny's funeral, countless people come to pay their respects . When the crowd disperses, Carmine visits the funeral, claiming that Sonny once saved his life as well . Calogero does not recognize Carmine until he sees a scar on his forehead and realizes he was the assaulted man whom Sonny had defended eight years ago . Carmine tells Calogero that he will be taking care of the neighborhood for the time being, and promises Calogero help should he ever need anything . Carmine leaves just as Calogero's father unexpectedly arrives to pay his respects to Sonny, thanking him for saving his son's life . Lorenzo later says that he had never hated Sonny, but merely resented him for making Calogero grow up so quickly . Calogero makes peace with his father, and the two walk home together as Calogero narrates the lessons he learned from his two mentors . </P>

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