<P> After acquiring the rights to create the film, with De Niro famously claiming the deal was struck solely with a gentlemen's agreement with Palminteri, the duo began crafting the screenplay . Prior to partnering with De Niro, Palminteri rejected several offers for the film's rights, including some as high as $1 million, if he was not granted the roles of primary screenwriter and Sonny, the gangster Calogero meets . This was due to the original play, which was performed as a one - man show, being largely inspired by or drawn from his own childhood, specifically the shooting Calogero witnesses as a child, as well as the occupation and name of his father . </P> <P> A Bronx Tale received positive reviews from critics . Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 96% based on 28 reviews . The site's critical consensus reads, "A Bronx Tale sets itself apart from other coming - of - age dramas thanks to a solid script, a terrific cast, and director Robert De Niro's sensitive work behind the camera ." Metacritic gave it a weighted average score of 80 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating "generally positive reviews". </P> <P> Critic Roger Ebert gave the film four stars, calling it "very funny (and) very touching . It is filled with life and colorful characters and great lines of dialogue, and De Niro, in his debut as a director, finds the right notes as he moves from laughter to anger to tears (while) retaining its values ." </P> <P> In 2008, the American Film Institute nominated this film for its Top 10 Gangster Films list . </P>

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