Introduction

The iconic Irish street gang known as the Westies has captivated the public imagination for decades. This notorious group has made its way into popular culture through various media, including film. One notable cinematic portrayal is the 1999 crime film 'State of Grace.' This article delves into the film, the real-life Westies, and explores the connection between an Irish neighborhood and the notorious gang.

State of Grace: A Critical Look

While not every movie about the Westies has stood the test of time, 'State of Grace' is a significant addition to the filmography. Starring Ed Harris, Gary Oldman, and Sean Penn, this film offers a rich and nuanced portrayal of the crime underworld in New York City's Hells Kitchen. The movie was released to critical acclaim and tells the story of a crime boss put on trial, forcing old enemies to confront each other again.

The Real-Life Westies

The Westies were a legitimate Cosa Nostra crime organization operated out of New York City's Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan in the 1970s and 1980s. They were closely associated with the DeCavalcante crime family and operated a wide range of criminal enterprises, from extortion and petty theft to drug trafficking and murder. The Westies were a fierce and intimidating group, gaining notoriety for their brutality and fierce loyalty to their criminal empire. Their activities made Hell's Kitchen a notorious neighborhood, known for its crime and violence.

The Turbulent History of Hells Kitchen

Hells Kitchen, a neighborhood in New York City, has a rich and tumultuous history, much of which is inseparable from its connection to the Westies. Originally a working-class Irish neighborhood, Hells Kitchen has seen its share of changes and upheaval over the years. The area was marked by poverty, violence, and gang activity, and the Westies played a significant role in shaping the neighborhood's criminal landscape. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Westies controlled a substantial slice of the local underworld. Their influence extended to the local politics and even the neighborhood's social life.

The Original Hells Kitchen in Dublin

Interestingly, the name Hells Kitchen has a fascinating connection to another city, Dublin. According to legend, the original Hells Kitchen was centered around Charlemont Street in South Dublin City. However, despite the intriguing story, it's challenging to find verifiable historical evidence to support this claim. Many websites and search results are dominated by modern restaurants named after the neighborhood, making it difficult to uncover the truth. Nevertheless, some pubs in Dublin still hold on to the legend, and it's a fun fact that adds to the neighborhood's mystique.

Conclusion

The portrayal of the Westies in 'State of Grace' highlights the enduring fascination with these notorious criminals and the criminal underworld they inhabited. The film provides insight into the complex world of organized crime and the human stories behind the headlines. For those interested in the history of New York City and the Westies, 'State of Grace' serves as a fascinating and detailed account of this era.

Keywords: Westies, State of Grace, Hells Kitchen