The Making of the Mob (2015–2016) User Reviews (34)

Episode 1 Kicks this Season off to a Good Start

[olihist · 8/10 · 12 July 2016]

Although the story of Al Capone's rise and fall is well known to most viewers, this eight-part second season of AMC's "Making of the Mob" portrays an Al Capone that defies mythologizing. While "The Making of the Mob - New York" seemed to suffer at times from a staid and disjointed story line, this season offers a more suspenseful yet surprisingly nuanced tale that breathes some fresh air into the tried and true histories of Capone and of the Chicago Outfit.

Was Capone a violent and ruthless killer? Episode 1 portrays Capone as less of a killer and more a man struggling to survive in a dangerous and unforgiving world. Was Capone destined for criminal glory/infamy? In this version, Capone is seen less as a gangster-in-the-making and more as a person of opportunity. Perhaps if he had received a better wage or a better education, Capone would've shied away from the criminal underworld. But as "Making of the Mob" vividly illustrates, Capone had few other options to make a better life for himself and for his family besides turning to the Mob.

"The Making of the Mob" does not exclude the violence and ruthlessness that lay behind Capone's rise to power in Chicago (e.g. the gruesome killing of Chicago kingpin "Big Jim" Colosimo), but it helps contextualize it in a way that offers a deeper portrayal of Capone and his life beyond the Hollywood imagery. Although it remains to be seen how well the show will cover the rest of Capone's career (as well as the subsequent history of the Chicago Mob following his downfall), Episode 1 seems to foreshadow a gripping and refreshingly new take on the infamous gangster and on the criminal underworld that he notoriously seized control of.

Entertaining but not entirely accurate....

[s3276169 · 7/10 · 1 July 2015]

The Making of the Mob: New York is an entertaining but not entirely accurate portrayal of the rise of prominent mob figures Lucky Luciano and Myer Lansky in early 20th century New York.

Its an interesting tale that employs acting, as opposed to utilizing a documentary format. Ray Liotta is a great choice for narrator, with his gravelly, New York accent and gangster film pedigree.

The approach however does take dramatic license and there are some historical inaccuracies that means this series is part fact, part fiction. There is little to suggest, for example, Lucky Luciano was dining with Joe Masseria at the time of the latter's execution. The role of Nucky Johnson in the mob underworld of the time is not properly explained or placed in context either. Johnson was not a mobster but instead a corrupt politician.

If you accept the limitations present in this series it is, in most respects, an entertaining, colourful romp through early US gangster land. The acting is of a good standard and the story is presented in an engaging and lively manner. Seven out of ten from me.

Accuracy

[electraguard2 · 8/10 · 17 July 2016]

I don't know about the accuracy of the story line but I do know that the 1959 Edsel cop car showing up at the 1957 upstate NY meeting is not accurate. There may be other inaccuracy in the show but I found it entertaining. I thought the casting was good but got tired of all the non-essential shots of gangsters standing or sitting around smoking. I also noted that one of the scenes of Costello being concerned about being hit in the last episode was the same scene from when he was "protecting' the waterfront from saboteurs during WWII. It would have been nice to see what happened to the guys who took over after Luciano but maybe that will be shown in an other series. We are looking forward to the series about Capone.

One episode in.

[obie1023 · 10/10 · 16 June 2015]

I watched the premiere of making of the mob and I was pleased with the storyline. If you like stories about the mobsters,their rise to power and infamy this is a great show. The show is built around a strong cast with good on screen chemistry. I believe that Rich Graff who plays Lucky Luciano really does a great job in this first episode and this might be his breakthrough role. I am not too familiar with his other work but well done! Kudos to AMC and the directors for putting on such an entertaining series! I cannot wait to see the up coming episodes. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves movies/TV series like boardwalk empire, mobsters, the sopranos, goodfellas, casino, etc.

Awesome watch

[chompers-89102 · 8/10 · 6 January 2020]

A great insite look into the Mafia (Mob) Family of NYC, how they these 3 boy's worked there way up the ranks. And what they did to help the US Government, which they would never admit to

Starting out as a very good show!

[gilligan1965 · 8/10 · 16 June 2015]

I've only just viewed the first episode of this mini-series last night, but, I'm happy with what I saw and have high hopes that this is going to be monumental by covering new information, or, adding new information to old events.

So far in this first episode, this has pretty-much followed along with the movie "Mobsters" (1991) starring Christian Slater (and, both complement one another).

I believe that this is going to be a very good series so long as it doesn't continue to repeat events and occurrences that have been shown over and over again in so many documentaries and movies before this over the years.

I enjoyed this first episode.

Simply amazing

[matthijsalexander · 8/10 · 23 August 2016]

What better way to learn and enjoy at the same time. I wish there were more series like these.

Whether 100% accurate or not, I don't really care. Perhaps some things are exaggerated, perhaps some facts presented a bit more romantic. It really doesn't bother me.

The story line, the rise of Capone, has been covered many times, the story told many times. The genius of this is the combination of documentary and series. The acting surprisingly good.

Though one would expect to be very predictable and very 'sopranos-like', it is not. Great care has been taken in producing and creating a worthy product.

My compliments, and I can only say that I have enjoyed every episode equally.

Could have been done better

[rosiehoward-93749 · 7/10 · 10 June 2018]

With such excellent source material this had the potential to be awesome. It was good but could have been better. It's easy to follow and the story runs along at a nice pace without too much repetition from earlier eps. Unfortunately, the script and acting are a bit unconvincing at times. The comments are insightful and assist. It really is a good story, Just could have been a bit more polished.

Very interesting

[steveswangler · 9/10 · 3 April 2023]

Very interesting, Liotta's narration is spot on, and the actors playing the parts really keep the interest instead of just showing pictures of the people or certain areas.

A well written and produced show.

A few of the people making comments included actors known for gangster characters, and two unnecessary mouths.

Drea de matteo, showing a sad bigotry towards men. Lumping any group into one pile is stupid and she does this flippantly, like an idiot.

Speaking of idiots, rudy guiliani appearing on the show talking about justice did not age well. What he did 30 some years ago against the mafia is all wiped away now that he has thrown his lot in with a new gangster.

When editing keep the music at a reasonable level.

[bellment · 3 June 2018]

A good doco but who ever edited this docudrama needs some lessons in how to lay down a good audio track and level. The music is over the top and far to loud, making it difficult to hear the narration. It's Really annoying!

Understand old white politicians today

[TR604 · 7/10 · 16 December 2019]

If you want to understand old white politicians in the US today, watch this. See Rudy Giuliani add commentary about monsters as "brilliant," and see the fame and fortune through corrupt mob dealings the current US president (though not brilliant) aspires. Well done. Very interesting.

Very Good!

[superbradbw · 9/10 · 10 October 2018]

Being a long time fan of historical drama's and things of the sort, I was pleasantly surprised by the series. While not necessarily completely accurate it's clear it's not really trying to be. It puts a dramatised style behind the Mob of both New York and Chicago. I personally loved it and It did something that many documentary series can't do to the average viewer- it kept them interested, I know it kept me hooked. Being someone who knows nothing about the American mobs to me it's the fact that this show has inspired me to learn more, and patch that inaccuracy that may come through. I heavily suggest a watch!

The Chicago Season was not historically accurate.

[qtdfkte · 6/10 · 7 November 2021]

I may just be a stickler for the truth, but this show is a lot of dramatization. It was entertaining and interesting, but not the truth. Tony Accardo was not his personal bodyguard, Frank Rio was. There were so many missing names in his organization that were replaced with others. Jake Guzik was in charge of the finances, not Frank Nitti. I am only on episode four but if the rest of the show is like this, I'd rather read about it in a factual book.

Completely inaccurate historically!

[Mafia-Walking-Tour · 2/10 · 17 June 2015]

Much of the storyline was based on "The Last Testament of Lucky Luciano" -- supposedly taken from the "diaries" of Lucky Luciano -- which has been proved to be nothing but fairy tales. When it was first published, the FBI stated, "This book has no value to the FBI or anybody for that matter" and "It is unlikely that a mob boss would keep a diary, and if he did, whoever possessed it would not be alive to write a book." The Chief of the US Narcotics Bureau in Rome state, "Martin Gosch (author) is untrustworthy, a liar and an opportunist." Yet Hollywood (and many "experts") still use this book as a basis for research and entertainment. ****Just a few facts from episode one: -The characters featured in the show did NOT use Tommy Guns. In fact, Tommy Guns were extremely rare in NYC. -Luciano DID NOT create the Five Families -- Salvatore Maranzano did. -Luciano, Lansky and Siegel did not meet Frank Costello and Masseria like shown in the episode. -Luciano did not start working for Masseria like shown in the episode. -Rocco Valenti was gunned down two days after the failed hit attempt on Masseria -- not "weeks later." And the hit was an ambush by eight gunman in front of John's Restaurant on 12th Street as Valenti showed up with two bodyguards to a sit down called by Masseria. A seven year old girl and a street sweeper were shot in the crossfire. Nothing like in the series. Plus there is no proof that Luciano pulled the trigger or was even present. -Luciano, a Sicilian, can not pronounce the word "Consigliere"? (The "G" is silent.) -Half of the "experts" interviewed could not even pronounce "Luciano" correctly. (It's Lu-CHI-ano") These are just a FEW of the many inaccurate things in the first 30 minutes alone of the first episode -- Don't expect it to get any better from here. Come take a tour of the real mafia history and learn about all the Hollywood misinformation out there.

Excellent show

[elliotjeory · 8/10 · 9 October 2018]

An educating and entertaining show. The life of lucky Luciano and associates. Very interesting to see the beginnings of the Mafia in New York, particularly Luciano's rise and creation of the commission. Great supporting characters from Genevese and Meyer Lansky. The stories of Frank Costello and Bugsy Siegal are also fascinating. Narrated by Ray Liotta, any fan of mafia movies will love this historical portrayal of the real life goodfellas.

Amazing to the Details and Story line

[bbbbluecrushhhh · 10/10 · 18 July 2015]

I've seen many mob movies and shows and quite frankly I love God Father movie the most but this show is equivalent to that movie, I've seen all the 5 episode of this show and its amazing, the details and acting are excellent, the story line goes in-depth for the events that happened as it is in NY and that adds to the script of how good this series is.

My only concern is that this series doesn't end in just 1 or 2 seasons because of the story line and that would be a big disappointment. I hope this TV series continues adding more details on everyone lives and provides more information about the cops and agents involved or bribed with details on the mob assets and cribs and safe houses... this TV show has amazing potential and can provides a direct view in the history of the prohibition era and the mafia.

The music and details to clothing are amazing, and the narration in between provides a really good help in understanding what exactly is happening, so I won't like this to go to history channel at all rather be a show of its own league which it is for anyone to get information.

I recommend this to everyone who is interested in knowing about the Mob world in the early era's. I hope it continues the same way and exceeds above 7 or 8 seasons.

Love the concise history...

[eastathis · 9/10 · 6 April 2021]

The people speaking who've done research on the historical facts are excellent. The actors didn't have much of a role though, mostly spend time looking off into the distance and smoking....smoking....and more 🚬

How the Special Intelligence Unit of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (later the IRS) actually Got Capone

[mdolanmd · 8/10 · 11 August 2016]

I have seen all episodes through 8/8/16 of Making of the Mob, Chicago.

Mike Malone was my Great Uncle. I have all his documents from Treasury; as well as a massive amount (3000+ pages) of Frank Wilsons and their Chief's Elmer Irey.

I am happy to see that the focus/credit has been on these men (Irey needed to be included and I also suggest A.P. Madden), but as told through 8/8/16 it's a good portrayal. A few inaccuracies: (1) How Nitti was actually taken down as Mr. Belmont in Berwyn, IL- it's a cool, funny and creative story-line. (2) It was the Hawthorne Smoke shop's ledger that 'nailed' Al (I have it). (3) There was a lot more drama in the courtroom and I have the written notes on the take-down of d'Andrea, Al's bodyguard (4) Also very melodramatic moment when Al ran into Malone as they left the courtroom (5) Al offered Irey a $1.5 million bribe (6) Al wanted Wilson and Irey rubbed out by hired guns from NYC and Mike alerted them (7) Malone alerted all about jury pool and Judge Wilkerson switched them out as portrayed this past week (8) Eddie O'Hare stood up and testified against Al. Wilson's states this was another clincher for the conviction. Eddie paid the price later---These men got Eddie's son, Butch, into Annapolis. Butch was killed in WW 2 and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. That's how Chicago's airport got ts name I can go on and on--- I have enjoyed this series.

marty dolan

Great Presenting of Source Material-Just TOO Weak on Acting

[Jazzie-too · 6/10 · 21 July 2020]

Who wrote the script or screenplay! Or was it the directing? The casting did not support the storyline. The Al Capone character bothered me throughout, as did the other "heavy weight" mobster bosses. I could not agree more with rosiehoward's review. This had really great potential. The story material was there, the delivery was miserable!

Make sure you watch this

[bryangary65 · 8/10 · 16 October 2018]

Really enjoyed Series one.

Great story telling of a fascinating organisation..the Mafia

Rich Graff as Lucky Luciano was terrific and totally convincing

Worth a look

[albertmartinez-33947 · 7/10 · 4 August 2015]

I don't get a chance to watch a lot of TV let alone a series, but this docuseries really had my attention. I'm sure it's not as accurate like others have mentioned, but for 8 weeks I enjoyed it and was entertained.

Ray Leota's narration and voice was great. It really helped to add to the drama.

I got a huge kick out of all the smoking the characters did. I mean almost every seen someone has a cigarette in hand. My favorite characters were Lucky and Mere Lansky.

It's not straight out of the history books like I mention, but I enjoyed the wardrobe, automobiles, fancy hotels and tommy guns.

Thanks AMC for putting this on!

A few historical discrepancies but still good.

[shinningstar-82066 · 10/10 · 4 August 2015]

I rated this series a 10 because I loved the production of it in general. Being a history buff I was a little disappointed with this series crediting Luciano with creating the blueprint of the "Five Families" when it's well documented that Maranzano was the mastermind of that operation and that Luciano was the one to implement it.

I was also confused when the narrator described Murder Inc. as being a group of Jewish hit men and not a mixture of Jewish and Italian hit men with the ringleader Albert Anastasia being Italian.

There were a few other historical discrepancies however it wasn't to the point where I would lower my rating of the entire production itself because I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm hoping there will be another installment of this series because there are so many early gangsters that have notoriously made their mark in carving out a piece of the American Dream and it would be nice to see their story told.

This was an excellent series and I was so sad for it to end.

An interesting watch but not entirely accurate. (Also slight confusion)

[Joshreynolds-47 · 6/10 · 18 October 2017]

I feel like the story draws is full of conjecture, but all in all a good series to pass the time with some insight into the New York Mafia.

One thing that confuses me, Which once upon a time I would of written in the comments section (RIP), is it Ray Liotta narrating? It sounds nothing like him and IMDb doesn't even credit him, they credit a guy called Jeremy Davidson for the Chicago version but nothing for Ray.

Not entirely accurate, with some ridioulous choices in guests, but just good enough

[quakex-925-959388 · 5/10 · 19 November 2018]

The acting is pretty ify at times. But it's just barely good enough to endure and follow along the story.

For some ridiculous reason, they bring in actors from fictional mob movies, to talk about the history of the mob as if they are experts or have real experience. It's so hard to take the show seriously when I see them talking with a tone of authority. However, there are historians and actual people that were in the mob, or related, that speak from time to time.

Also, if you have spent any amount of time studying the history of the mob, you'll notice many inaccuracies. So it's best to take it all with a grain of salt, not take it too seriously, and view the show mostly as fiction that's inspired by real events.

actors

[chilipeppers-17879 · 8/10 · 30 August 2016]

I don't know what all of the real mob characters looked like, but I don't think many of the actors resembled the real mobsters especially the actor who played Sam Giancana. Good actor, but he looked nothing like the real guy. AND THE REST I ADDED TO HAVE THE AMOUNT OF LINES FOR SUBMISSION:

The Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg National Cemetery was dedicated by President Abraham Lincoln a brief four months after the Battle. Lincoln's speech lasted only two minutes, but it went into history as the immortal Gettysburg Address.

"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation: conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war. . .testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated. . . can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war.

We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate. . .we cannot consecrate. . . we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. . .that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain. . . that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. . . and that government of the people. . .by the people. . .for the people. . . shall not perish from the earth. "

More information about President Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address.