True Friends
Synopsis
New York, The Bronx, 1980. Two Italian boys Joey Esposito and Louie Mazerino jump to the defence of a smaller Puerto Rican boy, J.J. Lopez, when J.J. is threatened by six schoolyard bullies. The three boys soon become best friends, and they always look out for each other. However, their innocence is shattered when they witness Big Tony, the local Mob boss kill a man. The three boys vow to each other to keep it a secret. Fifteen years later, the three boys, now in their late twenties are still the best of friends and still living in The Bronx. They dream of opening their own bar. Desperate to better themselves, Joey devises a scheme to steal money from Big Tony and open their own Joint.
Top Cast
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James Quattrochi
Joey
Loreto Mauro
Louie Mazzarino
Rodrigo Botero
J.J. / Narrator
John Capodice
Big Tony
Eddie Jones
Father Reilly
Dan Lauria
Pauley
Len Lesser
Mr. Slotnick
Vera Lockwood
Mrs. Calisuano
Peter Onorati
Alphonse
Mackenzie Phillips
Connie
Leo Rossi
Carmine
Richard Zavaglia
Luigi
Jeanne Sapienza
Gina
Jeanne Sapienza
Sal
Sue Giosa
Frances
Albert Wong
Chinese Chef
John Zurlo
Social Club Member
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 30, 1998
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James Quattrochi
- Screenplay & Story
- Rodrigo Botero, James Quattrochi
- Original Score
- Charles Dayton
- Original Title
- True Friends
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 43m
- Production Studios
- 2nd Generation Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James Quattrochi
Rodrigo Botero, James Quattrochi
Charles Dayton
Jeff Baustert
Barclay DeVeau
Joseph Paskal, Danny Zavala, Loreto Mauro, Darren Paskal, James Quattrochi
Department Leadership Roster
Joseph Paskal
Producer
Rodrigo Botero
Writer
Danny Zavala
Producer
James Quattrochi
Writer
Darren Paskal
Producer
Barclay DeVeau
Editor
Robyn Coburn
Production Design
James Quattrochi
Director
Sarah DeSilva
Costume Design
Jeff Baustert
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for True Friends.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring True Friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions About True Friends
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is True Friends about?
New York, The Bronx, 1980. Two Italian boys Joey Esposito and Louie Mazerino jump to the defence of a smaller Puerto Rican boy, J.J. Lopez, when J.J. is threatened by six schoolyard bullies. The three boys soon become best friends, and they always look out for each other. However, their innocence is shattered when they witness Big Tony, the local Mob boss kill a man. The three boys vow to each other to keep it a secret. Fifteen years later, the three boys, now in their late twenties are still the best of friends and still living in The Bronx. They dream of opening their own bar. Desperate to better themselves, Joey devises a scheme to steal money from Big Tony and open their own Joint.
Who directed True Friends?
True Friends was directed by James Quattrochi.
Who stars in True Friends?
The principal cast of True Friends includes James Quattrochi, Loreto Mauro, Rodrigo Botero, John Capodice, Eddie Jones.
When was True Friends released and how long is it?
True Friends was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 43m.
Who composed the musical score for True Friends?
The original motion picture soundtrack for True Friends was composed by Charles Dayton.
What is the age rating and content advisory for True Friends?
True Friends holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).