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Winnipeg Free Press
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg goes back in time for cinematic Mob job November 1963
Nicholas (Nicki) Celozzi didn't grow up hearing Mob stories. They came later, in quiet conversations with his uncle Pepe. Over time, Pepe began to open up, sharing memories of people who vanished without explanation, of coded conversations and family ties that ran deeper than most. To the outside world, it was the stuff of true-crime headlines, but to Celozzi — grand-nephew of Mob boss Sam Giancana — it was personal. It was family. ALLEN FRASER / NOVEMBER 1963 Producer/writer Nicholas Celozzi (left) and Kevin DeWalt of Mind's Eye Entertainment Now, decades later, the screenwriter and producer is telling the story he was born into — the kind of story others have tried, and failed, to tell from the outside. His upcoming film November 1963, directed by two-time Academy Award nominee Roland Joffé (The Killing Fields, The Mission), doesn't just revisit a moment in American history. It reclaims it. 'We got tired of people monetizing our family's name. It won't stop unless we put it out there ourselves,' Celozzi says. Celozzi wrote the screenplay and is producing the film alongside veteran Canadian producer Kevin DeWalt of Mind's Eye Entertainment. Production of the independent film began in March, with Winnipeg standing in for 1960s Chicago and Dallas. Post-production is being completed in Saskatchewan, making it a fully Prairie-made project. The film, which unfolds over the 48 hours leading up to the assassination of U.S. president John F. Kennedy, centres not on JFK himself, but on the figures in the shadows — the mobsters, intermediaries and political players whose backdoor dealings helped shape one of the most debated events in modern history. Celozzi doesn't claim to offer a new theory. What he offers is something more elusive: a first-person account shaped by lived experience, family access and deep emotional insight. 'I'm not glorifying anyone, but they were human beings. They were smart, complicated, anxious, and I knew them,' he says. At the heart of the story is Celozzi's uncle Sam — Sam Giancana — head of the Chicago Outfit at its peak. One of the most powerful Italian-American criminal organizations in the U.S. during the 1950s and early '60s, the Outfit, started by Al Capone, had strong links to the Kennedy family during JFK's presidential campaign and presidency. Giancana was the man the government kept tabs on, worked with and, some believe, eventually turned on. 'The Outfit was as powerful as it was because the government helped make it that way,' Celozzi says matter-of-factly. 'They used them to do their dirty work until they didn't need them anymore.' SUPPLIED Sam Giancana was head of the Chicago Mob in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Growing up, Celozzi didn't see any of this as unusual. His childhood was shaped by an unspoken awareness that everyone around him grew up fast. 'It was a strange normality. You just knew not to ask too many questions.' But questions came anyway, especially from the outside. With every poorly researched documentary or dramatized gangster flick — the 1995 film Sugartime stars John Turturro as Giancana — his family became further distorted. 'All these caricatures yelling and swearing, running like football players down a field — that's not them. I wanted people to see the real people behind the headlines,' he says. To do that, he knew he'd have to walk a tightrope. 'The hardest part was being truthful without hurting people. Sam's daughters are still alive. I'm closest to two of them. Bonnie is a creative consultant on the project. Without her, I wouldn't have done this.' That sense of responsibility runs through every line of the screenplay. 'I wrote characters, not caricatures. These men weren't supermen. They had ulcers. They broke down. They second-guessed. They masked their fear. I know that because I saw it,' he explains, DeWalt says he wasn't sure what to make of it when Celozzi first brought him the story six years ago — even though they'd met decades earlier at a social event in Regina. 'I said, 'Really? This is a true story?'' he recalls. ALLEN FRASER / NOVEMBER 1963 The Exchange District is transformed into Dallas for November 1963. But then Celozzi flew him to San Diego to meet Bonnie Giancana. 'She looked me in the eye and said, 'Our family wants the truth told.' That moment changed everything.' According to DeWalt, what makes the project so compelling is its emotional authenticity. 'Nobody in the family is proud of this, but it's a story about loyalty, betrayal and the grey areas of history,' he says. What also sets November 1963 apart is its refusal to retread worn conspiracy theories. It's a story that's never been told. The film moves fast, but its emotional core is nuanced. The decision to use split screens and simultaneous storylines was rooted in how Celozzi first heard the story himself, from his uncle Joseph (Pepe) Giancana. 'He was the fly on the wall. Now the audience gets to be that fly,' Celozzi says. Each of the film's central characters is based on a real person (most of whom are now deceased), giving the cast rare access to historical materials. Actors studied interviews, documents and photos to shape their portrayals. In some cases, they even stayed with relatives of the characters they were playing. 'Roland Joffé spent three days living in one character's actual home, working with the actor to really get inside the role. It's been that detailed, that immersive,' DeWalt says. Casting the right actors to embody such emotionally loaded material was critical. 'I didn't want anyone who thought this was just another gangster movie; these roles come with weight,' Celozzi says. ALLEN FRASER / NOVEMBER 1963 The period cars on set were all locally sourced. 'I was in the room with the actors. I could say, 'No, that's not how he walked. That's not how he looked at you.' And they embraced that.' The star-studded cast includes John Travolta (Pulp Fiction) as Johnny Roselli; Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty) as Jack Ruby; Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend's Wedding) as Chuckie Nicoletti; Mandy Patinkin (Homeland) as Anthony Accardo; Jefferson White (Yellowstone) as Lee Harvey Oswald; and Thomas Fiscella (The Mysterious Benedict Society) as Sam Giancana. The production team scouted locations in New Orleans and Atlanta before discovering the texture and scale they needed in the Winnipeg. The Exchange District's turn-of-the-century facades are now doubling as Dallas and Chicago circa 1963, complete with vintage signage, authentic period wardrobe and more than 75 classic cars sourced locally. 'It's the only place in North America where you can find eight blocks by eight blocks that look like the 1940s or '50s. The production value is extraordinary. When you see this movie, it will feel like you're standing on the Grassy Knoll in 1963,' DeWalt says. Of course, mounting a project of this scale hasn't been easy. With more than 200 crew members and an estimated 1,500 background actors, it's the largest production ever undertaken by Mind's Eye Entertainment. There's also a strong emotional undercurrent for DeWalt, who still remembers the day Kennedy was shot. 'I was a kid, but I remember the silence in the house, the shock. It was like 9/11 — the world stopped. And to now be helping tell a story that humanizes that moment … it's just a thrill on a human level.' So what will audiences take away? 'I hope they walk out thinking, 'That makes sense.' I'm not trying to control how they feel. I'm just putting the truth in front of them,' DeWalt says. ALLEN FRASER / NOVEMBER 1963 November 1963 is being shot in locations around Winnipeg. Celozzi knows that truth is unsettling. He knows it raises more questions about government complicity, secrecy and power than it answers. He knows there are echoes in today's headlines. But he's not afraid. 'The last person who might've had a problem with this died in 2014. And the rest? They've either gone quiet or given me their blessing,' he says. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. What about his uncles? Would they approve? 'I don't think Sam would be too happy, but I think he knew I'd do it one day,' he says of the Mafia boss, who died in 1975 at age 67 after being shot seven times while in the basement of his home. There are numerous theories and suspects about who killed Giancana and why, but officially his murder remains unsolved. At the end of the day, Celozzi isn't trying to rewrite history, just to correct its tone. To show that the men behind the myths had routines, regrets and love in their lives. That they dressed up for Halloween. That they cried alone after losing a spouse. That they were more than the headlines. 'I'm not saying bad things didn't happen. I'm saying they were human.' arts@ If you value coverage of Manitoba's arts scene, help us do more. Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From epic fights to gut-busting laughs: 5 action-comedy anime you'll love
Looking for something that's both fun and full of excitement? Action-comedy anime offer the ideal mix of intense action and humour, making them great picks for your next binge-watch. Whether you're craving laughs or thrilling fight scenes, these anime available on OTT platforms are sure to keep you entertained throughout the week. Action-comedy anime to watch Gintama - Crunchyroll, Prime Video Gintama is a Japanese manga series created by Hideaki Sorachi, which was later adapted into an anime. It combines genres like science fiction, comedy, action, and drama. The story takes place in an alternate version of Edo-period Japan, where the country has been invaded by aliens called the Amanto. Mob Psycho 100 - Crunchyroll 'Mob' is an apparently ordinary middle school boy with incredible psychic powers. The series combines action, supernatural elements, comedy, and emotional drama, delving into themes like personal growth, identity, and the importance of human relationships. Assassination Classroom - Crunchyroll The story centers on a tremendously powerful octopus-like being who serves as a junior high homeroom teacher. Meanwhile, his students are intent on killing him to prevent Earth's destruction. By October 2023, the Assassination Classroom manga had surpassed 27 million copies in circulation. Both the manga and anime have been widely praised by audiences and critics alike. Mashle: Magic and Muscles - Crunchyroll Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a Japanese manga series created by Hajime Kōmoto. It is set in a magical world where a person's rank depends on their magical power and skill. The story centers on Mash Burnedead, a young man who, despite having no magic whatsoever, strives to make his mark. One Punch Man - Crunchyroll One-Punch Man is a Japanese superhero manga series created by ONE. A digital remake, illustrated by Yusuke Murata, started publishing on Shueisha's Tonari no Young Jump website in June 2012. The story follows Saitama, a lone hero who has trained so intensely that he can defeat any enemy with just one punch. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt shares baby news in heartwarming update
BBC Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt was back hosting the popular programme this weekend when he announced the sweet news just minutes on air. BBC Saturday Kitchen returned hosted by Matt Tebbutt on Saturday, May 24. The presenter shared some heartwarming baby news just minutes into the show. The chef returned to screens for its recent episode of the beloved cooking show, where he was joined by guest Anita Rani and chefs Scott Hollsworth and Sophie Wyburd. Helen McGinn was also on-hand to provide her drinks wisdom and Jordan Bailey celebrated all things burger. As the programme started on Saturday, Matt couldn't hold in his excitement as he blurted out a sweet update with viewers who had tuned in to the show. Announcing the joyful news, he stated: "Er Sophie, first of all, congratulations, Sophie's pregnant!" The studio erupted into applause following the announcement, with Matt gesturing towards Sophie and commenting on her visible baby bump: "You can just about see it," reports the Express. Sophie responded with a smile: "Just about!" Matt went on to ask if she had felt any movements from the little one, to which Sophie shared: "First little punch yesterday, so I'll see if they'll send you a punch later." Matt warmly replied: "Well, listen. Lovely to have you here!" Sophie, 31, is a culinary creative from South London, boasting an eclectic food industry background that spans restaurant cooking, food styling, and heading up Mob's food team. Aside from her appearances on TV , she now delights followers with her easy-to-follow, homely recipes via social media and her newsletter, becoming a familiar face to many. Mum-to-be Sophie recently took to Instagram to reveal her pregnancy, posting a beautiful photo showcasing her growing bump. She excitedly announced her pregnancy on social media, stating: "Sausage Pasta Wyburd-Kumar, growing steadily in my tummy and landing with us this autumn!!" Adding a personal touch, she joked: "P.S. writing recipes for a living when for 3 months all you want to eat is spinach and ricotta tortellini is no joke, but the little person in there will be very much worth it I'm sure." And a third shared their joy: "Oh Sophie, that's such wonderful news! Congratulations to you both." Saturday Kitchen airs Saturdays from 10am on BBC One.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt congratulates guest as he shares baby news
Matt Tebbutt was back hosting Saturday Kitchen this weekend when he kicked off the BBC show with some lovely news BBC's Saturday Kitchen was paused by host Matt Tebbutt on Saturday, May 24 as he excitedly shared some baby news. The chef returned to our screens for another episode of the much-loved cooking show, accompanied by guest Anita Rani and chefs Scott Hollsworth and Sophie Wyburd, while Helen McGinn provided her drinks wisdom and Jordan Bailey celebrated all things burger. However, as the programme kicked off, Matt couldn't wait to share a heartwarming update with everyone tuning in. He joyfully announced: "Er Sophie, first of all, congratulations, Sophie's pregnant!" The studio erupted into applause following the announcement, with Matt gesturing towards Sophie and commenting on her visible baby bump: "You can just about see it," reports the Express. Sophie responded with a smile: "Just about!" Matt went on to ask if she had felt any movements from the little one, to which Sophie shared: "First little punch yesterday, so I'll see if they'll send you a punch later." Matt warmly replied: "Well, listen. Lovely to have you here!" 31-year-old Sophie is a culinary creative hailing from South London, boasting an eclectic food industry background that spans restaurant cooking, food styling, and heading up Mob's food team. Now, she delights followers with her easy-to-follow, homely recipes via social media and her newsletter, becoming a familiar face to many. Sophie recently took to Instagram to reveal her pregnancy, posting a beautiful photo showcasing her growing bump. She excitedly announced her pregnancy on social media, stating: "Sausage Pasta Wyburd-Kumar, growing steadily in my tummy and landing with us this autumn!!" Adding a personal touch, she joked: "P.S. writing recipes for a living when for 3 months all you want to eat is spinach and ricotta tortellini is no joke, but the little person in there will be very much worth it I'm sure."
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Drawing the mind: How Anime explores depression, identity, and neurodivergence
Credits: Ranker Anime fans know the medium can be more than action and fantasy – it often grapples with real emotions. In recent series, sensitive stories of depression, anxiety and identity find a voice through animated characters. For example, Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo 'Mob' Kageyama, a quiet teenager with huge psychic powers, who is not obsessed with strength but with staying 'normal' and understanding himself. The Times of India notes that Mob Psycho 100 'does not glorify strength' but highlights Mob's 'inner struggles, not to lose himself to his power, anger, or pride'. In this anime, Mob measures his feelings with an on-screen '100%' meter – whenever it fills, his emotions explode outwards. Each psychic battle becomes an emotional breakthrough: when Mob finally hits 100%, it's always after being pushed to his limits, not to prove power but because his feelings can no longer be contained. Mob Psycho 100: Embracing feelings Credits: Crunchyroll Mob's journey resonates with viewers who struggle with social anxiety or autism-like traits. He is calm on the surface, but has difficulty reading others' expressions and often feels out of sync. This has led many to see him as 'neurodivergent,' though the show never labels his condition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Still, Mob's kindness and loyalty shine through as he tries to understand himself. Rather than fighting enemies, Mob fights to accept his emotions and connect with friends – even joining a body-improvement club or learning empathy – to grow as a person. Viewers have called Mob's tale inspiring: one fan pointed out that Mob Psycho shows 'a boy who has incredible powers' and yet is more focused on personal growth and letting himself feel, a theme that 'dives deep into what it means to be human'. Blue Period : Finding purpose through art Credits: Crunchyroll Another Netflix anime hitting home themes of depression and identity is Blue Period . Its hero Yatora Yaguchi is a high-school overachiever who suddenly feels empty despite good grades. Discovering art reignites his spark. As one reviewer explains, Blue Period becomes deeply relatable: it raises issues like impostor syndrome, 'gifted kid syndrome (which leads to loneliness and depression), and identity crises,' all handled with care so the characters feel fully human. Yatora's passion for painting grows out of a need to express emotions he couldn't otherwise name. Fans have noted that watching Yatora struggle and improve at art 'made me fall in love with art again... and myself,' as one online viewer wrote after relating to the protagonist's feelings of hopelessness. The show even sensitively portrays other youth issues – for example, a close friend's gender identity journey – without sensationalism. Overall, Blue Period shows a teen moving 'from a life built to please others to something that means something to him', echoing many real-life young people searching for meaning. Beyond shōnen: NHK, A Silent Voice and more Mob and Blue Period are not alone in anime's deep dives into the mind. The mid-2000s anime Welcome to the NHK follows a reclusive young man coping with paranoia, loneliness and conspiracy theories as he battles depression. It is often cited for its frank look at 'hikikomori' isolation. The movie A Silent Voice tackles bullying and guilt: it shows both a deaf student who was tormented and her former bully who later spirals into self-hatred. As the Times of India describes, A Silent Voice offers 'a poignant perspective on bullying' and explores 'redemption, empathy, and the lasting impact of bullying on both sides' t . Western animation also features this trend: shows like BoJack Horseman (on Netflix) confront adult depression and identity crises unflinchingly. Fans and mental health voices Credits: Forbes These stories clearly strike a chord. Internationally, fans frequently share that such anime helped them feel understood or less alone. In online forums young viewers describe relating to Mob's silence or Yatora's loneliness, and say the shows gave them hope to express their own feelings. Critics and writers have pointed out that when anime treats serious topics with nuance, it can be therapeutic or enlightening. For instance, Crunchyroll (a leading anime streaming platform) notes that dubbing and subtitling in local languages helps 'facilitate an emotional connection to anime,' underscoring that personal identification with characters matters. Psychologists observe that media which 'validates' youth struggles can encourage them to talk about anxiety or depression. In short, by showing characters working through pain, these series open a conversation that many find comforting. Anime reaching India through streaming Anime's appeal is also growing rapidly in India. Once confined to late-night TV blocks or fansubs, shows like Mob Psycho and Blue Period are now on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime and even dedicated streaming hubs. Crunchyroll India, for example, offers roughly 800 anime titles – far more than Netflix or Prime – and has dubbed over 80 series into Hindi, Tamil or Telugu. Those dubbed versions count for over 65% of Crunchyroll's Indian viewership. Homegrown platforms are jumping in too: the telecom Airtel launched a Hindi anime channel, and JioCinema recently added an 'Anime Hub' with dozens of popular series. This means Indian youth can more easily watch shows like Mob Psycho and Blue Period and hear these moving stories in their own language. In a culture where mental health is still often taboo, anime is quietly changing the conversation. By weaving compassion and struggle into action and artistry, shows like Mob Psycho 100 , Blue Period and their peers prove that animated stories can have real heart. As one fan wrote about Blue Period , these shows 'hit so close to home' and even helped her accept herself. In the end, anime is giving many young viewers permission to understand themselves – and that is perhaps its most powerful achievement. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
