Robert De Niro and the failed 1993 movie that left him bitterly disappointed: “How could you not be?”

Robert De Niro said he was disappointed by the box office performance of *A Bronx Tale*, his 1993 directorial debut, despite the film later earning a strong reputation among crime-film fans. Its commercial reception affected his directing opportunities, showing how box office results can shape a filmmaker’s career even when a film is valued by audiences.

The film reportedly earned $17 million against a $21 million budget. Speaking at a 30th anniversary event in 2023, De Niro said it was hard not to feel disappointed after putting so much work into it, though he was grateful to have made the film. He did not direct again until *The Good Shepherd* in 2006, which made more money but has had less lasting audience acclaim.