Philadelphia's Mafia Clash: A Real-Life Crime Drama

Philadelphia's mafia history, often overshadowed by New York and Chicago, comes to life in a new Netflix documentary. "Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia" delves into the brutal 1990s conflict between two rival mob bosses: John Stanfa, the old guard, and Joey Merlino, the leader of the "young guns."

A Power Struggle with Deadly Consequences

The power struggle between Stanfa and Merlino led to numerous public murders, making headlines across the city. The documentary, though only three episodes long, is packed with information. Director Raissa Botterman keeps the story engaging with fast editing, exciting music, and creative filming locations.

Behind the Scenes of the Mafia War

• FBI Involvement: The violence escalated to the point where the FBI had to intervene. One notable incident involved an assassination attempt on Stanfa on a busy highway.
• Undercover Operations: The FBI had to take significant risks, including sneaking into mafia hangouts and planting bugs, to gather evidence.

A Unique Perspective on Mafia History

Unlike other mob documentaries that focus on famous figures like John Gotti or Al Capone, this one shines a light on a lesser-known but equally brutal part of mafia history. The story is fascinating, and the short length makes it perfect for binge-watching.