There are movies that are set in New York, and then there are New York movies.

"The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is a New York movie, a tribute to the city's nooks and crannies, its old-school character, and its underground network of interconnectivity. It's set in modern New York, but its sensibilities are paying homage to a bygone New York, a city of pawn shops and petty thieves, where grunge, grime and danger were part of the price of admission.

John Turturro, who feels as much a part of New York as a worn city park bench, plays Harry Lehman, a man who has made his living boosting wallets and cellphones from tourists and other city folk. To him it's an art, and it's also survival, and he's as much a part of the city's fabric as the rats in the gutters or the cockroaches in a rundown Queens apartment building. He's a guy who haggles with the street vendor over the cost of a bottle of Yoo-Hoo, because he remembers the days, not too long ago, when it used to be 50 cents cheaper.

He takes his scores to Ben (Steve Buscemi), who runs a pawn shop, who gives him cash — in Harry's world, cash is still king — for the good stuff and junks the rest. Theirs is a friendship based on the code of the streets, and they both know their time is just about up, in a fast-paced society where they're quickly becoming fossils.

Harry's ticking clock is sped up when he steals from the wrong guy. He makes Dylan (Will Price) for an easy mark, robbing his car and making off with his gym bag, watch and crypto wallet, but what he doesn't realize is that the snotnose kid is connected. Harry's jig is finally up, and now he's got just a few hours to shore up the loose ends in his life, including finding care for his catatonic wife Rosie (Karina Arroyave) and making amends with his estranged daughter Kelly (Tatiana Maslany).

"The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is written and directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Noah Segan, and it's tailor-made for Turturro, who makes a rare starring turn after decades of supporting roles. Harry meets up with a detective, played by Giancarlo Esposito, and while they're on opposite sides of the law, Esposito's character has a respect for Harry, and knows they're two sides of the same coin. When they first meet up, it's a breathtaking moment for the New York City staples and "Do the Right Thing" veterans.

Gary Lionelli's jazzy score gives the movie the lived-in feel of a New York City café, but some plot conveniences in the finale are tied up a little too cleanly, belying the grounded world that Segan builds for his characters.

But as a showcase for Turturro and as a memorial to New York, "Only Living Pickpocket" is like a Knicks championship parade set to film. Start spreading the news.

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'THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK'

Grade: B

MPA rating: R (for language)

Running time: 1:28

How to watch: In theaters Oct. 30

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