American Gangster (2007)

American Gangster (2007)

8/10

Starring

Russell Crowe

Denzel Washington

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Cuba Gooding Jr.

 

Directed by Ridley Scott

 

Looking for a flashback to the good old days? Well, American Gangster has you covered on that front. The movie is fantastic and portrays two characters in one of the best ways they could. The class in the movie can be seen in the way Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe took on their characters, Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts, respectively. Their acting power was enough to carry this film to the finish line, with you, the viewer, grinning as it runs. Neither outshined the other, and both made their screen time worth every moment you see them.

The movie is a biographical crime film about the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from North Carolina. The entire film is fictional, even though Frank was a real-life smuggler who smuggled heroin before being captured by a task force led by detective Richie Roberts. This movie was directed and produced by Ridley Scott.

For me, the most captivating thing about this movie, which forever stands out, is when Frank went to the streets and shot a man in broad daylight to pass the message to everyone.

The plot starts in the late 60s as Frank takes over the business of smuggling heroin from his boss, who had just died. Frank was his boss’s right-hand man, and he meant business, taking no nonsense from anyone. Frank’s style of dealing at low prices wiped out all his competition, and his brutal way of handling things made sure nobody even tried to step up to him. Frank always maintained a low profile, never calling attention to himself, and his success led to him becoming friends with many in the high life.

On the other side is Richie, a goody-two-shoes officer who has been tasked with bringing down the drug ring. Frank made one mistake and caught the eye of those who would have preferred to keep his wealth in the dark. From then on, things started to turn for Frank. His brothers, whom he brought in to be his lieutenants, were also involved in his downfall. We get to watch as Richie closes in on Frank and how Frank handled everything he built being torched from all sides.

The movie, for me, is one of those gangster masterpieces that you have to see to enjoy. I believe the movie should be on some streaming platform. It was a critical and commercial success, and it’s worth seeing. Even if you’ve seen it already, a re-watch is needed.