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 flash back to the good old days, well American Gangster got 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 powers 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 times 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 for me 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 right hand man, and he meant business and took no nonsense from anyone. Frank’s style of dealing at low prices wiped out all his competitions 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 highlife.

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 the ones who would have love to still keep in the dark of his wealth and from then on things turned for Frank. His brothers whom he brought in to be his lieutenants were the ones who also took part in his downfall and 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. The movie I believe should be on sone streaming platform. It was a critical and commercial success and it is worth seeing, even if you have seen it already before a re-watch is needed.