There are two sides to the American dream|Nov. 02, 2007|United States, United Kingdom|157 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama
Description: “American Gangster,” a 2007 film, tells the gripping story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem mob boss’s right-hand man. Following the death of his boss, Elsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, Frank ventures into the heroin trade. He sources the drug directly from Thailand and smuggles it into the U.S. using Vietnam War servicemen. Frank’s product, “Blue Magic,” becomes highly popular due to its affordability and purity, allowing him to dominate the market and eliminate competitors.
Meanwhile, Newark detective Richie Roberts faces isolation after turning in a significant sum of money found in a mobster’s car. When his addicted partner overdoses on Blue Magic, Roberts is tasked with leading a special unit targeting major drug suppliers. Amidst this, he struggles with a bitter divorce caused by his infidelity.
Frank expands his empire, distributing Blue Magic across the New York Tri-State Area through various criminal networks. He becomes Harlem’s most powerful crime lord, blending into society by establishing legitimate businesses and forming connections with politicians and celebrities like Joe Louis. Frank marries Eva, a Puerto Rican beauty queen, and moves into a mansion with his family. However, his success attracts rivals, including local gangster Nicky Barnes, corrupt NYPD detective Nick Trupo, and the Corsican mafia, who attempt to assassinate him.
Richie Roberts begins investigating Frank after noticing him at a high-profile event. The investigation takes a turn when one of Frank’s cousins, Jimmy Zee, becomes an informant for Roberts’ team after committing a crime. The film explores the clash between Frank’s rise to power and Roberts’ quest for justice.
Cast director: Ridley Scott
Cast actor: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin, Ted Levine, Armand Assante, John Ortiz, John Hawkes, RZA
Original name: American Gangster