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Rated: R
Starring: Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Josh Brolin, Common , Ted Levine
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe butt heads in one of this year"s best crime dramas, American Gangster. The film, based on a headlining true crime story has, in addition to superb acting, excellent cinematography, interesting sets, and the keen-eyed direction by Ridley Scott. It"s an adult crime thriller with powerful dialogue and shocking images you won"t soon forget.
Frank Lucas (born
1930)
was a heroin dealer and organized crime boss in Harlem
during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was particularly known for cutting
out middlemen in the drug trade and buying heroin directly from his source in Southeast Asia. He organized the smuggle of heroin from Vietnam to the U.S. by using the coffins of dead
American servicemen—the "cadaver connection". (New York Magazine,2000).
The story of Frank Lucas (Washington) is much
more than just a gangster who takes over the mob’s trade with some devious
methods, it’s also about a relentless righteous cop Ritchie Roberts (Crowe),
who will stop at nothing to bring him down.
When their worlds collide, the two find themselves in a confrontation
with no chance of backing out.
Crowe does
it again, coming up a winner in American Gangster. His portrayal of a western outlaw in 3:10
To Yuma
earlier this year was terrific, now as a persistent law enforcement officer in American
Gangster, Crowe continues to rise again to the top of his game. As Roberts we see a different side of Crowe,
depicting a more upright character that we have not seen him portray for
some time.
Washington does what he
does best, showing the burning side of his character. Much like his past best performances in films
such as Training Day, Man On Fire and Déjà Vu, his Lucas
controls the screen with a hot temperament and a strong hand.
Keeping the action going, with not one stretch or yawn in the 2-hour, 17-minute film, director Ridley Scott is back in
true form from his early days of Blade Runner, Thelma And Louise,
Gladiator and Black Hawk Down.
I like this side of Scott, I believe he makes better films where the
subject matter is powerful and the pace is intense.
FINAL
ANALYSIS: A very good pervasive film containing a lot of action, interesting
plot and awesome acting.
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