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American Gangster
Deeply human crime drama that is never boring while at the same time entertaining and thought provoking.
Review by Sirus
We all have at least heard about the world of drug trafficking. Some of us have been told that those who traffic drugs are the scum of the earth, who kill innocents with their product. Others of us see their deeds as a product of their situation -- a path they take simply because no legal paths open to them will give them the means to escape poverty. American Gangster is the story of one of the drug traffickers who started his own business in an era where blacks weren’t able to own their own business, let alone make it rich. Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) had the entrepreneurial spirit and the brains to create his own heroin business by going direct to Thailand and cutting out the middle man. We watch as he goes through the traumatic experience of losing his mentor and employer and then moves his way up from nobody to somebody.
Simply following Frank Lucas is interesting enough but, to show a contrast of personalities, we are also privileged to follow the life of Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). Richie is one of the few cops in New York City who has principles and is above taking bribes and looking the other way from trouble. He never backs down from a fight, no matter how many people want him dead. These two men show similar quality traits while living on opposite sides of the law. Their obsession for perfection and quality in everything that they do comes through clear as day.
Both Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington give fantastic performances. The film is two hours and forty minutes long and there isn’t a single dull moment. There is just so much story packed into every minute of film that it’s amazing that they were able to get it down this much. American Gangster is a very story-driven film with a well written script that should appeal to anyone looking for a smart crime drama. There still are a few scenes that come off as particularly violent and detached but if you want mindless action look elsewhere. Many movies have been compared to American Gangster but I think the best way to describe it is Catch Me if You Can with a little extra violence. Both stories have similar scope and drives and give a total understanding of the motivations of both sides. American Gangster is a deeply human crime drama that is never boring while at the same time entertaining and thought provoking.
Deeply human crime drama that is never boring while at the same time entertaining and thought provoking.
Review by Sirus
We all have at least heard about the world of drug trafficking. Some of us have been told that those who traffic drugs are the scum of the earth, who kill innocents with their product. Others of us see their deeds as a product of their situation -- a path they take simply because no legal paths open to them will give them the means to escape poverty. American Gangster is the story of one of the drug traffickers who started his own business in an era where blacks weren’t able to own their own business, let alone make it rich. Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) had the entrepreneurial spirit and the brains to create his own heroin business by going direct to Thailand and cutting out the middle man. We watch as he goes through the traumatic experience of losing his mentor and employer and then moves his way up from nobody to somebody.
Simply following Frank Lucas is interesting enough but, to show a contrast of personalities, we are also privileged to follow the life of Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). Richie is one of the few cops in New York City who has principles and is above taking bribes and looking the other way from trouble. He never backs down from a fight, no matter how many people want him dead. These two men show similar quality traits while living on opposite sides of the law. Their obsession for perfection and quality in everything that they do comes through clear as day.
Both Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington give fantastic performances. The film is two hours and forty minutes long and there isn’t a single dull moment. There is just so much story packed into every minute of film that it’s amazing that they were able to get it down this much. American Gangster is a very story-driven film with a well written script that should appeal to anyone looking for a smart crime drama. There still are a few scenes that come off as particularly violent and detached but if you want mindless action look elsewhere. Many movies have been compared to American Gangster but I think the best way to describe it is Catch Me if You Can with a little extra violence. Both stories have similar scope and drives and give a total understanding of the motivations of both sides. American Gangster is a deeply human crime drama that is never boring while at the same time entertaining and thought provoking.
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