Ridley Scott's 2007 biographical crime drama American Gangster airs on Film4 tonight at 9.10pm, starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in a tale based on the real criminal career of Frank Lucas.
The film follows Lucas's elaborate drug smuggling scheme, which brought heroin into the United States on planes during the Vietnam War. While Lucas himself stated that only small portions of the film were correct, with much of it fabricated for dramatic effect, the story dramatises the unprecedented events for the screen.
All-Star Cast and Director
Directed by Ridley Scott, known for Alien, Gladiator, Blade Runner and The Martian, the film features Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington as Lucas, alongside Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, who led the criminal investigation into the drug smuggling. The cast also includes Josh Brolin, Idris Elba, Carla Gugino and Norman Reedus.
Ruby Dee, playing Frank Lucas's mother, earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars that year. The film itself was nominated for twenty-one awards.
Viewer Reviews Praise the Film
One fan on Rotten Tomatoes dubbed it a "classic must-watch" they "definitely recommend." Another review reads: "An underrated gangster flick, big time. It’s directed perfectly, with the action scenes inducing anxiety, and is never dull. It also has many comedic parts. It’s a great movie from start to finish, and although I love Alien, I think it’s Ridley Scott’s best film."
A further fan said: "A film I expected nothing from, but it delivered everything. It's long and captivating from the first minute. The film skilfully manages its excellent cast throughout the two hours, and especially its protagonists, with actors perfectly suited to their respective roles."
Plot and Impact
The film follows Lucas's rise as he enters the heroin trade, buying directly from producers in Thailand and smuggling it into the U.S. through Vietnam War servicemen returning to the states. As he becomes Harlem's top crime lord, he opens legitimate businesses as fronts and maintains a low profile while befriending politicians and famous names.
Police eventually identify and search one of the last planes carrying Lucas's stock, leading to his arrest. During his trial, he exposes corrupt police officers to allow for leniency in his sentence, resulting in three-quarters of the New York DEA and other NYPD officers being convicted.
One fan shared: "A gritty gangster movie that harks back to 1970s flicks, when Hollywood glitz did not always invade a production. But it's more than a shoot-'em-up crime flick. There is plenty of social commentary that accompanies the 'chase', and the great thing is that it is based on true events. Crowe and Washington hold centre stage and do it well, ably supported by a strong cast."
