American Gangster

Viewer Rating:simonconnolly has rated American Gangster rating: 4 Star

Set in Harlem in 1968 this is the story of Frank Lucas, the driver, bodyguard and collector for his mentor Bumpy Johnson. After Bumpy's death in a store, while worrying about how the city has lost it's way, Lucas decides that Harlem needs a leader and so he takes on the new responsibility. He takes over the heroin importing business and after going straight to the supplier he sells drugs which are twice as good for half the price. Soon he takes control, and hires his brothers to help with running the operation. At the same times completely devoted policeman Richie Roberts is put in charge of a new squad assembled to combat the drug problems. Richie and his team work for months on their leads but start again due to lack of evidence. Then Frank Lucas comes to their attention when he gets better seats to a fight than the crooked cops. As they start to concentrate on him they realise that he is the man they're looking for. Richie tries desperately to stop him, as does the crooked Detective Trupo. Richie finally gets a lead and his team realise he is the most powerful gangster in America. They follow the last batch of drugs smuggled in from Vietnam and find the warehouse where all he drugs are. Richie and a huge team of officers raid the warehouse in a exciting and tense scene. They raid all of Lucas' 'businesses' and arrest all his family. He is imprisoned and released after just 15 years when he gives up crooked cops, but the Harlem he is released into is a completely different one. American Gangster was one of 2007's best films. Russell Crowe has always been one of my favourite actors and when I saw he was starring alongside Denzel Washington I got very excited and I was right to be. Crowe is brilliant as Richie Roberts and he gives one of his best performances in a Ridley Scott movie, and he's been in quite a few of them. He was surprisingly good as the determined and honest cop and gelled perfectly with Washington's conflicting character. Out of the two main characters Washington was better. He was phenomenal and shows why he is one of the most respected actors in the business. He really suited the profile of ruthless and dangerous killer Lucas and perfectly captures the gangster attitude and lifestyle. Ruby Dee who played Lucas' mother was nominated for an Oscar for her performance here but in my opinion it as not deserved as I thought that she didn't actually have enough screen time to make a substantial impact. Josh Brolin ws another star who had a relatively small role but he manged to remain memorable. He plays Detective Trupo and Brolin is becoming an amazing actor with performances in 'No Country For Old Men', 'Planet Terror',' Milk' and 'W'. He has already worked with some of the best directors around and if he continues to pick his these roles then he will soon be the best actor around. The supporting cast very all very impressive and really a director couldn't ask for a better team to star in front of the camera. This is one of Ridley Scott's greatest achievements off his career. Behind the likes of Gladiator, Blade Runner and Black Hawk Down this is his best work from behind the camera. He captured every scene and emotion perfectly and it is clear that he is very passionate about this project. He is one of the best directors in the world and he shows this with American Gangster. So all in all this is a great, and true story which I think everyone can enjoy. All the factors which are needed to make a film good came together stunningly to give some superb results and I would highly recommend this film.

Review published on the 01 February 2009 02:45