American Gangster

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

Although this film is telling the unique story of how one black American Drug Cartel rose to conquer its mafiosa rivals by importing drugs directly from Asia, there was always a danger that it would simply come accross as just another mafia-esque movie. For me, despite the black angle, the drug gang story was the least interesting part of the movie. What is the heart of the movie is the character of Frank Lucas and what he stood for, and also the hunt between the protagonists of good ie the cops and bad ie Lucas's mob. Lucas is shown to be very much an individual of principal, albeit in that twisted form where huge values for his inner circle are completely at odds with the greater good. He argues that the drug business is so embedded in society that who operates it is immaterial. Equally he sees the dishonesty of the NY police force as almost more immoral than his operation. Ultimately Crowe's cop and Washington's robber are not seen to be that different. For me the movie took off once it started to get away from the explosive bang bang scenes and to allow the camera linger on Lucas's pensive face.

Review published on the 07 July 2009 18:18