In Harlem in late 1960's and early 1970's Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) became one of the biggest drug lords in America. His drug empire became so successful because he was able to setup a direct link with the drug producers in the far east thereby "cutting out the middleman". He could sell his heroin at a better quality and cheaper than his rivals.
This brought him to the attention of the largely corrupt NYPD narcotics unit. The New Jersey police have setup a separate hand picked unit that they hope is not corrupt. Leading the unit is Det. Richie Roberts (Russel Crowe). An honest cop with womanising tendencies. They are to go after the top men only, eventually Lucas comes onto their radar.
Conclusion =============
Watch out Martin Scorsese here comes Ridley Scott and he knows a thing or two about making movies. The similarities instantly came to mind within the first five minutes. That's not to say it's a cheap imitation, it certainly is not.
Scott couldn't have picked two better leads than Denzel Washington and Russel Crow, This is the third Scott film Crowe has been in, with a fourth in the making. They must get on well knowing Crowe's infamous temper. The actors never miss a beat.
Washington is in fine form as Lucas, he looks cool as a cucumber, very believable as an ultracool drug lord. Crowe pulls off the honest cop whose life is falling apart with ease.
The constant seventies music soundtrack made me think of Scorses's Goodfellas or a just about any Tarantino film.
The film could have lost the sub plot about Roberts child custody battle as I don't think it added anything to his character and dragged a bit. I understand that he didn't even have any kids in real life.
The main corrupt cop, Det. Trupo is played by Josh Brolin who I remeber for being in Night Watch, he is certainly plays the part sleazily enough. You feel he is as bad as Lucas for what he's doing which is of course intended.
The thing that always impresses me about Ridley Scott is his versatility, not every film he has made has been a classic but none of them are bad. I can't see him making a film is this vein again.
I enjoyed American Ganster a lot, it kept my attention for its entire duration and there's plenty of action and story without getting too complex.
Recommended.
Main Cast List ============
Denzel Washington - Frank Lucas Russell Crowe - Det. Richie Roberts Chiwetel Ejiofor - Huey Lucas Josh Brolin - Det. Trupo
Directed By : Ridley Scott
Running time : 157 min Certificate : 18
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Soundtrack
Good
How does it compare to others by the same director?
Good
Value for Money
Good
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Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Ang Lee - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy
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