CRIME
The True Story Behind the American Gangster's Rise to Power
New York, Harlem, USAFri Sep 20 2024
American Gangster, a crime drama that has been flying under the radar for years, has finally made its way onto Netflix's top 10. This gritty and intense movie tells the story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug lord who rose to power in the 1970s. Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, was a shrewd and ruthless businessman who found ways to smuggle heroin directly from Southeast Asia into the United States, bypassing traditional Mafia-controlled supply chains.
The movie also follows Richie Roberts, a honest and relentless detective tasked with bringing Lucas down. Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, is a complex character who embodies the moral ambiguity within law enforcement. As the story unfolds, we see the cat-and-mouse game between Lucas and Roberts, with both characters determined to outsmart each other.
One of the standout aspects of American Gangster is its realistic portrayal of the drug trade. The movie does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of the drug trade, and the on-screen violence can be brutal at times. This is not a movie for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy gritty and intense crime dramas, American Gangster is definitely worth watching.
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questions
Is the movie's focus on the complexities of law enforcement a refreshing change from typical crime dramas?
Can the performances of Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe be credited with the movie's high rating on Rotten Tomatoes?
How does the movie's portrayal of Frank Lucas' character relate to real-world issues surrounding the drug trade and organized crime?