Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Based on the life of drug-kingpin-turned-informant, Frank Lucas, who grew up in segregated North Carolina where he watched as his cousin was shot by the Klan for looking at a white girl. He eventually...( read more
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DVD Release Date: February 19, 2008
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Stats: 70,847 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (70,847)
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October 1, 2009Nice to see Ridley Scott making good films again! This is a great Gangster epic, although it can never be compared to the classics (Godfather, Goodfellas), it is one of the best Gangster films of resent times.
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September 4, 2009This movie has a good cast, but it slow starting. It looks at how a gangster uses his family and contacts in the drug world.
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May 17, 2009Brilliant acting by Crowe and Washington plus Scott's near flawless direction, make 'American Gangster' one of the best films.
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March 25, 2009although this film dims slightly with time, it is still a phenomenal film and one of the better gangster films ever made. it almost went the direction of depalmas scarface, but averted such a tragedy just in time to remain an amazing film.
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March 22, 2009A true masterpiece. An epic cinimatic crime classic that ranks with The Godfather, Goodfellas and The Departed. A great, blistering, stylish, riveting, adreniline-pumping and sizzeling crime drama. Director, Ridley Scott has crafted some of his finest work as a filmmaker. A magni...( read more)
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November 16, 2009As always, Denzel Washington played an awesome role as a bad ass drug kingpin. The movie ALWAYS keeps you on your toes and keeps you interested until the very end.
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November 16, 2009Life for frank was tough, but the life of the viewers was easy for it was emotionaly compelling.
"A Gritty,gortesque, and cut throat thriller, that entertains with action, and a pulse pounding story supported by awesome acting." -
November 13, 2009Great Movie, Denzel delivers those emotions again he wont let you down.
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November 12, 2009Although such a crime drama may have been better in the hands of a Scorsese or even Mann, Ridley Scott provides a more than satisfying look into the rise and fall of drug kingpin Frank Lucas.
Denzel Washington gives us a gritty performance as Lucas, who made himself famous for s...( read more) -
November 10, 2009Really good story
Better Screenwriting was something to be desired.
Left Denzel being very ambiguous
while Crowe stole the screen, quite admirably though.
Be on the lookout for a cameo by Norman Reedus as the detective in
the morgue scene.
Critic Reviews
November 15, 2007
Nigel Andrews, The Financial Times
November 9, 2007
Pete Hammond, Maxim
It marks a return to the lost art of true storytelling, every bit as epic as 'The Godfather' and just as fascinating to see. full review
November 2, 2007
David Edelstein, New York Magazine
Their ambition is out there. But for all the sprawl, American Gangster feels secondhand. It's like Scarface drained of blood, at arm's length from the culture that spawned it. full review
November 2, 2007
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle
It's a much better film than nine-tenths of what's out there on any given Friday, and if you're a fan of steak-and-potatoes crime drama, I highly recommend it. full review
November 2, 2007
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
This is an engrossing story, told smoothly and well, and Russell Crowe's contribution is enormous. full review
November 2, 2007
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
As an entertaining cops-and-crook procedural -- it's not half-bad, jacked up by strong performances, a couple of bravura action scenes and a generous attention to period detail. full review
November 1, 2007
Claudia Puig, USA Today
The movie, based on a true story, takes surprising twists and turns right up to its chilling ending and is probably the best gangster crime drama of the year. full review
November 1, 2007
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
As a piece of storytelling -- built on the foundation of a great story -- it's an epic that's been sliced and diced into so many little morsels that almost nothing in it has any weight. full review
October 31, 2007
Armond White, The New York Press
American Gangster's simultaneous celebration of crime, punishment and upward mobility should be titled Cry Capitalism. That's the code of the new Western. full review
October 18, 2007
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Call it the black Scarface or the Harlem Godfather or just one hell of an exciting movie, but the fact-based, 1970s-era American Gangster is already looking like a major awards contender. full review
Comments
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February 4, 2009(2007 Director: Ridley Scott) One of Denzel Washington's best performances......Almost missed this one...but that would have been a waste...liked this like I liked "16 Blocks" (Bruce Willis). Only Russell Crowe plays the down-on-his-luck cop with a "hunch."
Based on a true story (or so people are saying) Great cast. Who WASN'T in THIS movie? I might take notice of that if in charge of the next casting call!!
Even Armando Assante starred a key role as a mob boss. Great performances.
Kind of the story of ruin of a good man (Denzel Washington) raised with mob influences in the ghetto who succombed to profit at what cost?
Every criminal has their heyday and what a heyday he had! -
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April 19, 2008Of all the gangster movies this one comes 2nd Great...cause Scar Face was thee MOST.
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