American Gangster (2007) is a gripping and intense crime drama directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian. Based on true events, the film chronicles the rise and fall of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin in 1970s New York, and the determined detective who seeks to bring him down. Starring Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas and Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts, the film delves into themes of power, corruption, justice, and morality, offering a complex and nuanced portrayal of both crime and law enforcement.
Set in the turbulent streets of Harlem during the 1970s, American Gangster follows Frank Lucas, a smart, ambitious, and ruthless drug lord who builds an empire by cutting out the middlemen in the heroin trade and directly importing pure heroin from Southeast Asia. Through his innovative methods and cold-blooded determination, Lucas becomes one of the most powerful figures in the New York underworld. He operates with an air of efficiency, surrounding himself with a loyal crew and using his quiet, calculating demeanor to stay under the radar.
On the other side of the law is Detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, a straight-laced, morally upright cop who is disillusioned with the corruption in the NYPD. Roberts is portrayed as a man who believes in doing things the right way, even if it means going against his colleagues and the system. His pursuit of Lucas is driven not only by a sense of justice but also by his own personal struggle to navigate a world full of temptation and moral compromises.