Rarely do you see gang movies generating interest among both critics as well as viewers. 'American Gangster' starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe is one such movie. Although it is a tad long-ish at 2 1/2 hours long, the movie grips viewers from start to finish.
The movie is based on the true story of a Harlem drug lord in the 1970s. Denzel Washington is Frank Lucas, a ruthless drug lord in Harlem who rules silently and is almost unknown to many. That is until Jersey detective Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts takes it upon himself to track Lucas down.
Directed by Ridley Scott of the "Gladiator" fame, American Gangster has screenplay by Steve Zaillian, who became famous for his work in Schindler's List. The movie is brilliant because the Mafioso in the film is not a typical brooding Italian whose mind is filled with revenge.
The rise and fall of Lucas is linked inevitably with the Vietnam War as well as the end of Nixon era. The two protagonists in the movie, Lucas and Roberts, are pitted against each other in the most memorable of circumstances.
Washington is brilliant as a black drug lord and Crowe is exceptional as the man who eventually takes him down. While it is too soon to say if "American Gangster" is indeed one of the best-made crime movies, it will suffice to say it leaves an indelible imprint on the minds of the viewers.
