IMDb > American Gangster (2007)
American Gangster
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American Gangster (2007) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (See all 104 | slideshow) Videos (see all 25)
American Gangster -- American Gangster Trailer
American Gangster -- Clip: Frank lectures Huey about being too flashy
American Gangster -- Interview: Ridley Scott "On the contrast between the two characters"
American Gangster -- In 1970s America, a detective works to bring down the drug empire of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin from Manhattan, who is smuggling the drug into the country from the Far East.
American Gangster -- A drug lord smuggles heroin into Harlem during the 1970s.

Overview

User Rating:
7.9/10   113,816 votes »
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Up 71% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Steven Zaillian (written by)
Mark Jacobson (article)
Contact:
View company contact information for American Gangster on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
2 November 2007 (USA) See more »
Genre:
Tagline:
There are two sides to the American dream.
Plot:
In 1970s America, a detective works to bring down the drug empire of Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin from Manhattan, who is smuggling the drug into the country from the Far East. Full summary » | Full synopsis »
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 28 nominations See more »
User Reviews:
Keeps The Viewer Involved And Interested....Well Done. See more (412 total) »


Additional Details

Also Known As:
MPAA:
Rated R for violence, pervasive drug content and language, nudity and sexuality.
Runtime:
157 min | USA:176 min (unrated version)
Country:
Language:
Colour:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 See more »
Sound Mix:
Certification:
UK:18 | Netherlands:16 | Germany:16 | Ireland:16 | Singapore:M18 | South Korea:18 | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:18A (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Ontario) | USA:R (certificate #43495) | Finland:K-15 | Taiwan:R-18 (original rating) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Norway:15 | Sweden:15 | Japan:R-15 | France:U (with warning) | Hong Kong:IIB | Malaysia:18PL | Portugal:M/16 | Argentina:16 | Philippines:R-13 (MTRCB) | Brazil:16 | New Zealand:R16 | Spain:18 | Peru:14 | Ireland:18 (DVD rating) | Australia:MA | Iceland:16

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Chiwetel Ejiofor (Huey Lucas) and John Ortiz (Javier Rivera) both went on to play the title role in stage productions of Othello; Ejiofor in 2007 in London and Ortiz in 2009 in New York City.See more »
Goofs:
Continuity: When Frank Lucas is being released from prison, several extras walk by the same way repeatedly.See more »
Quotes:
[first lines]
Bumpy Johnson:Happy Thanksgiving!
See more »
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Only the Strong SurviveSee more »

FAQ

What are the differences between the theatrical version and the extended cut?
Is this movie based on a novel?
What are the songs in the trailer(s)?
See more »
118 out of 181 people found the following review useful.
Keeps The Viewer Involved And Interested....Well Done., 26 October 2007
Author: AudioFileZ from United States

The story about Frank Lucas is one that proves fact is more interesting than fiction. The fact that such a character really did exist yet I do not remember it certainly intrigues me. I guess I was just too young at the time it broke. Now approaching my later forties finds me longing to research it further after seeing this movie.

I get the feeling Ridley Scott was amazed a person such as Frank Lucas was actually able to do what he did and live to tell about it. I certainly share that amazement. The care in which he tells the story serves it well. Though it's basically a gangster movie it's not particularly graphic in violence except in a few scenes. Even Denzel's and Russel's portrayals of the two central characters are not quite as dark as the usual more stereotypical gangster/cop persona...Still there is a sense of doom and danger ever present as the viewer knows neither law enforcement, government, or mafia will let this man's drug empire go on.

To sum it up I believe this is an excellent telling of a true crime story. It's intriguing, entertaining, and certainly serves as a cautionary reminder to remain vigilant in combating drugs.

Was the above review useful to you?
See more (412 total) »

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for American Gangster (2007)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
movies with the dirtiest cops...brolin(trupo)? markyho
Movie involving Crime = Cliche Wife NieWiernyTomasz
The dog`s breed in this movie cajun-queen88
Why wasn't the wife convicted? aland-16
If I'm wrong about this, please set me straight ascott39
Russell Crowe's job at the end Phidippides
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