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

Photos (see all 104 | slideshow) Videos (see all 29)
American Gangster (2007) -- American Gangster Trailer
American Gangster (2007) -- Clip: Frank lectures Huey about being too flashy
American Gangster (2007) -- Interview: Ridley Scott "On the contrast between the two characters"
American Gangster (2007) -- 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 (2007) -- CineMagia.ro - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
8.0/10   103,520 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 4% 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) 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 more
NewsDesk:
(246 articles)
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User Comments:
Keeps The Viewer Involved And Interested....Well Done. more (403 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
The Return of Superfly (USA) (working title)
Tru Blu (USA) (original script title)
more
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 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Director Ridley Scott had read the first draft of Steven Zaillian's screenplay before filming Kingdom of Heaven (2005) and instantly became interested in directing it. While filming his next feature, A Good Year (2006), Scott and Russell Crowe extensively discussed the project, which ultimately led to them signing on. more
Goofs:
Continuity: Near the end of the movie, after Frank's initial court appearance, he and Richie are alone in a room talking. If you watch closely, the positions of the coffee stirrers in the cups change several times. From pointing in the same direction to different, then back again. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Bumpy Johnson: Happy Thanksgiving!
more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Only the Strong Survive more

FAQ

A Note Regarding Spoilers
Who did Frank kill in the opening scene?
Is "American Gangster" based on a true story?
more
116 out of 177 people found the following comment useful.
Keeps The Viewer Involved And Interested....Well Done., 26 October 2007
9/10
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 comment useful to you?
more (403 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for American Gangster (2007)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Who would you cast if this film was actually made in the '70s? eight_days
Should have been called American Snitch jlkonandreas
Frank Lucas is still a rat???? whaledogs911
Richie Smoking a Joint? I_Heart_Newark
Was Russell Crowe's character Jewish? yuriym1
Who else thought this movie was way overrated! paciello22
more

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