American Gangster (2007)
Ridley Scott's gripping crime epic charts the rise and fall of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, played by a magnetic Denzel Washington opposite Russell Crowe.
American Gangster - Movie Information
- Original Title: American Gangster
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 2, 2007 (BG), November 2, 2007 (United States - R), November 2, 2007 (Canada - 18A), November 16, 2007 (United Kingdom - 18), November 15, 2007 (Germany - 16), November 14, 2007 (France - TP), January 10, 2008 (Australia - MA 15+), January 25, 2008 (Brazil - 18), February 1, 2008 (Mexico - C), January 18, 2008 (Italy - VM14), December 28, 2007 (Spain - 18), December 27, 2007 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 犯罪帝國 (HK), Gangestere Amrikayi (IR), Amerikan · gyangusuta (JP), Ameriški gangster (SI), Gánster Americano (AR)
- Production Companies: Film Rites, Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Scott Free Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
American Gangster - Plot
Loosely based on the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina, who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War, before being detained by a task force led by Newark Detective Richie Roberts.
American Gangster - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the two sides of the American dream unfold:
There are two sides to the American dream.
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American Gangster - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ridley Scott
Main Cast
- Denzel Washington
- Russell Crowe
- Josh Brolin
- Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Cuba Gooding Jr.
- Lymari Nadal
- Ted Levine
- Armand Assante
- John Ortiz
- John Hawkes
Writers
- Steven Zaillian
Producers
- Brian Grazer
- Ridley Scott
American Gangster - FAQs
Is American Gangster based on a true story?
Yes, American Gangster is loosely based on the real life of Frank Lucas, a Harlem drug kingpin who smuggled heroin into the United States aboard military aircraft returning from Vietnam during the late 1960s and early 1970s. His story was first detailed in a 2000 New York Magazine article by Mark Jacobson.
Who plays Frank Lucas in American Gangster?
Denzel Washington plays Frank Lucas, the real-life Harlem drug lord at the center of the story. His portrayal earned widespread critical praise for its commanding presence and moral complexity. Russell Crowe plays Richie Roberts, the Newark detective determined to bring Lucas down.
What is American Gangster about?
American Gangster follows Frank Lucas, a North Carolina-born criminal who rises to dominate New York's heroin trade by cutting out the middleman and smuggling pure product directly from Southeast Asia on US military planes. Meanwhile, incorruptible detective Richie Roberts leads a task force closing in on him.
Did Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe share scenes?
Famously, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe share very little screen time together until the film's final act. Director Ridley Scott deliberately kept the two leads apart throughout most of the story, making their eventual face-to-face confrontation one of the most anticipated and electric moments in the entire film.
Where can I stream American Gangster?
You can stream American Gangster on Amazon Prime Video, AMC+, and AMC. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary depending on your region and subscription.
How long is American Gangster?
American Gangster runs 157 minutes, or just over two and a half hours. Ridley Scott also released an extended cut running approximately 176 minutes, which restores several scenes trimmed from the theatrical version and provides additional depth to several supporting characters.
Did American Gangster win any awards?
American Gangster earned two Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Ruby Dee and Best Art Direction. Ruby Dee's performance as Mama Lucas was particularly celebrated despite her limited screen time. The film also received numerous Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations across multiple categories.
What is the age rating for American Gangster?
American Gangster is rated R in the United States for strong brutal violence, pervasive drug content, language, and sexuality. It carries an 18 certificate in the United Kingdom and similar adult-only ratings in most international markets, reflecting its unflinching portrayal of the drug trade and organized crime.
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