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

Photos (see all 104 | slideshow) Videos (see all 30)
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)

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Overview

User Rating:
8.0/10   103,228 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
No change 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:
(243 articles)
10 closest Oscar races in the past 20 years
 (From Gold Derby. 23 November 2009, 1:12 PM, PST)

Idris Elba joins cast of Marvel Studios' Thor
 (From The Geek Files. 23 November 2009, 4:42 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Keeps The Viewer Involved And Interested....Well Done. more (402 total)
US TV Schedule:

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:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Antoine Fuqua was originally set to direct this project in 2004 with Denzel Washington and Benicio Del Toro starring, but production was halted one month before shooting after Universal Pictures canceled the film over budget concerns. more
Goofs:
Continuity: In the scene where Frank Lucas confronts 'Tango' outside the shop, he pulls out a chrome .45 Colt automatic, then the weapon changes to a chrome Browning Hi-Power in the subsequent scene. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Bumpy Johnson: Happy Thanksgiving!
more
Movie Connections:
References Super Fly (1972) more
Soundtrack:
Tres Amigos more

FAQ

What are the differences between the theatrical version and the extended cut?
Why does Frank burn the Coat Eva gave him in the scene right after he gets married?
Is "American Gangster" based on a true story?
more
115 out of 176 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?
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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
Crowe's partner at the film's beginning kpd0943
Different ending on Dvd???? Clarify please leobourne
Plot hole? Jester1981
Greatest scene of all time(one of) leobourne
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