Product Description

Denzel Washington, Yul Vazquez, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Ruby Dee, Joe MortonDirector: Ridley Scott

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2169 in DVD
• Brand: Blu-ray Drama
• Released on: 2008-12-08
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .18 pounds
• Running time: 176 minutes

Synopsis
American Gangster is based on a true story and set in 1968 Harlem, where Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) is a driver for Bumpy Johnson, one of the top figures in the city's criminal world. When Bumpy dies, Lucas swoops in, taking over his predecessor's empire and expanding it over the next few years with his sale of a particularly potent brand of heroin. Meanwhile, New Jersey cop Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) begins to investigate the New York drug world and discovers that there's a new power in town. Thanks to screenwriter Steve Zaillian, as well as Washington and Crowe, American Gangster creates a convincing portrait of two men who are neither entirely good nor entirely bad. Washington plays Lucas as a man who buys his mother a palatial home but doesn't hesitate to beat his brother's head against a window. Crowe's Roberts may turn in a million-dollar find, but he cheats on his wife. Sadly, they only meet onscreen toward the end of the film, but the minimal interaction between the two Oscar winners is fascinating. Even though the focus is on Lucas and Roberts, American Gangster is filled with a wealth of strong characters played by talented actors, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Ted Levine, John Hawkes, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Carla Gugino, Ruby Dee, Joe Morton, and rappers T.I. and RZA. It's an epic film, with a run time of over two and a half hours, but it's time well spent. Fans of classic crime films such as The Godfather, Serpico, and Carlito's Way will certainly be pleased by this addition to the genre.

Customer Reviews

American Gangster is a 5 Star film.
I watched American Gangster for the first time on Sky the other day and have to say it is a great film and a pleasure to watch. I've just ordered the blu ray.

It's a slow burner and not the most action packed, but that isn't always a bad thing as this film proves. Based on the true story of Frank Lucas and his rise to power and Richie Roberts and his relentless quest to bring Lucas to justice.

The acting is great as you would expect from such a cast and New York and New Jersey look great going back to the 70's.

There is some great books and documentaries on Frank Lucas and Nicky Barnes (this guy should have film about his life also) so check them out.

All in all a 5 star film.

Superb, true masterpeice Denzel at his best!
This film is truely amazing. The film is set back in the 70's and the scenery and directing is done so well it is hard to believe it wasn't filmed back then. From the very start the film grabs you and it feels as though you are there in the film. The story based on a real life gangster "Frank Lucas" played by Denzel Washington and a detective who reletlessly tries to track him down (Russel Crowe). The film is a true beauty. I was so dissapointed to see it finish, I wanted the film to go on forever. This film is a must have for any film finatic who enjoys a thrilling story line. True work of art every scene crafted with greatness. 10/10 from me! My only complaint is that it finished.

One of the best gangster movies...
Since i don't like long reviews i'll put it simple.

In "American Gangster" there are no negative points. The movie itself is Oscar material since the plot is one of the best ever, and the performance of Denzel Washington and Russel Crow are just amazing, since they behave like they should: a calm gangster and and a nervous cop.

About the blu-rau itself, i give 5 stars since what i think it's most important is the image and the sound. Both of them are near perfect and it can't get better than this. About the extras you won't be disappointed unless you're an extra-freak.

In conclusion: this blu-ray must be in your collection if you're in to these kind of movies.