Sugar Hill (1993)

Director:

Leon Ichaso

Writer (WGA):

Barry Michael Cooper (written by)

Release Date:

25 February 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Thriller | Drama

Tagline:

He wanted power. He wanted revenge. Now he just wants out.

Plot:

Hardened, uncomprimising drug dealer Roemello Skuggs decides to quit his scumbag profession so he may start a new life with his girlfriend...

Plot Keywords:

Harlem New York City | Drug Dealing | Heroin Addict | African American | Gangster

Cast

Wesley Snipes	...	Roemello Skuggs
Khandi Alexander	...	Ella Skuggs
DeVaughn Nixon	...	Raynathan (Age 11)
Marquise Wilson	...	Roemello (Age 10)
O.L. Duke	...	Tutty
Clarence Williams III	...	A.R. Skuggs
Abe Vigoda	...	Gus Molino
Anthony Thomas	...	Worker
Michael Wright	...	Raynathan Skuggs
John Pittman	...	Lucky
Steve Harris	...	Ricky Goggles
Michael Guess	...	Y.G. (Young Gun)
Kimberly Russell	...	Chantal
Theresa Randle	...	Melissa
Abdul Mutakabbir	...	Bouncer

Also Known As:

Harlem

Runtime:

123 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:R | Iceland:16 | Argentina:16 | New Zealand:R18 | Spain:18 | UK:18 | USA:R

Company:

Beacon Communications

Quotes:

Roemello Skuggs: Look Lolly, I think we need to call a truce. You don't hit my men, I won't hit yours. You don't hurt my brother and I won't take your whole family. We'll work it out so you can get a peice of the action. Ok chump? I mean champ. My word is bond.

"Jazzy & Slick .".. Snipes at his dramatic best

"Sugar Hill" tells the story of two Harlem drug-dealing brothers, Romello & Ray Nathan Skuggs, who struggle to stay on top of their chosen profession as well as their relationship with drug-addicted father Arthur Romello Skuggs(Clarence Williams III). Romello realizes that his life has gone in the wrong direction & that he wants out, to honor his deceased mother's wishes for him.

Ray Nathan(Michael Wright), heir apparent to the drug ring, wants to get rid of the competition & rule Harlem with his younger brother. Romello(Wesley Snipes), fed up & idealistic, wants out of the drug business & is looking to start over with new girlfriend Melissa(Theresa Randle). Scared of becoming a target, Melissa wants nothing to do with Romello who convinces her to leave with him. Romello tries to bring together a bitter Ray Nathan & strung-out druggie Arthur to no avail. Romello forgave his father for the past & desires Ray Nathan to reconcile before its too late. Ray Nathan is still angry with his father for the death of junkie mother Ella Skuggs. Romello finally convinces Melissa to be with him & leave to begin a new life together. Romello wants only to take Ray Nathan, Arthur, Melissa & himself back to the South to start over & away from the drug & street life.

The problem: Gus(Abe Vigoda), an old Italian drug lord & Lolly(Ernie Hudson), new drug dealer & ex boxing champ, want the brothers out of the way as well as their territories in the drug trade. Gus has a history with Arthur Romello & makes Romello aware of it. Gus told Romello that his father killed his brother Sal many years ago. Lolly kills fellow dealer & best friend Ricky Goggles(Steve Harris) as a warning to Romello & Ray Nathan. Ray Nathan in turn murders one of Gus's men. Lolly calls in a hit on Romello but kills a local wannabe gangster Kymie Daniels(Donald Faison). Romello tells Gus he is out of the game & prepares to leave with Melissa. Ray Nathan kills Arthur by giving him a overdosed shot of heroin. Ray next goes to Gus & Lolly to concede but instead kills them in the restaurant. Ray Nathan then runs into Romello & tells him he killed their father. The two argue with Ray Nathan accidentally shooting Romello with Melissa watching in horror. The film ends with Romello sitting in a wheelchair with Melissa & son living in the South, starting life anew.

A good film with a very tragic ending. Unbelievable scene where Arthur(Williams III)overdoses while Ray Nathan watches in horror & shame. The realism of Arthur's overdose is unforgettable & wreaks of solid acting talent. This film does little to glorify drug dealers & rightfully so. No Nino Browns to despise this time!! Check it out.