Paid in Full (2002)

A young man from Harlem, forced to cope with the 1980s drug scene, builds an illegal empire, only to have a crisis of conscience.

Director:

Charles Stone III

Writers:

Azie Faison Jr. (earlier screenplay), Austin Phillips (earlier screenplay),

Stars:

Wood Harris, Mekhi Phifer, Kevin Carroll

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Wood Harris	...	Ace
Mekhi Phifer	...	Mitch
Kevin Carroll	...	Calvin
Esai Morales	...	Lulu
Chi McBride	...	Pip
Cam'ron	...	Rico
Remo Greene	...	Sonny
Cynthia Martells	...	Dora
Elise Neal	...	Aunt June
Regina Hall	...	Kiesha
Joyce Walker	...	Janet Woods (as Joyce Walker Joseph)
Ron C. Jones	...	Ice (as Ron Cephas Jones)
Nelson Tynes	...	Wedge
Karen Andrew	...	Cakes
Pedro Salvín	...	Columbian Man #1 (as Pedro Salvin)

Storyline

Ace is an impressionable young man working for a dry cleaning business. His friend, drug dealer Mitch goes to prison. In an unrelated incident, he finds some cocaine in a pants pocket. Soon, Ace finds himself dealing cocaine for Lulu. Via lucky breaks and solid interpersonal skills, Ace moves to the top of the Harlem drug world. Of course, unfaithful employees and/or rivals conspire to bring about Ace's fall.

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Plot Keywords:

drug dealer | dry cleaning | evil man | convicted felon | ex convict | 

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Taglines:

The American Dream... Their way.

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Genres:

Drama | Action | Crime

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, pervasive language, some strong sexuality and drug content

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 October 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Strassen Harlems

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$25,657 (South Africa) (7 May 2004)

Gross:

$25,657 (South Africa) (7 May 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dimension Films, Loud Films, Rat Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on the true story of Azie Faison Jr., Alberto Martinez and Richard Porter. The trio controlled much of the drug trade in New York City in the 1980's.

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Goofs

When Mitch and Ace are talking in the red BMW if you look at the background as they are driving by you can see what appears to be a 90s model Ford Explorer and also a second generation Nissan Pathfinder in front of it.

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Quotes

Rico: Hey Ace, pull your skirt down B, dudes get shot everyday.

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Connections

Featured in The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Grndmza"
Written by Melle Mel (as Melvin Glover) & Michael Breunig
(Giant Size Music BMI/Zulu King Ent. BMI/Phoenix Cloak Sounds BMI)
Performed by Melle Mel
Courtesy of ACM Records

User Reviews

Very Authentic!

Coming from someone who grew up during this era (the 80's), I found this movie to be a very honest and real portrayal of the music, the atmosphere, the street, and the drug game in general. The clothing, right down to the jewelry and the kicks they wore brought me back! Even the neighborhoods looked more 80's like in this flick. Mekhi Phifer, Cam'ron, and Wood Harris gave very good performances in this real life re-telling of the events that occurred between the notorious Ace, Mitch and Alpo. I also think that this movie was underrated and should have received more widespread notoriety. All in all, I rate this film a 9 out of 10. There were many lessons to be learned in this tale.