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American Gangster (2007)

R | | Biography, Crime, Drama | 2 November 2007 (USA)
American Gangster Poster
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An outcast New York City cop is charged with bringing down Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, whose real life inspired this partly biographical film.

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Stars:

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Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 35 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Frank Lucas
... Richie Roberts
... Huey Lucas
... Detective Trupo
... Eva
... Lou Toback
... Nate
... Freddie Spearman
... Moses Jones
... Alfonse Abruzzo
... Jimmy Zee
... Mama Lucas
... Doc
... Laurie Roberts
Skyler Fortgang ... Michael Roberts
See full cast »
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Storyline

Following the death of his employer and mentor, Bumpy Johnson, Frank Lucas establishes himself as the number one importer of heroin in the Harlem district of Manhattan. He does so by buying heroin directly from the source in South East Asia and he comes up with a unique way of importing the drugs into the United States. As a result, his product is superior to what is currently available on the street and his prices are lower. His alliance with the New York Mafia ensures his position. It is also the story of a dedicated and honest policeman, Richie Roberts, who heads up a joint narcotics task force with the Federal government. Based on a true story. Written by garykmcd

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

popcorn | heroin | death | smuggling | vietnam | See All (231) »

Taglines:

There are two sides to the American dream. See more »

Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, pervasive drug content and language, nudity and sexuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook | Universal [United States]

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

2 November 2007 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

The Return of Superfly  »

Filming Locations:

 »
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Box Office

Budget:

$100,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$43,565,135, 4 November 2007, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$130,164,645

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$266,465,037
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
Show more on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (Unrated Edition)

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Not only did the real Richie Roberts serve as Frank Lucas's lawyer after he went into private practice, he was godfather to Lucas's son. See more »

Goofs

During the Bronco chase after the $20,000 drug purchase, interior shots of show a Torino name plate on the dashboard. Exterior shots show a Cadilac. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Bumpy Johnson: Happy Thanksgiving!
See more »

Crazy Credits

At the end of the closing credits, Frank Lucas approaches the camera and fires one shot from a pistol directly at the audience. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Girlboss: The Trip (2017) See more »

Soundtracks

Back to Bangkok Blues
Written by Harry Garfield
Published by Universal Pictures Music
Produced by Hank Shocklee
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the differences between the theatrical version and the extended cut?
Q: Why is the shot of Frank walking into an empty diner, shooting, dropping his weapon and leaving missing from the final cut?
Q: Is "American Gangster" based on a true story?
See more »

User Reviews

 
Surprisingly Coherent
26 October 2007 | by – See all my reviews

Watch American Gangster without preconceived ideas. While the film is long it never drags. You don't get the sense that you've seen this movie before. It's not Serpico. It's not The Wire. It's not The Sopranos. While much is going on, the story is easy to follow. There is action, but this isn't an "action movie".

Both Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe act convincingly and give depth to their characters.

The film leaves you wanting to know more about about happened to the lead characters. You care about them that much. Now *that's* film making.
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