Review of American Gangster (2007) by Shannon Z — 30 Apr 2012

Russell Crowe plays a corrupt cop whose objective is to end the life a drug mafia enveloping New Jersey. At the same, he is in the process of finalizing an ugly divorce and continuing a relationship with his son and balancing his career and relationships with corrupt friends.

On the other end, Denzel Washington plays the mastermind behind the massive drug cartel, making millions off of it and keeping it a secret from his family, especially his mother (Rudy Dee), even though he is lavishly spending on everyone.

Life for both Crowe and Washington's characters start to spiral out of control and eventually, their two completely different lives collide. Based on a true story, "American Gangster" is an interesting thriller that thoroughly looks at two characters from both sides of the law during the 1970's.

Successfully shows the bleak side of the narcotics industry, but I think it could have been better, perhaps because it was too long or flabby. The acting, however, was good and it certainly shows that Ridley Scott has versatility in directing movies.

There are two versions: one which is 157 minutes and the other that is 176 minutes, of which extensive nudity is seen, and that is the version I watched.