American Gangster
Seen it?2007 | 157 min | Drama, Crime
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
People are still talking about it, it earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences rate it highly (7.6 out of 10). A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Donnie Brasco or The Departed, start here.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence and drug use.
- It's long: 2 hr 37 min.
Loosely based on the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina, who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War, before being detained by a task force led by Newark Detective Richie Roberts.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesStrong
7.6 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 SAG Award: Screen Actors Guild Award: Best Supporting Actress. Also nominated for 2 Oscars, 3 Golden Globes and 1 more SAG Award. Plus 2 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$270 million worldwide on a $100 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 827K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Donnie Brasco Saturday SpecialAnother mob crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Departed
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed mob crime drama.
Once Upon a Time in America Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved mob crime drama.
Miller's Crossing Saturday SpecialAnother mob crime drama that flew under the radar.
The Rip
Sunday Safe BetAnother drug-world crime story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Cast & crew
Directed by Ridley Scott
- Denzel WashingtonFrank Lucas
- Russell CroweRichie Roberts
- Josh BrolinDetective Trupo
- Chiwetel EjioforHuey Lucas
- Cuba Gooding Jr.Nicky Barnes
- Lymari NadalEva
- Ted LevineLou Toback
- Armand AssanteDominic Cattano
- John OrtizJavier J. Rivera
- John HawkesFreddie Spearman