The closest encounter most Singaporeans have with gangsters is probably at the local coffeeshop. Even then, they probably aren’t even really gangsters, more likely just swarthy tattooed guys or the occasional loanshark lackey/HDB block graffiti artist. No, we don’t see any of the exciting stuff like Mercedes limousines with black-tinted bullet-proof glass windows or gun-wielding men in black Armani suits with Ray-Ban shades.

 

Nope, none of those stereotypes that the big screen has reinforced with beloved and critically movies of the mafia such as The Godfather, Goodfellasand even Infernal Affairsto enlighten us on mafia with Italian, American or even Chinese roots.

But have we seen the black gangster? Perhaps gangster-rapper 50 Cent could temporarily fill that void. But the question remains, “How would taking you to his “candy shop” make 50 Cent a scary gangster?”

At last, the wait is over. Ridley Scott presents the original black gangster – the American Gangster, some real substance that will keep us all satisfied for a long time.

This is the actual story of Frank Lucas, a man who learned the tricks of the trade from his former employer, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, a well-respected black Gangster, much like a modern-day Robin Hood. After Bumpy’s death in 1968, Frank, with the aim of getting rich, takes control over the Harlem district, turning it into his “playground”.

Played by 2-time Academy Award-winning Actor, Denzel Washington, Lucas’ struggle for power throughout the film was constantly obstructed by many factors. These included intimidation from the rival gangsters, threats from the corrupted law enforcers, as well as justice seeking from the law-abiding detective, Richie Roberts, played by Oscar-winning New Zealander/Australian actor, Russell Crowe.

The movie depicts both sides of life, law, and race. Lucas’ acute judgment and sheer determination helps him devise a plan to smuggle top-grade heroin into the States. Soon after he has established himself, Lucas’ close ties with his family is displayed as he involves his relatives with his dark world of crime. His warped sense of values shows when the heroin kingpin says in the movie, “The most important thing in business is honesty, integrity, hard work, family and never forgetting where we came from.”

On the flipside however, Roberts’ life, ruined by his stubborn honesty, sees him being ostracised by his wife and his colleagues, after he decides to turn in $1 million in unmarked notes, which he obtained during a criminal investigation. His will to serve justice motivates this detective to not only begin a relentless pursuit of the bad guys, but also motivates him to become a public prosecutor.

The introduction of the film starts off rather painstakingly, as Director Scott attempts to establish the main characters in just a few minutes of screen time. Slowly but surely, it picks up with a non-stop “keeping the audience on the edge of their seats” approach. Even with several scenes of brutish murders (that would probably require some pillow hugging), we don’t see the bloodbaths and massacres equal to that of the recently released, Warlords.

Since both characters do not meet till nearly the end of the show, the reality of Roberts bringing Lucas to justice doesn’t seem to sink in. Nonetheless, throughout the movie, both Crowe and Washington do not fall short of their known award-winning performances.

Although you won’t feel much sympathy for the baddie that you’d typically do from most Anthony Hopkins’ films, such as Fracture, Washington plays his on-screen character with much conviction and forcefulness. His dominance is able to instil a sense of awe in the audience.

Crowe fans are in for slight disappointment though. You’d expect that after all the chasing from Roberts in the film, Crowe should have kept his Gladiator physique. Instead, his pudgy build makes his on-screen character seem somewhat dopey and pathetic.

Although Frank Lucas himself admits, in a quote from the Filmgordon blog, that the film is only 85 percent accurate, he is almost certain of Washington’s chances in getting an Oscar for his performance.

All in all, the 158-minute production incorporates more than 180 different scenes (including authentic venues of the 70s), making it seem like a 300-minute one. But don’t get me wrong; Ridley Scott has made sure that instead of a painfully prolonged monotony, you’re getting good value for your ticket. So if sitting on the edge of your seat gets you a little tired, lean back and enjoy the brilliant recreation of the bad. Black 70s. Here’s to the most notorious gangster in the history of America – The American Gangster.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Movie Details:

Opens: Jan 10

Running Time: 158 mins

Language: English

Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Ruby Dee

Director: Ridley Scott