American Gangster

American Gangster

Year: 2007

Runtime: 157 min

Language: English

Director: Ridley Scott

DramaCrime

During the 1970s in New York City, Frank Lucas builds a lucrative drug empire by capitalizing on shifting power dynamics and cleverly navigating rival criminal organizations. As he rises to prominence, honest detective Richie Roberts notices his emergence and begins an investigation that exposes widespread corruption. Roberts' pursuit of justice puts him directly in conflict with Lucas, leading to a tense and inevitable confrontation fueled by both men's strong moral compasses.

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Timeline & Setting – American Gangster (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of American Gangster (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1968-1991

The film spans over two decades, starting in the late 1960s and concluding in 1991. During this period, America faced significant societal changes, including the Vietnam War and a surge in drug use, shaping the landscape of crime and law enforcement. The era was marked by the rise of organized crime and the corruption within police forces, creating a complex backdrop for the characters' struggles.

Location

Harlem, Essex County, New Jersey, Thailand

Harlem is a vibrant neighborhood in New York City known for its rich cultural history and as a center of African-American culture. Essex County is adjacent to New York City and plays a significant role in the law enforcement narrative of the film. New Jersey serves as the backdrop for Frank Lucas's lavish lifestyle and expansion of his drug empire. Thailand symbolizes the international aspect of drug trafficking, being the source of Frank's heroin supply.

🏙️ Urban 🌍 International

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:15

Main Characters – American Gangster (2007)

Meet the key characters of American Gangster (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington)

Frank Lucas is a complex character whose ambition drives him to seize control of the heroin trade in Harlem. Initially a loyal subordinate, his cunning and strategic mindset enable him to outmaneuver rivals and law enforcement. However, as he ascends to power, the weight of his choices burden him, highlighting the tragic consequences of a life of crime.

👑 Leader 🕶️ Calculative 💰 Ambitious

Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe)

Detective Richie Roberts is a dedicated but flawed lawman torn between his professional duties and personal turmoil. Battling a crumbling marriage and corruption within his precinct, he embodies the struggle for integrity in an ethically compromised environment. His relentless pursuit of Frank Lucas not only showcases his commitment to justice but also the personal sacrifices he makes along the way.

🕵️‍♂️ Determined 🥊 Resilient 💔 Troubled

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:15

Major Themes – American Gangster (2007)

Explore the central themes of American Gangster (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Crime and Power

The theme of crime and power is central to the movie, illustrated through Frank Lucas's meteoric rise in the drug trade. As he asserts control over Harlem's heroin market, the film explores the dynamics of power, respect, and the consequences of a criminal lifestyle. Additionally, it highlights the conflict between ambition and morality, especially in the law enforcement community.

⚖️ Justice and Corruption

The pursuit of justice amid rampant corruption underscores the narrative, exemplified by Detective Richie Roberts’s ethical struggle against his own precinct's malfeasance. The film explores themes of integrity and the complexities of law enforcement, as Richie seeks to expose corrupt officers while balancing personal challenges. The duality of the characters' moral choices raises questions about the essence of justice.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:15

Unlock the Full Story of American Gangster

Don't stop at just watching — explore American Gangster in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what American Gangster is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

American Gangster Summary

Read a complete plot summary of American Gangster, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

American Gangster Summary

American Gangster Timeline

Track the full timeline of American Gangster with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

American Gangster Timeline

More About American Gangster

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about American Gangster: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About American Gangster

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