A must-watch gangster flick featuring two Oscar-winning actors is set to hit the small screen tonight.
The critically acclaimed ‘American Gangster’, which draws inspiration from real-life events, will be broadcast at no cost this Saturday, January 18. The film kicks off at 9pm on channel 5* and viewers are advised to tune in promptly as, at present, it isn’t available on any streaming services as part of a subscription package.
Nevertheless, for those keen to watch at their leisure, rental options start from £3.49 on various digital platforms such as Amazon Video and Sky Store. Released in 2007, American Gangster loosely chronicles the notorious life and criminal escapades of Frank Lucas, a mobster hailing from North Carolina who notoriously smuggled heroin into the US using American military planes returning from the Vietnam War, concealing the narcotics in the coffins of soldiers.
American Gangster saw Russell Crowe team up with Ridley Scott again after they worked on Gladiator
(Image: Sony)
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The narrative traces his ascent from being the trusted lieutenant of Harlem’s mafia overlord Ellsworth ‘Bumpy’ Johnson to his rise in the drug hierarchy after Johnson’s demise, reports Surrey Live. Frank finds himself the target of Detective Richie Roberts, who is resolute in his mission to dismantle Frank’s empire. Meanwhile, Roberts faces alienation from some of his peers when he turns in nearly $1 million found in a gangster’s vehicle.
The film boasts an all-star cast, with two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington taking on the role of Frank Lucas, alongside Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts. Directed by the acclaimed Ridley Scott, American Gangster was a box office hit, raking in nearly $200 million.
Upon its release, the film received widespread critical acclaim and is often ranked alongside Goodfellas and The Godfather as one of the greatest gangster movies of all time. One fan praised the film online, saying: “One of best of gangster movies ever and one of Ridley Scott masterpieces.”
Denzel Washington would go on to star in the Gladiator sequel
(Image: Sony)
The standout performances from the award-winning leads have been particularly lauded by fans, with some considering it a highlight of both Crowe and Washington’s careers. One fan raved: “Best Denzel Washington movie by a country mile. Outstanding performance. Chuck in Russell Crowe at the very top of his game. Finally a brilliant true story. Mix it all together and Bingo a CLASSIC! ”
Another fan echoed this sentiment, saying: “Simply amazing. An essential gangster/mafia movie to watch and also packed with culture both surrounding it with Jay-Z making an entire album about it.”
“Also having cultural icons such as RZA, Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe, Cuba Gooding Jr, Josh Brolin, Idris Elba and T.I. Phenomenal characters plus great acting plus a compelling story; I mean – what else could you want? At that point the only thing that could happen to make it better would be having Martin Scorsese and Al Pacino work on this! This movie definitely falls under the iconic category, no doubt about it.”
American Gangster is on 5* at 9pm, Saturday January 18