Making a hero out of Gangster

Rating: 8/10 (30 November 2007)

A great star cast, trailer and the time duration of the movie attracted me to go and watch it.
It is a true story of a drug lord in 1960-70s America, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington)  the first African American underworld kingpin. He learns his ropes early in life and manages to source the drugs from Thailand through Vietnam's US war plans bringing back coffins. Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), an honest cop (but dishonest husband entangled in a broken marriage and divorce lawsuit) gets the job of putting an end to the New York drug market. Frank operates with very low profile so Richie is not able to trace him early on, but evidently does  and pins Franks down, who is also under pressure from rival Italian drug mafia and local police. Franks divulges the entire network of corrupt drug chain operating (the largest expose until date) and hundreds are convicted. Frank serves two terms adding to 15 years and comes out of prison in 1991, with no family or money or life.
Denzel Washington  with quite similar looks to Frank, was waiting for this role since last 5 years, and when it materialized  in his own style has rendered complete heart and soul to the complex religious but society and people ruining drug lord. Russell Crowe on other side, portrays a more relaxed but real portray of Richie Roberts  very believable. In contrast Denzel's portrayal is larger than life, and the script intends to make a hero out of this terrible gangster  which is sad part of the story.
Otherwise, Ridley Scott has done marvelous job in producing and directing the movie. He maintains a tight script  moving between Denzel and Richie's life, and with a long run time, grips you within the first 40-50 minutes. The lead up to the final hour is very interesting.
Ridley maintains a 35 mm format for this movie and packs up a lot of 70s style of production  much similar to what one can compare with brown tone filming and a parallel to Scarface.
A treat to watch the engaging scene between Denzel and Russell, especially the style with which Denzel shifts the coffee glass! Ahthose scenes would be remembered in history of cinema in good face to face coming of two good actors.
(Stars 8 out of 10)