Ridley Scott succeeds in showing a confused humanity within the gangster true story motif

Rating: 8/10 (28 April 2013)

No one could or would believe that a black man, a former chauffeur, had risen above the Italian mafia to quietly rule the east coast heroin industry. It's the Frank Lucas story glorified a bit by Denzel Washington being Denzel Washington. Director Ridley Scott poses Russell Crowe's Narc as a polar opposite of his target, unbeknown to him for the majority of the film, making it easier to like, no less enjoy, Denzel's portrayal. Our bad cops, run by Josh Brolin, further places our lone good cop unto the island of himself. The ex-wife custody scenes even further isolates our protagonist. When issues are black and white, he can easily make the right decision. Add in some gray and he's wishy washy. On the flip side of the coin, there is no loyalty but to Franks' old boss' ideals... meaning these guys are very much alike in that manner. The drama is superb and there is a well done early 1970's feel to this crime story, constantly interacting with Viet Nam footage, that make this an underrated gem!