Ridley Scott delivers yet again

Rating: 7/10 (1 November 2007)

The American Mafia was largely controlled by a string of brutal Sicilian families. Rival mob organizations targeted one another in bloody confrontations. Harlem was no exception. New York's largest black ghetto  a happy hunting ground for drug pushers  was to face its toughest challenge yet.
When a much-loved icon and drug dealer passes away, the reins of his empire are picked up by his impressionable protégé  Frank Lucas (Washington). But Frank has bigger designs for himself. A self-styled entrepreneur, suave and sophisticated, Frank wants to cut out the middlemen and be his own man.
During America's most-stained period in history  the Vietnam War  Frank seizes the opportunity to acquire huge quantities of A-grade heroin. On the other side is the vulnerable hero Richie Roberts (Russel Crowe) who is determined to bring him down.
The story twists and turns for almost three hours towards its conclusion. Denzel is in fine form alongside a more sedate Russel Crowe. The film scores mad points in riveting entertainment value.
The lesson of the film is simple: "Quitting while you're ahead is not the same as quitting."
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