A classic already

Rating: Null/10 (21 November 2007)

American Gangster is without doubt the finest film released this year. With a top-drawyer cast, atmospheric soundtrack and excellent storyline, it never flags despite a long running time of over two and a half hours. Frank Lucas is an ambitious black gangster who decides to cash in on his connections with the American military in Vietnam to transport enormous amounts of drugs back to the States. This puts the noses of his competition well out of joint, but Lucas quickly establishes his dominance. The film essentially tracks his rise and fall, Russell Crowe putting in a barnstorming performance as the cop who brings him to justice. American Gangster has some very stylish violence, but never strays into glorification. Go and see this flick ASAP.