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By Ogre　Translated by Ann Lee

American Gangster　2007/12/28

Meet Smith and his dark humor

Rating: R　Crime/ Drama

Acclaimed director/producer Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Black Hawk Down) has created a film that could easily share shelf space with great crime thrillers like "Heat", "Blow", "The Departed" and, dare I say it, "The Godfather". When Harlem's beloved kingpin dies, his driver and closest confidant, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) takes the reigns with one goal in mind: more money--no matter what the cost. Meanwhile Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), a morally motivated street cop/lawyer, is climbing his way up the food chain and gaining respect along the way.

Like in "Heat", the two have very little interaction. Like "Blow", the gangster gets a leg up on the competition by getting his product directly from the source overseas. Like "The Departed", you enjoy both characters for different reasons. And, like "The Godfather", this movie is filled with tension, suspense and flat out awesomeness. All this adds up to a film that is rich with social commentary, moral dilemmas and drenched in personality.

One of the main themes in this film is circumstance. People either choose their place in life or are simply placed there. Both characters are given a spot on the board and make moves depending on what they think is the best way to get what they want. They both show extreme strength of character and perseverance. The only difference is that one has a heart while the other doesn't. I'll leave it up to you to decide which one. Let me leave you with this: Would you keep your family close during potentially dangerous situations or would you keep them at a distance?