Ridley Scott delivers yet again

Cast: Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington

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 (Russell Crowe) who is determined to bring him down. It’s an empire valued at over $250 million dollars in assets alone with three-quarters of the narcotics unit up to involved with drug money.

The story twists and turns for almost three hours towards its conclusion. Denzel is in fine form alongside a more sedate Russell 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.”