‘American Gangster’ ending explained: what happens to Frank Lucas?
nme.comRidley Scott’s American Gangster.The biographical crime film is loosely based on the criminal activity of Frank Lucas, who smuggled heroin into the US on American service planes returning from the Vietnam war.Other cast members include Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Ruby Dee, Idris Elba, Cuba Gooding Jr., Ted Levine, and Lymari Nadal.The film was released in 2007, and went onto land two Oscar nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Supporting Actress for Ruby Dee.After obtaining a warrant, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) and his detectives lead a raid on Frank’s (Denzel Washington) heroin facility, which results in the death of Frank’s nephew Stevie Lucas (Tip Harris).
Frank is arrested during the raid alongside his brothers.During Frank’s trial, Roberts offers him an opportunity to lessen his sentence by exposing corrupt police officers.
Frank accepts the offer, which leads to three quarters of the New York DEA, alongside other NYPD officers, being arrested and convicted.
Unable to live with his involvement, detective Trupo (Josh Brolin) shoots himself with a gun.With Roberts as his defense attorney, Frank is sentenced to 70 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
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