American Gangster (2007)

Harlem drug dealer Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) rises to power in corrupt 1970s New York, equalling and surpassing the notorious Mafia families with the reach of his empire. On the other side of the law, honest cop Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) dedicates himself to taking down "the most dangerous man walking the streets". Lucas acts with impunity, smuggling heroin into the US in the coffins of American soldiers killed in Vietnam, but Roberts's single-minded determination outmanoeuvres even this most wily of operators.

Based on a true story, Ridley Scott's epic morality tale is a brilliant addition to the overblown gangster canon. Outstanding performances from the two leads are matched by an exemplary supporting cast, from Josh Brolin's corrupt cop to Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lucas's adulatory younger brother.

A powerful, punchy drama that doesn't waste a moment of its running time.