Following the death of his employer and mentor, Bumpy Johnson, Frank Lucas establishes himself as the number one importer of heroin in the Harlem district of Manhattan. He does so by buying heroin directly from the source in South East Asia and he comes up with a unique way of importing the drugs into the United States. Partly based on a true story.
"American Gangster" tells the true story of Frank Lucas, a powerful drug lord in 1970s Harlem, and Richie Roberts, the honest cop trying to bring him down. The movie follows their separate lives, showing how Frank builds his empire and how Richie investigates police corruption. By watching, you'll learn vocabulary related to crime ("dope," "racketeering," "bribery"), law enforcement ("detective," "warrant," "prosecution"), and everyday life ("neighbourhood," "family," "business"). You'll also hear different accents and ways of speaking, from Frank's southern drawl to Richie's New York accent. The film offers a glimpse into American culture and history, specifically the social and political climate of the 1970s. This movie explores themes of ambition, corruption, family, and justice. You'll experience a range of emotions, from the thrill of Frank's success to the tension of Richie's investigation. The dialogue includes both formal courtroom language and informal street slang, giving you exposure to diverse English vocabulary and sentence structures. Pay attention to how the characters express anger, fear, and determination, as this can help you understand the nuances of English expression. The film also highlights the cultural differences between Frank's Southern upbringing and the urban environment of New York City, offering insights into American society. Learning English with "American Gangster" can be very helpful for several reasons. The gripping story will keep you engaged, making it easier to learn new words and phrases naturally. The variety of accents and speaking styles will train your ear to understand different pronunciations and rhythms of English. Furthermore, the movie's themes and cultural context will deepen your understanding of American society and history. Because the film features both formal and informal language, you will be well-equipped to handle diverse communication situations in English.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in American Gangster:
