In the climax of the film, Frank Lucas (played by Denzel Washington), a notorious drug lord, is arrested and convicted for his crimes, while Detective Richie Roberts (played by Russell Crowe) successfully brings down the corrupt law enforcement officials who enabled Lucas’s criminal enterprise.
Throughout the movie, Lucas rises to power in the Harlem drug trade, using his business acumen and ruthless tactics to establish himself as a formidable underworld figure. Meanwhile, Roberts, a determined and honest detective, leads an investigation into Lucas’s operation, determined to bring him to justice.
In the final moments of the film, Lucas is apprehended by law enforcement and faces trial for his crimes. Despite his attempts to evade capture and maintain his empire, he is ultimately convicted and sentenced to prison for life.
Meanwhile, Roberts exposes the corruption within the police force and prosecutes the officers who colluded with Lucas, ensuring that justice is served and restoring integrity to the department.
The film ends with Lucas reflecting on his downfall from his prison cell, while Roberts continues his career in law enforcement, dedicated to upholding the law and fighting against corruption and organized crime.
Overall, the ending of “American Gangster” is a dramatic and satisfying conclusion to the story, as justice is served and the forces of good triumph over evil. Through its depiction of real-life events and characters, the film offers audiences a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of crime, corruption, and the pursuit of justice in 1970s America.