The film is set in the Bronx, New York, during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It follows the life of Anthony Curtis (played by Larenz Tate), a young African American man who is a recent high school graduate. Anthony is eager to escape his impoverished neighborhood and make something of himself. However, with limited opportunities available to him, he decides to enlist in the United States Marine Corps to serve in the Vietnam War.
After returning from Vietnam, Anthony struggles to readjust to civilian life. He finds himself unemployed and unable to support his girlfriend Juanita (played by Rose Jackson) and their daughter. Desperate for money, Anthony reconnects with his childhood friends Skip (played by Chris Tucker), Cleon (played by Bokeem Woodbine), and Jose (played by Freddy Rodriguez).
Under Skip’s influence, the group decides to rob an armored car transporting money from the Federal Reserve Bank. The heist is successful, but it also brings unforeseen consequences. As tensions rise and betrayals occur within the group, Anthony finds himself drawn deeper into a life of crime.
The film explores themes of poverty, racism, and the impact of the Vietnam War on African American veterans. It also delves into the allure of crime and the challenges faced by individuals trying to escape the cycle of violence and poverty.
“Dead Presidents” received critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of urban life and powerful performances from its cast. It is known for its realistic depiction of the struggles faced by African Americans during this turbulent period in American history. The film’s title, “Dead Presidents,” is a slang term for U.S. currency, referring to the faces of former U.S. presidents featured on banknotes.