There are many movies from Hollywood centered around drug lords and the dark world of crime. Some of these characters are purely fictional, while others are based on real historical figures. Through these “anti-heroes,” audiences gain a multifaceted perspective on how power and crime can transform an individual, leading them to rise to greatness before ultimately falling into disgrace.
Typically, the allure of such films lies in the journey of overcoming every challenge to climb to the pinnacle of an illicit world, navigating through its treacherous terrain and violent actions, only to become entangled in a web of material wealth that can turn into thorns in their side. Below, we will revisit 5 of the most successful drug lords portrayed in modern cinema:
5. Nino Brown in “New Jack City”
Nino Brown, portrayed by Wesley Snipes, is a drug lord operating in New York City during the 1980s. He even goes so far as to buy a high-rise apartment to conduct drug operations from, reflecting his deep entrenchment in crime. Alongside his cunning nature, Brown is also incredibly resourceful at surviving in a competitive environment, though his choices increasingly lead him down a darker path.
4. Frank White in “King of New York”
Once immersed in the drug trade, Frank White, played by Christopher Walken, is determined to reclaim his territory from rival gangs while also giving back to the impoverished communities in New York. His dual nature as a ruthless dealer and a benefactor makes him one of the most complex characters in the film.
3. George Jung in “Blow”
Johnny Depp transforms into George Jung, a real-life drug dealer who rose to fame as a prominent cocaine distributor for the infamous Pablo Escobar. His illegal endeavors lead him to accumulate significant wealth, but Jung struggles to maintain a legitimate facade while entangled in the drug cartel’s dangerous web.
2. Frank Lucas in “American Gangster”
Denzel Washington portrays Frank Lucas, a drug lord who tries to evade law enforcement while expanding his empire. Although his ascent to power is fraught with challenges, Lucas’s tactics force other drug lords to take notice, marking him as a significant figure in the drug trade of New York.
1. Tony Montana in “Scarface”
Al Pacino takes on the role of Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises from the bottom as a low-level worker to becoming a powerful drug lord involved in the cocaine trade. Over time, Montana amasses great wealth and notoriety but ultimately faces the consequences of his violent lifestyle, leading to his downfall.
Source: Hollywood
