Retro Trailer For The 1997 Gangster Crime Drama HOODLUM with Laurence Fishburne and Tim Roth
This weeks retro trailer is for the classic 1997 film Hoodlum , a gritty crime drama that dives deep into the dangerous underworld of 1930s Harlem.
Directed by Bill Duke, the film stars Laurence Fishburne as the infamous gangster Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson. The story follows Bumpy’s rise to power after his release from prison as he battles against rival mobsters Dutch Schultz, played by Tim Roth, and Lucky Luciano, played by Andy García, for control over Harlem’s lucrative numbers racket.
The film takes us back to a time when organized crime was woven into the social fabric of the community, with power struggles, loyalty, and brutal violence driving the action.
This movie has a great mix of style, substance, and powerful performances. Fishburne brings quiet intensity to the role of Bumpy, creating a character who is both ruthless and principled.
The film’s period detail is rich and immersive, backed by a moody score and sharp cinematography that captures the era’s tension and glamour. This is a gangster flick and a character-driven story about honor and survival in a corrupt world.
If you’re into classic crime dramas with a strong sense of history and a powerhouse cast, Hoodlum delivers.