'Gangsta' follows four friends attempting to earn money quickly by dealing drugs in Antwerp, Belgium, which they believe to be Europe’s center for cocaine distribution. Their actions lead to conflict involving two Amsterdam drug dealers and a Colombian cartel. The main character, Adamo (Matteo Simoni), and his companions adopt the appearance and mannerisms of gangsters, though they are not genuinely like that. The film’s directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, seem intent on conveying this sense of fantasy surrounding their pursuit of easy money. A particular aesthetic contributes to the glorification of the gangster lifestyle, offering a fresh perspective on traditional gangster films; however, it doesn't necessarily elevate the movie. While comparisons to 'Scarface' are made, the film shares more similarities with Michael Bay’s 'Pain & Gain'. The presentation is visually and aurally striking, but there isn't much depth beneath that surface-level appeal. The storyline is straightforward, and the characters lack development, occasionally proving irritating. The directors employ various techniques—both visual and narrative—in an attempt to impress viewers, but these efforts ultimately feel excessive. El Arbi and Fallah demonstrated their ability to create dark and gritty films with 'Image' and 'Black'. I understand they are trying to showcase a broader range of skills, perhaps with the goal of gaining recognition in the United States, but restraint can often be beneficial. Cutting approximately thirty minutes from the film’s length would have made it easier to appreciate. Despite the flashy elements failing to mask the movie's weaknesses, it remains an entertaining experience and is likely to appeal to a younger audience. Matteo Simoni delivers a standout performance as Adamo, particularly noteworthy given his background primarily in comedic roles within Belgium. Nora Gharib’s debut is remarkable, and Dutch rapper Ali B makes a welcome appearance as the unsettling Hassan Kamikaze.

Source on TMDB