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Empire

Play trailer Poster for Empire R 2002 1h 35m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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21% Tomatometer 99 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
For Victor Rosa (John Leguizamo), that blunt world-view has come to define his life. A Latino hustler from the South Bronx, Victor has worked his way up the neighborhood ladder to become a crew leader for Joanna La Colombiana Menéndez (Isabella Rossellini). But after narrowly escaping an attempt on his life, Victor realizes that he needs to get out of the Bronx, both for himself and for his girlfriend, Carmen (Sônia Braga), the only thing more important to him than money.
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Empire

Empire

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Critics Consensus

In terms of the gangster genre, Empire's story is yet another tired retread.

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Critics Reviews

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Scott Von Doviak Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com Jan 2, 2003
Reyes has obviously seen Goodfellas 50 or 60 times. Go to Full Review Geoff Pevere Toronto Star Dec 23, 2002
3/5
Yes, we're walking those mean streets again. Good thing we're taking a few unanticipated turns. Go to Full Review Joe Leydon Variety Dec 10, 2002
2/4
A yawningly familiar melodrama about an enterprising hustler who's undone by his own ambitions. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Oct 1, 2020
2/4
...a slick yet mostly generic thriller that boasts little in the way of innovative, surprising attributes... Go to Full Review Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Apr 29, 2009
A god awful violent fantasy that glorifies the lifestyle. Go to Full Review Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Jan 31, 2009
2.5/4
Even if you haven't seen any of the tell-all television spots, every beat of this crime drama will look and sound familiar. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert Y @RT42456136 Jul 20, 2026 I love this movie! Don't listen to the hate on here, it's a great show. See more Apr 8, 2024 I love these kind of movies. A ‘Scarface’ meets ‘Goodfellas’ type of movie! See more Jeffrey P @vanillavoodoo1 Jan 24, 2022 Blech! I don't know what's more nauseating, the fact that they think this is how people think and act or that this is how people think and act. I came to these conclusions 15 minutes in, the remaining hour and twenty-five minutes was to see if it would pull anything out the rear end to redeem itself or somehow manage to get worse. You know a movie has problems when it gets a momentary boost of life when the pasty white banker shows up. It's not one the worst movies I've ever seen, maybe not even the worst one today, but it's definitely not good and one I would not recommend to anyone... unless I don't like them. See more Apr 3, 2021 I have no idea what these haters are talking about! This movie had me hooked from the moment my ass hit the couch! Brilliant! Leguizamo has you reeled in from the get go! How this movie got past me I will never know but I'd highly recommend it! Story is great! Acting, especially by the lead is even better! See more Sep 15, 2019 Fun watch for the genre See more Sep 20, 2017 Formulaic but addicting. I keep watching even though my childhood of watch Days of Our Lives & As the World Turns lets me know the direction before it comes on screen. See more Read all reviews
Empire

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Cast & Crew

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Franc. Reyes

Director

John Leguizamo

Victor Rosa

Peter Sarsgaard

Jack Wimmer

Denise Richards

Trish

Vincent Laresca

Jimmy

Delilah Cotto

Carmen

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Empire

Victor (JOHN LEGUIZAMO) and Jimmy (VINCENT LARESCA) have a long history and a strong bond. La Colombiana (ISABELLA ROSSELLINI) is a tough business woman. Jimmy (VINCENT LARESCA) steps in when Victor gives up his business interests on the street. Victor's girlfriend Carmen (DELILAH COTTO) is a college student from the South Bronx. Rafael Menendez (NESTOR SERRANO) is La Colombiana's enforcer. Chedda (TREACH) is part of Victor's South Bronx crew. Jack (PETER SARSGAARD), an investment banker and Trish's boyfriend, offers Victor entrée into the legit world. Isabella Rossellini is La Colombiana in EMPIRE. Fat Joe is Tito Severe in EMPIRE. Gangster Victor Rosa (JOHN LEGUIZAMO) is determined to make the leap from the South Bronx to Wall Street. View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis For Victor Rosa (John Leguizamo), that blunt world-view has come to define his life. A Latino hustler from the South Bronx, Victor has worked his way up the neighborhood ladder to become a crew leader for Joanna La Colombiana Menéndez (Isabella Rossellini). But after narrowly escaping an attempt on his life, Victor realizes that he needs to get out of the Bronx, both for himself and for his girlfriend, Carmen (Sônia Braga), the only thing more important to him than money.
Director
Franc. Reyes
Producer
Daniel Bigel, Michael Mailer
Screenwriter
Franc. Reyes
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Arenas
Rating
R (Pervasive Language|Drug Content|Some Sexuality|Strong Violence)
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 6, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 7, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$17.5M
Runtime
1h 35m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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