IMDb > Empire (2002)
Empire
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Empire (2002) -- A stunning crime drama about a gang member who tries to escape his dangerous life through Wall Street - and finds it just as deadly.  Fierce gunplay and tense business deals are just as exciting in this thought-provoking exploration of the criminal mind.
Empire (2002) -- US Home Video Trailer from Universal Pictures
Empire (2002) -- Home Video Preview
Empire (2002) -- US Theatrical Trailer from Universal Pictures

Overview

User Rating:
5.9/10   4,192 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 19% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Franc. Reyes (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Empire on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
6 December 2002 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Two worlds collide.
Plot:
A successful South Bronx drug dealer turns his back on his roots and gives money with a Wall Street broker to invest for him.. full summary | add synopsis
NewsDesk:
(5 articles)
User Comments:
The rise and fall of Victor Rosa more (63 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

John Leguizamo ... Victor Rosa

Peter Sarsgaard ... Jack

Denise Richards ... Trish

Vincent Laresca ... Jimmy

Isabella Rossellini ... La Colombiana
Sonia Braga ... Iris

Delilah Cotto ... Carmen

Nestor Serrano ... Rafael Menendez
Anthony 'Treach' Criss ... Chedda (as Treach)
Rafael Báez ... Jay
Fat Joe ... Tito Severe (as Fat Joe 'Joseph Cartagena')

Carlos Leon ... Hector

Felix Solis ... Jose
Omar Pastran ... Jason
Rob B. Campbell ... Det. O'Brien
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, drug content and some sexuality.
Runtime:
90 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Franc. Reyes originally wanted John Leguizamo to play Jimmy. John Leguizamo liked the part of Victor so much that he got the director to give him that part. Leguizamo used his star power to help bring bigger names (such as Fat Joe, Isabella Rossellini, Peter Sarsgaard and Denise Richards) to the project. more
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: When Fat Joe's son is playing with Playstation, he pauses the game. You can see in the background that the game he's "playing" is a recording on a VCR tape, shown from the tell-tale VCR pause picture static. more
Quotes:
Jack: What do you do?
Victor Rosa: [Admiring Jack's luxurious apartment] Obviously whatever it is I do, I'm not doing enough of it, that's for damn sure!
Jack: Yeah?
Victor Rosa: But basically I'm self-employed.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Scary Movie 3 (2003) more
Soundtrack:
I Will Remember Your Smile more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful.
The rise and fall of Victor Rosa, 6 August 2004
7/10
Author: jotix100 from New York

Just caught up with this film on cable. I never saw it when it was released, and frankly, it was my loss. Franc. Reyes has directed a surprising first feature that has a glossy noirish look. It speaks volumes for a new director to have a style that's easy on the eye as well as for the mind.

John Leguizamo is a huge talent. I have seen him on stage in almost all of his solo presentations and can tell anyone that this man is a dynamo. He never stops surprising; he has a range that few others have and he uses it to his advantage. Mr. Leguizamo's Victor makes a deep impression. We never let our eyes leave Victor for a moment; this man is the product of the streets, but he proves to have a mind of his own and a sophistication that are not easy to match.

The idea of casting Peter Sargaard as Jack was pure genius. This actor is about one of the best working in films at the moment. In the movie he is the suave Jack who has a hidden agenda. Mr. Sargaard perfectly balances the action. His character is the product of the best schools. Victor is impressed because Jack accepts him from the beginning without apparent reservations or prejudice.

The problem with the film is that we know how it's going to end, and we weren't wrong. It was predictable, but the director and the two principals made the film a joy to watch.

The rest of the cast was fine, especially Denise Richards, a beautiful Delilah Cotto, who can give JayLo a lot of competition in the looks department, and Isabella Rosellini, who is perfect as La Colombiana with her big hair and furs.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (63 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Empire (2002)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
I honestly don't know why everyone hates on this movie. dtomash
wasnt it kind of dumb eddiegenovese
Denise Richards rkelman
Awful, however... c_boy101
The DUMBEST line in the movie.... waterboarder85
Violin Song!!!!! L_jarqs
more

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