Most Movie Fans Overlooked the Best Gangster Trilogy Since ‘The Godfather’

One of the best gangster film series ever produced is the ‘Pusher’ trilogy. ‘Pusher’, which Nicolas Winding Refn directed for the first time in 1996, was a thrilling start to a career that would later feature ‘Bronson’, ‘Drive’, and ‘Only God Forgives’. Refn turned Pusher into a trilogy, releasing ‘Pusher 2’ in 2004 and ‘Pusher 3’ in 2005, after being influenced by the popularity of serialized crime dramas such as ‘The Wire’ and ‘The Sopranos’.
Each film in the trilogy, which explores Copenhagen’s drug underworld, focuses on a distinct character who is intricately linked to both addiction and criminality. The stakes rise throughout the series, much like in ‘The Godfather’, with each episode serving as a stand-alone but having greater significance when viewed in order.
The first movie centres on Frank, a drug dealer who, following a botched drug sale, finds himself in a downward spiral. Frank frantically tries to pay back his source, Milo, while entangling his pal Tonny and a young prostitute in his turmoil. The film distinguishes itself from Hollywood mafia movies by its realistic, gritty depiction of the criminal underground and its realistic photography.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
‘Pusher 2’ turns the attention to Frank’s ex-partner, Tonny. Tonny’s story adds emotional depth and examines issues of legacy and forgiveness as he struggles with his newfound parenthood and now seeks his father’s acceptance. Tonny is the most interesting character in the trilogy thanks to Mads Mikkelsen’s outstanding performance.
Milo, the drug boss from the first two movies, is the main character of ‘Pusher 3’. Milo’s story pushes the trilogy to its most extreme and violent climax as he tries to stay sober while running his company and handling a terrible birthday celebration for his daughter.
‘Pusher’ is a gritty and compelling gangster tale that merits much greater acclaim because of its brilliant storytelling and remarkable acting.
–Farheen Ali