Paid in Full

R

Released Oct 25, 2002

1 hr. 37 min.

Crime

Drama

List

53%

43 Reviews

Tomatometer

93%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In the late 1980s, Ace (Wood Harris) is a young man employed by a Harlem dry cleaning shop, working hard to stay out of the drug business. While making deliveries, he meets Lulu (Esai Morales), a drug dealer who convinces Ace to join him. Ace recruits his friends Mitch (Mekhi Phifer) and Rico (Cam'ron), and the trio become major players in the Harlem drug underworld, a violent business that will test the friends' loyalty and wits as the money rolls in and the dangers grow beyond their control.

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Critics Consensus

Though well-acted and non-exploitative, Paid in Full treads a very well-worn story.

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Ronald R

Great Movie!!! Highly Recommended!!!! A++ 🍿🎥🍿

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/17/24

Full Review

Walter W

VERY Underrated film; it's hated on because there were SO many movies that told similar stories of drug dealing urban gang rise and fall. The title seems to glorify it. If you liked Menace 2 society, Boys in Hood, Juice, then you'll really like Paid In Full. Fans of the Wire will recognize the gangster who wants to make $$ for all his people without victims, without the damage to his soul and the hood. "Everybody Eats" he says again and again. Greek Tragedy: The hero vs Gods and Fate, what the wire is always about. The Gods/Fate is The nature of the Game.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/01/24

Full Review

TJ L

instant Classic, a Beyond Authentic Portrayal of being a Drug Dealer in Harlem New York City back in the 1980's, R.i.P Alpo Martinez, R.i.P Rich Porter

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/22/23

Full Review

Pilar P

Paid in Full" is a gritty, powerful exploration of the treacherous world of drugs, betrayal, and the all-consuming allure of greed. Directed by Charles Stone III, this film dives headfirst into the depths of Harlem's drug trade in the 1980s, offering viewers a raw and unapologetic look at the consequences of selling drugs. Wood Harris delivers an unforgettable performance as Ace, a man who stands out from the crowd with his saavy and determination. He's a character who, despite being surrounded by crime, seems to possess an uncanny ability to avoid the pitfalls that ensnare others. Camron portrays Rico, a character whose path is a stark contrast to Ace's. Rico's choices, driven by ambition and greed, lead down a dark and ultimately self-destructive path. Cameron's performance as Rico is intense and believable, showing the descent of a man consumed by his own greed. The film's portrayal of Harlem during this tumultuous era is both captivating and heartbreaking. It captures the essence of the crack cocaine epidemic and the devastating impact it had on communities, families, and individuals. One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to draw the audience into the complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. It raises thought-provoking questions about the choices people make when faced with limited opportunities and overwhelming temptation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Critics don’t know anything about a truly amazing street story. Basically a perfect movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The acting is so good!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/14/22

Full Review

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Charles Stone III

Director

Wood Harris

Ace

Mekhi Phifer

Mitch

Kevin Carroll

Calvin

Esai Morales

Lulu

Chi McBride

Pip

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Newsday

Rated: 2.5/4

May 28, 2003

Full Review

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rated: C-

Nov 5, 2002

Full Review

Susan Stark

Detroit News

Rated: 2/4

Nov 3, 2002

Full Review

Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Violent crime drama about drug dealer has constant cursing.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 7, 2018

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

hough it shows bling, strong feelings for the inner city and the acting is solid, the derivative story won't knock you out.

Rated: B-

May 12, 2017

Full Review

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

Harris and Phifer's chemistry lends the inevitable tragedies some genuine punch.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 27, 2009

Full Review

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Synopsis

In the late 1980s, Ace (Wood Harris) is a young man employed by a Harlem dry cleaning shop, working hard to stay out of the drug business. While making deliveries, he meets Lulu (Esai Morales), a drug dealer who convinces Ace to join him. Ace recruits his friends Mitch (Mekhi Phifer) and Rico (Cam'ron), and the trio become major players in the Harlem drug underworld, a violent business that will test the friends' loyalty and wits as the money rolls in and the dangers grow beyond their control.

Director: Charles Stone III
Executive Producer: Ron Rotholz, Jesse Berdinka
Screenwriter: Matthew Cirulnick, Thuliani Davis, Azie Faison Jr., Austin Phillips
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Miramax Films, Dimension Films
Rating: R (Pervasive Language|Drug Content|Some Strong Sexuality|Violence)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 25, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 20, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.0M
Sound Mix: Surround

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