Paid In Full Sparknotes

The movie Paid in Full was released in 2002 and is based on true events. It shows the harsh living conditions, crime, and drugs in the streets of Harlem in the 1980s. Ace, who is the main character of the movie, began working as local dry cleaner employee. He later quits his job in order to become a drug dealer. Throughout Harlem and neighboring cities Ace sold drugs cheap indirectly stealing customers from other drug dealers. Alongside, Mitch and Rico, Ace built an empire and rose to the top of Harlem’s drug war. However, the glamorous street lifestyle did not last for long. Later on, with turmoil between one another Ace was robbed and Rico killed Mitch over drugs. The ending of the movie included Ace changing his life and bettering his relationship with his family. In the movie, Paid in Full Ace shows the transition between being a hard working citizen to becoming a smart drug dealer.
Ace was introduced as a hard working dry cleaner employee then changes to a notorious drug dealer. Living in an urban neighborhood and having drug dealer friends Ace was always surrounded by drugs. Yet, instead of following the crowd Ace chose to make a living working at a

local dry cleaner. Which emphasizes that Ace rather work hard for his money rather than making it illegal. However, one day while running errands for the dry cleaner Ace meet Lulu a local drug dealer. Ace then returns the drugs found in Lulu clothing to him. After this encounter and Ace sister’s boyfriend Calvin arrested. Ace soon found himself trafficking drugs.
Ace unlike most drug dealers at the time sold drugs cheap which customers favored.

Which shows Ace was economical to buy the same product, but for a lower cost. With this approach and help from Mitch and Rico. Ace rose to the top of Harlem’s drug war. Throughout the movie Paid in Full Ace portrayed a smart and laid back character. Which demonstrates why Ace did not like attention and too many people in his business. Ace showed this trait when two unknown men approached him wanting to conduct business with him. Near the ending of the movie the same two men were actually undercover police officers and were involved in the drug bust of Rico which Ace placed a part in. With mayhem within the circle Ace later on sells the diamonds found in Lulu apartment and better his relationship with his family changing his

life.
In conclusion, the movie Paid in Full showed viewers the rise and fall of three drug dealers Ace, Mitch, and Rico. The movie also outlined negative aspects of the street lifestyle but also taught viewers a moral lesson. Ace a hard working dry cleaner employee turned into a criminal in order to make fast money. Yet, at the peak of Ace success his empire collapse due to conflict within the group. Furthermore, the value of dollar can change an individual but those who make money legal tend to live happier lives than those who make money illegal.