“Paid in Full” a 2002 American crime drama follows Ace a young man in Harlem who transitions from a dry cleaning job to the lucrative but dangerous world of drug dealing influenced by his friend Mitch and the aggressive Rico.
Despite initial success and wealth Ace’s life spirals into violence and betrayal leading to a tragic climax.
After surviving a near-fatal shooting and the loss of close associates to the brutal drug trade Ace disillusioned decides to leave the criminal world behind starting anew with his family and secret diamond stash.
The film portrays the harsh realities of the drug business emphasizing the fleeting nature of wealth and loyalty within it.
Here are some of the best quotes from Paid in Full movie.
Paid in Full Quotes
I just made enough money to bake biscuits for the projects. ~ Calvin.
Hey Ace, pull your skirt down B, dudes get shot everyday. ~ Rico.
Whooooo, that’s a big a*s bill. ~ Pip.
Even Ray Charles can see you got money. ~ Ice.
l’m out, Rico. You understand what l’m saying? Look at me. l’ve been shot in the head, baby. My body different. l’m breathing different. You understand what l’m saying? The doctor said l wasn’t gonna walk the same. You understand what l’m saying? l’m out. ~ Ace.
I got shot in the head, baby! ~ Ace.
Even Ray Charles can see he’s got money. ~ Ice.
Yeah, you know a n*gga got the dough. A n*gga could leave the league. But if I leave, the fans are still gonna love me, man? ~ Mitch.
Best Paid in Full Quotes
Ay, yo, check here your man. Give him a thermometer, take his temperature or something, man. ~ Rico.
Now there’s a new game. Us old players are gone. But you can see our story on music videos with prop guns and fake champagne. ~ Ace.
No ribs, no rice, no champagne! You don’t eat nothing! ~ Rico.
Still got the flash of that gun in my head, man. That white light. And it was like that light, man, was sayin’, you’re dead. ~ Ace.
Look, man, we know what’s hot on the streets, man. Believe me, man. We are out there every day. ~ Mitch.
Top Paid in Full Quotes
A n*gga like me man, I love the game. I love the hustle. ~ Mitch.
You know, I just need to be around some love, that’s all. ~ Mitch.
I told myself, when I could breathe without a tube, I was gonna breathe deep. ~ Ace.
No doubt. Life is good in Harlem, baby. ~ Mitch.
Come on, man. You know me, man. Cleanliness is next to godliness. ~ Mitch.
See, the thing about the game is, the – don’t stop. You could be hurt, and it doesn’t matter. Business will still roll up on you. ~ Ace.
Famous Paid in Full Quotes
Make the money count! Make the money count! ~ Rico.
Ace, make that shot again. Five thousand you can’t make it again. ~ Rico.
You know me B, Imma gonna eat regardless. ~ Ace.
You know my style, baby. It ain’t my style to be running around here getting all sweaty on the court, baby. ~ Mitch.
Everybody’s gonna eat. Everybody’s gonna get this money. Everybody can be happy. ~ Ace.
So these are the best quotes from Paid in Full.
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Short Description of Paid in Full
“Paid in Full” is a 2002 film set in 1980s Harlem, depicting the lives of three friends, Ace, Mitch, and Rico, inspired by real-life drug dealers.
Ace, initially avoiding the drug scene, is drawn in after finding cocaine and becoming successful in selling it.
The trio rise in wealth and power, but their world unravels due to greed, betrayal, and violence.
| Movie Name | Paid in Full |
| Directed by | Charles Stone III |
| Written by | Matthew Cirulnick, Thulani Davis, Azie Faison (earlier screenplay) |
| Produced by | Damon Dash, Jay-Z, Brett Ratner, Azie Faison, Steve Rifkind |
| Starring | Wood Harris, Mekhi Phifer, Cam’ron |
| Narrated by | Wood Harris |
| Cinematography | Paul Sarossy |
| Edited by | Bill Pankow, Patricia Bowers |
| Music by | Vernon Reid and Frank Fitzpatrick |
| Production Companies | Roc-A-Fella Films, Loud Films, Rat Entertainment, Dimension Films |
| Distributed by | Miramax Films |
| Release date | October 25, 2002 |
| Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $7.5 million |
| Box office | $3.1 million |
Ace survives an assassination attempt and decides to leave the drug world after witnessing its brutal consequences, including Mitch’s murder and his brother’s kidnapping and murder.
The story ends with Ace moving on with his life, using diamonds he found to start anew.
Quick Facts about Paid in Full Movie
- “Paid in Full” is a 2002 crime drama film set in Harlem.
- The film is inspired by real-life 1980s drug dealers Azie “AZ” Faison, Rich Porter, and Alpo Martinez.
- The main characters are Ace, Mitch, and Rico, mirroring the real individuals.
- Directed by Charles Stone III, the film delves into the drug scene.
- The storyline revolves around Ace’s reluctance and eventual involvement in drug dealing.
- Ace finds success in the drug trade after finding cocaine in his laundry job.
- Lulu, a cocaine supplier, becomes Ace’s initial source.
- The film shows the rise of Ace, Mitch, and Rico’s drug empire.
- Rico’s aggressive tactics contrast with Ace’s low-key approach.
- A tragic turn occurs when Calvin, seeking control, attacks Ace’s family.
- Ace survives an assassination attempt but decides to quit the drug trade.
- The film depicts the kidnapping and murder of Mitch’s brother, Sonny.
- Rico betrays Mitch, leading to Mitch’s death.
- Ace leverages information to get Rico arrested by the FBI.
- The movie concludes with Ace leaving the criminal world behind.
- The title “Paid in Full” is taken from a 1987 Eric B. & Rakim album and song.
- The film features actors Wood Harris, Mekhi Phifer, and Cam’ron.
- Critically, the film received mixed reviews but has a cult following in the hip-hop community.
- The soundtrack, featuring hip-hop and R&B, was released by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings.
- The soundtrack achieved success, charting on Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
- Controversies during production involved producer Damon Dash and Harvey Weinstein.
- Dash reported aggressive encounters with Weinstein, including a physical altercation.
- Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic provided the film with lukewarm ratings.
- The film is noted for its authentic portrayal of the era and non-exploitative narrative.
- “Paid in Full” explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of the drug trade.
Top Questions about Paid in Full Movie
A: “Paid in Full” is a gangster movie that is loosely based on real events. The character Rico is inspired by Alpo Martinez, a notable figure in Harlem’s drug scene.
A: Sonny’s uncle orchestrated his kidnapping and murder due to resentment towards Mitch for financial reasons and family disputes.
A: The movie is rated R due to its depiction of violence, pervasive language, strong sexual content, and drug material.
A: The film is appreciated for its portrayal of perseverance and the building of a strong credit history, which is metaphorically compared to improving one’s life over time.
A: Calvin, unable to accept losing control over his former territory and clients to Ace, decides to rob and kill Ace after being refused a leadership role in their operation.
A: Cynthia Martells plays the character Dora in the movie.
A: You can stream “Paid in Full” on various platforms including Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Paramount Plus, SHOWTIME, Apple TV, Prime Video, and Vudu.
