Get Rich or Die Tryin' is a 2005 American crime drama film directed by Jim Sheridan and written by Terence Winter.

It stars Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in his feature film acting debut, alongside Terrence Howard, Joy Bryant, Bill Duke, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Omar Benson Miller, Ashley Walters, and Viola Davis.

Plans for a film starring 50 Cent were revealed in 2004, following the success of the Get Rich or Die Tryin' album.

The filming locations included New York City, Canada (in Toronto and Wasaga Beach) and Ireland (in Bray and Dublin).

[3] Marcus is a quiet boy who adores his mother Katrina, and the two live a relatively comfortable life on her drug-dealing income.

After Marcus writes a song for his love interest Charlene, her stepfather sends her away to live with her grandparents.

Despite Marcus's insistence at avoiding crime, Bama convinces him to carry out one last robbery on a Colombian safe house.

Samuel L. Jackson publicly turned down an offer to co-star in the film, citing that he did not want to lend credence to what he believed was an inexperienced and unproven actor.

[5] Film critic Roger Ebert wrote that Jackson may be "arguing against the anti-intellectual message that success for young black males is better sought in the worlds of rapping and sports than in the classroom.

Get Rich or Die Tryin' holds a 16% critics' approval rating at Rotten Tomatoes based upon 117 reviews.

The site's critical consensus reads, "While it may be based upon 50 Cent's own life experiences, Get Rich or Die Tryin' is too similar to many other rags-to-riches stories to resonate.

"[8] FilmFocus said that the film's "real danger is that it sets a precedent for the director; if the price is right he's on board".

[9] The BBC was not entirely impressed with the film, saying that "while it boasts a first-class director and is loosely based on the rapper's own life-story, the results leave you feeling a little short-changed".

[10] Jonathan Ross gave a positive review, calling Get Rich or Die Tryin' "gripping" and suggesting that it had "excellent performances".

Unfortunately, it turned into something completely different but that was at least what our intention was initially.“[14][15] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade "A−" on an A+ to F scale.