Synopsis

Marcus grows up in a tough Queens neighborhood after the death of his mother, becoming involved in the drug trade while dreaming of a career in hip-hop. A prison sentence and a near-fatal shooting force him to reconsider his path. With help from loyal friends and a chance to record, Marcus struggles to leave crime behind and establish himself as a rapper.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was known during production by the working title "Locked and Loaded."

• The story draws on 50 Cent's life, although he said the movie was only about 75 percent accurate.

• Filming took place in New York City, Toronto, Wasaga Beach in Ontario, and Ardmore Studios in County Wicklow, Ireland. Production ran from April through June 2005.

• The screenplay was written by Terence Winter, who later said he was unhappy with the finished film and felt that the screenplay on screen differed substantially from what he had written.

• 50 Cent hired an acting coach before filming, but Jim Sheridan had the coach removed from the set. Sheridan reportedly told him that any failure would be due to the direction rather than his acting ability.

• Bono helped introduce Jim Sheridan to 50 Cent after Sheridan expressed interest in meeting and working with the rapper.

• The companion soundtrack, "Get Rich or Die Tryin': Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture," was released on November 8, 2005, one day before the film's US theatrical release.