A sweeping overview of the 1970s cocaine trade free of moralizing

Rating: 8/10 (27 April 2001)

Blow, unlike the other current drug movie Traffic, is told from the dealer's viewpoint and based on the true story of George Jung. It traces his rise from a beach bum selling joints to an international cocaine kingpin who develops an efficient network of contacts. There's little moralizing about the drug trade, except to imply that it was mostly an indulgence by East Coast college students in upscale colleges, and not the cause of crime in urban areas. The public discussion about America's drug problem has all but disappeared. Ecstasy seems to have replaced cocaine as the drug of choice among club-goers, while blow (one of many names for cocaine) is apparently abundant and cheap. With celebrities like Robert Downey, Jr. and Daryl Strawberry in constant trouble with drugs, public opinion seems to be shifting to the view that drug (ab)use is more a problem of personal responsibility (demand) and less that of the distributors (supply). If you want to take any `message' away from the film, that would be it, and it would be similar to the one in Traffic.
Johnny Depp as Jung dominates almost every scene. However, his character did not seem ruthless enough for a top dealer. I don't believe dealers at that level are as charismatic and personable as he is in the film, but rather paranoid, nervous, short-tempered and physically unattractive. Of course, a movie with a persona like that in the lead would not be a moneymaker. Similarly, I don't see his qualifications to teach a prison course since he had little education of his own. Alas, Depp's money management, as you'll see, is not as skilled as his cocaine dealing. Although Jung is depicted as a victim of double-dealing, many so-called drug-kingpins are notorious for doing the same to other associates. That is rarely shown in films where the dealer is also the protagonist. We empathize with Depp throughout the film, but especially in those magical moments when life seems perfect: he's in love and in a happy marriage, his daughter is born, the money is pouring in, and he's recognized for his success.
The much-publicized Penelope Cruz is too thin, not that pretty and no great actress. Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman, is a believable local distributor, although gays would no doubt object to the flamboyant behavior and attire of his character. Depp's relationship with his father, player by Ray Liotta although he's only eight years older, is a constant throughout the film. Despite the tension between them caused by his dealing, there's a strong bond that is endearing; his relationship with his mother is just the opposite, but worth witnessing. Depp's voice-over narration and his relationship with his parents, wife and daughter are the glue that keeps us interested. Like other films of this type, we meet fascinating characters, including low-lifes like the infamous Pablo Escobar. Finally, it's always nice when the camera whisks us off to exotic places like Mexico, Columbia & Manhattan Beach.
In sum, Blow offers many vicarious experiences about the 1970s when coke and disco were king. For those of us who were in our 20s & 30s back then, the film offers additional nostalgic memories, including groups like KC & the Sunshine Band. The update at the movie's end about Jung's current status provides a fitting end. Blow will not teach you anything new, but it's an easy movie to enjoy for its conflicts, characters, plot twists and cinematography