great drama

Rating: 6/10 (3 April 2012)

The title says it all, the movie is based on a true story of of an American coke dealer who runs in with the law from time to time. The movie does such a wonderful job of getting in depth with the characters especially the Jungs that it makes you forget about that it's about coke, all 60 kilograms of it. The beginning was very interesting in the portrayal of George's family and upbringing. As a kid you can see him try to reach out and connect with his father and never really brought himself to fully forgive his mother. His family's financial hardships was ultimately the motivation for his future actions, oh and his ability to overlook federal laws. Mixed with a bit of business and entrepreneurial skills and you've got yourself a booming business.Some scenes in the middle of the movie were a little slow for me but then again I don't have much interest or relatability to the lifestyle or business ventures of a coke dealer. That is, until Penelope Cruz shows up. She's remarkable in her role as Jung's wife and I found the scene with them fighting in front of their young daughter during breakfast quite astonishing. History has repeated itself, what George feared and worked against his whole life has now smacked him in the face, and that's just during breakfast. She makes you hate her more and more with each approaching scene. I found the beginning and ending the most interesting, George's relationship with his father heartwarming. His mother and wife on the other hand are good enough reasons to make you swear off women for good but it's interesting to see that he did not in fact learn from his father's mistake, in that they both fell deeply in love with women that felt like they never had enough. Whether it was a small construction business or the millions drugs brought in, it would never be enough. The last scene is heartbreaking and keeps you wondering what was going on George's mind with every choice and every action.