intriguing

Rating: Null/10 (14 April 2001)

CONTAINS SPOILERS...
BLOW is an intriguing, interesting film about a man who held a key role in the wide-scale distribution of cocaine into the united states. it really is a story about a condensed version of his life rather than a film about the cocaine trade specifically. it was filmed well, the costumes and settings looked authentic, and the performances were generally well done. depp and liotta do well in their roles as george jung and his father. ruebens was good as jung's american distribution contact, although a bit stiff at times. potente was good as jung's first girlfriend, although she did let the california accent slip on occasion. molla was good as the cell mate who introduces jung to cocaine trafficking. cruz was weak as jung's wife. griffiths was good as jung's mother, although the makeup people could have added more lines to her face to simulate believable aging.
i think that a good job was done in juxtaposing the "highs" of the drug-dealing/taking lifestyle, as well as its deadly lows and horrific consequences. the latter is best illustrated by jung's repeated incarcerations, eventual fall, and the disintegration of his life and family. i refuse to feel sorry for a man who has likely been at the very least, peripherally responsible for the deaths and ruination of countless lives. however, the final scenes with jung and his daughter were moving, and i found myself feeling badly for his lost relationship with her.
after leaving the film i am curious to know more about jung's role in this particular world, more about the columbian drug lord escobar, and the definitive story of the start and rise of the cocaine trade in the united states and internationally.
in general, the movie is well done and thought-provoking. for that alone, i would recommend it.