Product: Blow [VHS] (2001)
Rating: 5.0
Blown Away
With all the accolades of 2000 going to "Traffic", I was left with the usual disdain for an ignorant industry, public, and media. Then along came "Blow." Despite the absence of the same slick production and large celebrity cameos (unless you consider Bobcat a major celeb), this film is incredibly versimilar to the real characters and settings upon which it is based. The film's basis is a major reason to praise it, it is not a moralistic attempt at presenting a pro/con, two-hour-exclusive on the world of drugs, it is the story of a real anti-hero. Of course it does not hurt that George Jung is portrayed by the finest actor of our time, Johnny Depp. But Depp is not the only one doing a stellar job, Ray Liotta and Paul Ruebens also turn out noteworthy performances and Penelope Cruz demonstrates much more talent here than in any of her other films. Top to bottom, "Blow" is well done and well performed, but the basis in the real story of George Jung is what distinguishes it from other movies made about illicit substance in the United States. A study of the real story presents an almost identical account to those shown in the film (check out the DVD for an even more in-depth depiction in the deleted scenes and a peek at the real story from the real George Jung) and this is critical in entertaining and provoking thought in anyone with the most elementary understanding of drugs in the United States. This film should and does stand on its own merits, but it is almost unavoidable to compare to "Traffic", the Substance Abuse 101 as compared to this film marvel, which is more like a graduate course. "Blow" is worth a look as both a story and a commentary, perhaps even to those who are not interested in the subject that deals with one of the most important legal, social, economic, and international dilemnas that we face today.