Synopsis: The story of how George Jung, along with the Medellín Cartel headed by Pablo Escobar, established the American cocaine market in the 1970s in the United States.
Starring the very talented Johnny Depp, Blow is one of those films, that differs from the fast paced, shallow actions, of it’s time. Yes, there is the ‘thrill’ aspect of fast cash and indulgent life, but I love how Blow, also focused on the human side, and the cost of George Jung (Johnny Depp) actions, bringing a mortality and humbleness to it. As I have heard Johnny Depp, be quoted many times, “Stay humble or be humbled’. George Jung, was humbled by his actions in the end, being alienated by those he loved. I think the one that weighed the heaviest for him was his daughter Kristina Jung (Emma Roberts, Jamie King) as he quoted her a couple of times in the film as ‘being his heart’. Honestly, although rather sad, I appreciated the twist in the end. This film will leave as lasting impact and impression even in 2022.
Blow is based on real events, which also brings the human aspect ‘home’ for me, because it makes it more real. It’s easy to watch a non-fictional film and walk away unscathed because you know it never happened. Fiction, or films based on real events remove that luxury.
For the technology available at the time, the overall, editing is quite good. The scenes and shots are well thought out and tie well together, so the viewer isn’t lost with the time lapse. After all, you would need more than 2 hours and 4 minutes, to retell, every moment of George Jung’s life – you’d need a lifetime! This is where films of this category risk failure because there is a risk of viewer loss with every ‘reset’ of time – especially if it leaves a sense of confusion and loose ends. This is not the case with Blow, and if you are looking for a good example of how to pull it off, Blow would be it!
Also starring Penélope Cruz, Blow, in my opinion really deserved its 3 wins and 9 nominations. If you like these kinds of films generally, but are looking for something with more depth, I would highly recommend Blow. Trailer courtesy of Movie Classic Trailers
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Review was written by Sam Hain Winchester and is her honest view.
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