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Traffic' takes a look at the world of drugs through the stories and lives of different characters. Some are loosely connected to one another; some are not. There is the story of Javier Rodriguez (Benicio Del Toro), a Mexican policeman struggling to keep his distance from the corruption that seems to follow him everywhere; there is the story of Ray Castro (Luis Guzman) and Montel Gordon (Don Cheadle), two DEA agents trying to turn the low-level drug dealer Eduardo Ruiz (Miguel Ferrer) against his drug cartel boss; there's the story of Helena Ayala (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the unsuspecting wife of the drug cartel boss who suddenly learns who her husband really is and what he does for a living; and then there's the new head of the DEA, Robert Wakefield (Michael Douglas), a man so wrapped up in his mission to stop the war on drug, he fails to notice that his own daughter Caroline (Erika Christensen) is becoming addicted to crack. Much like in the real world, the events of each story directly or indirectly affect the events of the others, leaving all the characters to consider their roles in the drug culture . . . and what, if anything, they can do to change those roles. In terms of story, `Traffic' is absolutely brilliant. I'm still amazed that the film could cover so many plotlines and dozens of characters so effortlessly. Each story -- whether it's Helena assuming the role of her drug-dealing husband, or Robert canceling DEA meetings so he can deal with his drug-addicted daughter -- is powerful and brutally honest. `Traffic' isn't afraid to look at tough or uncomfortable issues. `Traffic', somewhat surprisingly, never preaches, either -- while it's safe to say that the message of the film is essentially anti-drug, it never comes out and outright says that message. A lesser film would've had some grandiose speech imbedded somewhere in the film denouncing the use of drugs -- not `Traffic'. It's wise enough to let the viewer take what messages they want from the film, without ever preaching. (A minor quibble -- did Michael Douglas' character really have to be the new drug czar of the United States? The fact that he was the top law enforcement drug official in the U.S., and that his daughter was addicted to drug . . . well, it seemed a little too far-fetched, and a little too movie-like. If Mr. Douglas had been playing ONE of the top drug officials in the federal government, instead of THE top official, I would've found his character to be infinitely more believable.) Soderbergh's also at the top of his game with his direction of `Traffic'. The film is virtually filmed entirely with hand-held camera, giving each and every scene an up-close-and-personal feel. There's also a distinct lack of background music, which lets the viewer feel like they're eavesdropping on real-life scenes, and not just watching a movie. These techniques make for a very personal, intense experience. Soderbergh also uses a technique he's used in some of his other films (Out of Sight, Erin Brockovich) -- certain scenes are filtered a specific color, to heighten a mood or a sense of awareness of what's about to happen. The scenes in Mexico featuring the Mexican detective Javier, for example, are all filmed in a very bright, almost disorienting yellow. It's a technique that can be irritating at times, but for the most part, it serves a bold purpose that truly adds to the film. As for the characters, and the acting . . . jeez, `Traffic' is without a doubt one of the best-Read full review
We cannot recall TRAFFIC coming out in 2001, but we recently ran across it and bought it. We are quite pleased with this movie. It offers a reality look into the current drug trafficking between the US and Mexico, and how it affects our very own neighborhoods. The movie is split between taking place in Tijuana(Mexico) and the US(Ohio, Washington D.C., etc). The US Drug Enforcement Agency works to set up and contain the large Drug Cardtels, while the drugs are being distributed/used on our own streets by teens, including the teens of high-profile US Professionals. A VERY GOOD MOVIE! Straightforward and Real. The coloring of the film switches as they show scenes in the US and scenes in Mexico. Offers a Great Acting Cast. Ebert & Roeper gave it "Two BIG Thumbs Up". POWERFUL EPIC We were glad to add this movie to our DVD Collection. We have watched it several times over since we bought it. Our Overall Rating: 8 out of 10 Rent It or Buy It First? Buy It! We hope that you found this Review HELPFUL. If so, please CLICK YES below to let us know. We write all of our eBay Movie Reviews with the Movie Viewer and Buyer in mind, to help you make a better informed buying decision. We have 100's of Movie Reviews for you to browse at your convenience. DONT FORGET TO VOTE BELOW! Have a Great Day! CHAOTICZ SpecialtiesRead full review
This becomes a movie review: I am reminded of the story of an ex-drug addict who speaks in front of students at his old high school. The teachers are thrilled he tells the dangers and horror of drugs, whereas many students who listen want to try those drugs and live that life, so THEY can come back and be a hero speaking in front of the high school class. Afterall, the person looks okay now. HE survived. Same with "TRAFFIC" - pretty girl has argument with parents, girl runs away, girl hits bottom, becomes hopeless addict, her boyfriend stays with her, she becomes a whore for money, her father drives up and down the streets day and night to finally finds her and . . . this ends up how? With her parents loving her more and saying they will now listen to her. She is still pretty, no scars. Happily ever after. Scarey. I worry about the results from this movie. Can you see how dangerous this type of movie is?Read full review
This is a hard and realistic movie about drugs, and how it affects families. It has a wonderful cast, and they do a great job in portraying the characters. I have watched it many times, and still find it interesting.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Very good interesting movie at an excellent price.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned