Blow (2001)
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An American cocaine kingpin navigates a dangerous international network of drug trafficking and cartel connections.
The story
Based on the real-life story of U.S. drug trafficker George Jung, the film follows his journey from a small-town boy in Massachusetts to a major player in the international cocaine trade. After moving to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, Jung begins by dealing marijuana with a group of friends. His involvement in the drug trade leads him into a complex web of international connections, including the Medellín Cartel. After a period of imprisonment, he is introduced to the cocaine business by a cellmate, eventually becoming a primary importer for the cartel and navigating the perilous world of high-stakes narcotics and dangerous alliances.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
George Jung grows up in Massachusetts before moving to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he begins selling marijuana. After a stint in prison, he meets Diego Delgado, who introduces him to the Medellín Cartel. George becomes a major cocaine importer, eventually partnering with Pablo Escobar. Despite his success and a marriage to Mirtha, his lifestyle leads to multiple arrests and a life as a fugitive. After a series of betrayals by associates and a final, orchestrated sting by the FBI and DEA, George is sentenced to 60 years in prison. The film concludes with George in a cell, reflecting on his past, his failed promises to his daughter, and the realization of his father's advice that money is not 'real'.
- First release year
- 2001
- Runtime (minutes)
- 124
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Ted Demme
- Writers
- David McKenna · writer; Nick Cassavetes · writer
- Cast and characters
- Johnny Depp · George Jung; Penélope Cruz; Franka Potente; Rachel Griffiths; Paul Reubens; Jordi Mollà; Ray Liotta
- Genres
- biographical; crime; drama
- Themes
- consequences of drug trafficking; betrayal; the illusion of wealth
- Tone and mood
- sobering; sentimental
- Setting
- Massachusetts, Los Angeles, Mexico, Colombia, and New York from the 1960s to the 1990s.
- Premise and plot tags
- biographical; true story; organized crime; drug trade
- Source material / true-story basis
- Bruce Porter's 1993 book Blow: How a Small Town Boy Made $100 Million with the Medellín Cocaine Cartel and Lost It All
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the lead performance but criticizing the sentimental ending and the character's lack of depth. It holds a 56% approval on Rotten Tomatoes and a 52/100 on Metacritic.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 56% · scale: percentage · review count: 142
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Raspberry Award · Worst Actress · nomination
- Production trivia
- Promotional mirrors were criticized for appearing to promote cocaine use.; The film's budget was $30 million, and it grossed over $83 million.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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