An engrossing multi-narrative tale on the war on drugs American-style as Washington appoints Judge Robert Wakefield (Michael Douglas) to oversee the out-of-control issue.
But preoccupied with the responsibilities, Wakefield fails to see problems at home, including his A-grade high school daughter (Erika Christensen) as a crack addict. In Mexico, Tijuanan policeman Benicio Del Toro struggles with local, high profile corruption whilst wealthy socialite Catherine Zeta-Jones finds herself picking up the reigns of her husband’s LA drug distribution business following his arrest.
Located predominantly in the homes of wealth and away from gang warfare and the streets, director Steven Soderbergh weaves the separate narratives into a cohesive brutality of a docufeature, a gripping uncertainty pervading the fate of the characters, whether state witness, drug mule, assassin or law enforcer.
Nominated for 5 Oscars in 2001 including best film, won 4 – best director, supporting actor (Del Toro), adapted screenplay and editing.
Rating: 81%
Director: Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, The Laundromat)
Writer: Stephen Gaghan (Syriana, Rules of Engagement) – adapted from miniseries Traffik by Simon Moore
Main cast: Michael Douglas (Wall Street, Ant-Man), Benicio Del Toro (Sicario, Che), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago, Ocean’s 12)
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