Cartel Land
2015
This documentary came out in 2015 and has been nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary. I did not know how acclaimed it was before seeing it however. I do understand now though how come it is looked upon with favor. The story unfolds and concludes at the same location. In between, there is a heavy emphasis on 2 vigilante groups, one in Mexico and one in Arizona. Frankly, although the Arizona vigilante group adds an interesting angle to the documentary, what is taking place in the heart of Mexico was far more interesting and engaging.
I would rate this documentary 4.5 stars out of 5 stars only for the fact that I wish more clarity would have been added to the Arizona vigilante group or else de-emphasized. Following the Mexican vigilante group with its ups and downs was what made this documentary tick. That along with the final few minutes when the documentary climaxes with an important piece of information which ties up everything nicely in my opinion. Although the documentary is 100 minutes long and jumps back and forth periodically between the 2 unrelated vigilante groups, you are able to stay with what is happening almost the entire time.
On the whole, after watching the documentary, I came away feeling angry about the lack of security at our borders within the United States and about how politicians south of the border are in all likelihood "sleeping with" the drug dealers. I get the impression that political powers that be on both sides of the border are not too worked up over the drug issue within the U.S. If there was no drug problem, we would not need nearly as many judges, lawyers, police officers, prison guards, border patrol, DEA agents or other security officers. So to keep all of these fine folks employed and busy, we should keep the flow of drugs going. That may be a crass and cynical look at life. However, there has to be truth in it as well.
4.5 stars
Copyright 2016 - Luke Enno
No comments:
Post a Comment