Traffic (Criterion)
"Breathtakingly stylish." -New York Post
Traffic examines the effect of drugs as politics, business, and lifestyle. Acting as his own director of photography, Steven Soderbergh employs an innovative, color-coded cinematic treatment to distinguish the interwoven stories of a newly appointed drug czar and his family, a West Coast kingpin's wife, a key informant, and cops on both sides of the U.S./ Mexican border. Rarely has a film so energetic and suspenseful presented a more complex and nuanced view of an issue of such international importance. Instantly recognized as a classic, Traffic appeared on more than 200 critics' ten-best-lists, and earned 5 Academy Award® nominations.
Member Reviews
Great - DocHaywood
Wonderful bit of filmmaking. Drawing, effortlessly and seamlessly, several disparate story lines together to create the whole. Some very nice pieces of acting here as well. Del Toro is incredible. Engaging from start to finish. Michael Douglas also does a nice job, showing us the futility of the governments misguided efforts to win the 'War on drugs'.3.8 stars - an impressive film - Moir
I had just seen 'Lord of War' and feared this 'message' film would also be disappointing. But what an excellent job they did!
I would give it four stars but wish to reserve that for special films that I do not think this one is .. but it is an extremely good one .. in fact ... I hesitate and may give it four stars yet. A great job on a difficult topic, moving and yet not offensively oversimplified. A gripping film, a moving story that I felt used no cheap shots or gimmicks and reflected a world where unfortunately often one of the wounds suffered by the heroes is a feeling of guilt. As if our hearts are not built for such ambiguities as one can be forced to go through.Interesting - but unfulfilling - look into the world of drugs - Lone_Wolf
There is an entirely different world than what we see in front of us, and many of us are sheltered in suburbia and do not even notice. However, it is there. Billions of dollars in drugs move across the US/Mexican boarder every year. This is big. This is a war, and one that can not be won. TRAFFIC, gives us insight into this dark world through following different characters. From drug dealers, to addicts, to the DEA, to the politicians - TRAFFIC shows all the sides of the story. It achieves this goal, and I felt like I had learned something when the credits rolled. I felt like an entire underworld had been revealed to me. To support the many characters, we are blessed with many great performances. Del Toro was the stand out, but everyone else did excellent jobs as well. However, in the end there wasn't much more to it. It didn't quite much to offer other than the realistic insight. So on that basis I recommend it for the unique perspective and well accomplished performances, but I do not think it was a masterpiece, or even the crowning achievement of 2000.
Member Reviews
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Great - DocHaywood
Wonderful bit of filmmaking. Drawing, effortlessly and seamlessly, several disparate story lines together to create the whole. Some very nice pieces of acting here as well. Del Toro is incredible. Engaging from start to finish. Michael Douglas also does ...3.8 stars - an impressive film - Moir
I had just seen 'Lord of War' and feared this 'message' film would also be disappointing. But what an excellent job they did!
I would give it four stars but wish to reserve that for special films that I do not think this one is .. but it is an extremely ...Interesting - but unfulfilling - look into the world of drugs - Lone_Wolf
There is an entirely different world than what we see in front of us, and many of us are sheltered in suburbia and do not even notice. However, it is there. Billions of dollars in drugs move across the US/Mexican boarder every year. This is big. This is a ...