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Blow (2001)
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Genre: |
Crime/Drama |
Director: |
Ted Demme
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Rating: |
R |
Running Time: |
120 Minutes |
Release Date: |
April 6, 2001 |
Official Website: |
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Movie Trailer: |
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Discuss and vote: |
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Cast: |
Johnny Depp
Penélope Cruz
Franka Potente
Rachel Griffiths
Paul Reubens
Jordi Mollà
Ray Liotta
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Pickup Line: Good job, "Blow"!
Quickie: An average joblo wreaks havoc in the United States by introducing and distributing 100% pure Columbian cocaine.
The Long Review:
Based on a true story, "Blow" effectively and realistically portrays the life of George Jung (Johnny Depp) , an average kid from Massachusetts who forever changes the course of history by introducing and distributing Columbian cocaine in the United States. He lives his life in the fast lane, Americans party it up and hard, and gazillions and gazillions of dollars are made.
Unlike "Traffic," "Blow" isn't an expose on the evils of drugs. Rather, it tells us the story of how one dreamer brought cocaine into the United States and made a serious, splendid living out of it. It's sorta like "Almost Famous" on crack, "The People vs. Larry Flint", only instead of porn, it's cocaine. It doesn't demonstrate the man as heroic nor does it demonstrate him to be evil. It doesn't refer to the debut of cocaine as "the glory days." It doesn't glorify drug use nor does it condemn it. It just tells the audience how and where it all began, and leaves it up to the viewer to make his or her own opinions and conclusions.
The plot is interesting, almost awing. It's really hard to believe, but easy to see, that one man started it all. The dialogue is gritty and gripping, the acting convincing. Johnny Depp has a penchant for choosing non-Hollywood roles and playing them well. His performance in this movie is commendable and believable. You can't help but like the guy, even cheer him on as he makes millions from making America a big crack colony. Depp really gives soul to this character. Yes, he is a big-time crack dealer. But he is also a son, husband, lover, and father. Penelope Cruz as ,George Jung's wife, Mirtha, turns in a pretty decent performance as well. No one could have done any better. If America wasn't noticing her before for her acting prowess, it will now.
Throughout the movie, you go through a whole myriad of emotions: You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be angry, aghast, amused, disgusted...but you're never complacent. Every scene in the movie invokes a response. And that's what we call good storytelling. We wouldn't call "Blow" a movie about drugs. It's a movie about a man. A man who pursued a dream, a dream whose consequences are being paid for by America right now. We guess it's true what they say...One man really can make a difference. Alas, Roger Ebert wasn't as moved by this flick. He says, "Take away the drugs, and this is the story of a boring life in wholesale." Hel-lo?! Did we watch the same movie?? Are you on crack or something?
In Two Minutes:
Did you know?
- Penelope Cruz was once quoted for saying she's sick and tired of being cast as a beautiful young damsel. Well, her role in "Blow" must have made her happy!
- According to "People" magazine, Johnny Depp regularly cuts his own arms to commemorate poignant events in his life. Um...Okay. He and Angelina Jolie should get together sometime.
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