"I crossed an IMAGINARY line with a bunch of PLANTS..."

Hello my special people! A couple weeks ago I watched what is, in my opinion, one of the best, most intriguing dramas ever-- Blow, directed in 2001 by Ted Demme. Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman), and Jordi Della star in this film (based on a true story) as George Jung, Mirtha Jung, Derek Foreal, and Diego Delgado. George, with the help of Derek, Diego, and a few others, was basically responsible for establishing the cocaine market in the US during the 1970s. In fact, if you used coke in the US during their time, there is an 85% chance that it came from these guys. The film opens with a bit of background on George's childhood. His parents greatly struggle to make ends meet and eventually file for bankruptcy. George decides at a young age to prevent this repetition of history during his own adulthood. Upon moving to California at approximately 18, George begins to deal pot and becomes so immensely successful with his dealing that his influence reaches the east coast. When caught and arrested, George is thrown into prison where his cellmate introduces him to the incredibly profitable cocaine business. George says, "Danbury wasn't a prison; it was a crime school. I went in with a Bachelors of marijuana, and came out with a Doctorate of cocaine." Once he is out of prison, the cocaine market booms and George makes more money than he could have ever imagined-- I'm talking millions upon millions. While the film does chronicle the amazing successes George experiences, it also does an excellent job of illustrating the real price of his crimes. The choices George makes greatly impact not only him but also his family and friends. By the end of the film, George has answered the question, "Was it all worth it?"

The film surprised me in that it wasn't just a "drug movie"-- it is also a very interesting tale of betrayal, greed, relationships, and the effects of one's actions, both good and bad. It certainly shows both the highs and the lows that come with such an extreme involvement with drugs. I also enjoyed the bits of humor randomly inserted throughout the film, such as the title of my post, which comes from a scene in which George tries to justify smuggling 660 lbs. of herb across the border between Mexico and the US. Johnny Depp, already one of my favorite actors, really impressed me with this film. To prepare for his role, Depp actually interviewed the real George Jung in prison, and I could definitely tell. He embodied George Jung very well and acted just the way I imagined the real George would act.

I hope I've motivated some of you to see it if you haven't yet! It is intense, insightful, funny at times, and very moving. Please do yourself a favor and rent it! Or buy it!

Morgan :)