Keywords: Cocaine trade, 1990s Oakland, Charles Cosby, Griselda Blanco, Medellín Cartel, drug trafficking, crime documentaries. Three words: 'Gritty', 'Dangerous', 'Eye-opening'
Introduction
Cocaine Cowboys 2, directed by Billy Corben and released in 2008, is a gripping exploration of the cocaine trade in Oakland, California during the early 1990s. The documentary features Charles Cosby, a cocaine dealer whose life takes a dramatic turn when he contacts the notorious "Cocaine Godmother," Griselda Blanco. Given the ongoing global issue of drug trafficking and its societal impact, Cocaine Cowboys 2 remains relevant today.
Synopsis
Set against the gritty backdrop of inner-city Oakland, the documentary traces Charles Cosby's life as he transforms from a small-time drug dealer to a major player in the cocaine trade. The catalyst for this transformation is his correspondence with Griselda Blanco, a powerful figure in the Medellín Cartel. However, the narrative takes a dark turn as Cosby gets more involved in the dangerous world of drug trafficking.
More Film Analysis
Analysis
Cocaine Cowboys 2 utilizes an investigative approach, delving deep into the operations of the cocaine trade. The documentary does an excellent job researching the subject and presenting the dangerous and complex world of drug trafficking. It effectively portrays the dark realities of this trade and its impact on society.
Historical and Factual Context
The documentary is set in the early 1990s, a time when the cocaine trade was rampant across America, particularly in impoverished urban areas. The "Cocaine Godmother," Griselda Blanco, was a real-life figure who played a significant role in the Medellín Cartel.
Key themes in the film
- The destructive power of greed and ambition
- The societal impact of drug trafficking
- The moral ambiguity in the world of crime
Film Comparisons
While Cocaine Cowboys 2 shares the drug trafficking theme with other documentaries on iWonder, its unique perspective - narrated from the point of view of a small-time dealer turned major player - sets it apart.
Noteworthy Moments
One particularly impactful moment in the documentary is when Cosby initiates contact with Blanco, not fully understanding the dangerous world he is entering.
Reviews
Cocaine Cowboys 2 has received mixed reviews. While some critics criticized its glorification of drug trafficking, others praised its insightful exploration of the cocaine trade's dark underbelly.
Conclusion
Cocaine Cowboys 2 offers a unique and insightful exploration of the world of drug trafficking. It's a must-watch for those interested in crime documentaries and the societal effects of the narcotics trade.
FILM SUMMARY
- IMDB score: 6.7
PERSONALITIES
- Charles Cosby: The protagonist who transforms from a small-time dealer to a major player.
- Griselda Blanco: The notorious "Cocaine Godmother."
LOCATIONS
- Inner-city Oakland, California
Key questions raised by the film:
- What drives individuals like Charles Cosby into the world of drug trafficking?
- How does the cocaine trade impact urban communities like Oakland?
- What societal changes could potentially curb the drug trade?*
Links for Further Exploration
I wonder what the film would be in another art form
- A famous book, which one would it be? "Scarface" - Both delve into the world of drug trafficking, with characters getting deeply entangled in it, leading to their downfall.
- A famous song? "Gimme the Loot" by Notorious B.I.G. - The song's themes of ambition, crime, and the desire for wealth mirror Cosby's journey in the documentary.
- A famous piece of art? "The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali - The distorted reality in Dali's painting could parallel the twisted world of drug trafficking portrayed in the documentary.
- A famous celebrity? Al Pacino - Known for his roles in crime dramas, particularly Scarface, Pacino embodies the gritty and dangerous world depicted in Cocaine Cowboys 2.
- A colour? Black - Symbolic of the dark and dangerous world of drug trafficking.
- A music style? Gangsta rap - The genre often explores themes of crime and societal issues, much like the documentary.
