(< 5 minute read) - Spoiler-free
It all started when I went on Netflix and chose to watch Narcos: Mexico (2018-) instead of the original Narcos (2015-2017 series). While I've heard great things about the original Narcos, this was a happy accident.
Netflix struck gold with this incredible series. On The Daily Show, Trevor Noah even stated in an interview that there are few shows that he binge watches, Narcos: Mexico being one of those rare ones.
Based on a true story, the show follows Kiki Camarena, a Mexican-American agent for the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and his fight against the Guadalajara cartel of the 1980s.
Led by Félix Gallardo from Sinaloa, the Guadalajara cartel grows in power throughout the season, and the show captures not only the violence and crime that drug gangs create, but also the deep-seated corruption of government and the bullsh*t of bureaucracy.
You will see when lives were at stake and laws twisted, people with the power to make a difference looked the other way. It's a symbol of corruption and apathy that plagues many civilizations to date, and the creators of the show do a good job empathizing with that frustration of those fighting on the right side of the law.
Kiki Camarena, present in real-life during the Guadalajara Cartel reign, is played by the outstanding Michael Peña. I was a fan of his after watching End of Watch (2012) when he played an LAPD officer, but I haven't respected him as much as I do now.
The sheer intensity in his eyes when he's worried and determined make you want to root for him even harder each episode. His dedication to his work as a DEA agent and law enforcer is truly laudable. There's one scene (not a spoiler) when he rides a bus to the fields, and it's such a gripping scene because it shows to what extent Camarena is willing to go to expose criminals. If you'v seen it, you'll know what I'm talking about.
I also have to bring up Rogue One Rebel, Captain Diego Luna, who strongly delivered on his Godfather character, Felix Gallardo, also known as El Padrino in Mexico. At times, I'll have to admit he didn't appear as intimidating as I thought he would. His nickname was the "Slenderman" for his thin body frame, and he showed acts of mercy that's unexpected of a criminal cartel boss. Plus, it's the affable Diego Luna.
As Luna states in his Trevor Noah interview, he chooses to incorporate different layers of personality into his character in order to make him appear human. It's a sign of not only good acting but good writing when you start to see that these characters are very complex, and there are many instances of moral ambiguity in life. This sort of character development is what also makes Game of Thrones so good.
One of my favorite scenes in the show takes place between Felix and another cartel boss in the screen grab below. Just look at the lighting – the shadows and highlights of Luna's face. This is just one example of the many shots of Luna as he is seen pondering his next move, always calm, cool and collected. He really is El Padrino by the end.
When you get the chance, this is a great interview of Diego Luna on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlBI6WoRykc
It all started when I went on Netflix and chose to watch Narcos: Mexico (2018-) instead of the original Narcos (2015-2017 series). While I've heard great things about the original Narcos, this was a happy accident.
Netflix struck gold with this incredible series. On The Daily Show, Trevor Noah even stated in an interview that there are few shows that he binge watches, Narcos: Mexico being one of those rare ones.
Based on a true story, the show follows Kiki Camarena, a Mexican-American agent for the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and his fight against the Guadalajara cartel of the 1980s.
Led by Félix Gallardo from Sinaloa, the Guadalajara cartel grows in power throughout the season, and the show captures not only the violence and crime that drug gangs create, but also the deep-seated corruption of government and the bullsh*t of bureaucracy.
Kiki Camarena, present in real-life during the Guadalajara Cartel reign, is played by the outstanding Michael Peña. I was a fan of his after watching End of Watch (2012) when he played an LAPD officer, but I haven't respected him as much as I do now.
The sheer intensity in his eyes when he's worried and determined make you want to root for him even harder each episode. His dedication to his work as a DEA agent and law enforcer is truly laudable. There's one scene (not a spoiler) when he rides a bus to the fields, and it's such a gripping scene because it shows to what extent Camarena is willing to go to expose criminals. If you'v seen it, you'll know what I'm talking about.
I also have to bring up Rogue One Rebel, Captain Diego Luna, who strongly delivered on his Godfather character, Felix Gallardo, also known as El Padrino in Mexico. At times, I'll have to admit he didn't appear as intimidating as I thought he would. His nickname was the "Slenderman" for his thin body frame, and he showed acts of mercy that's unexpected of a criminal cartel boss. Plus, it's the affable Diego Luna.
As Luna states in his Trevor Noah interview, he chooses to incorporate different layers of personality into his character in order to make him appear human. It's a sign of not only good acting but good writing when you start to see that these characters are very complex, and there are many instances of moral ambiguity in life. This sort of character development is what also makes Game of Thrones so good.
One of my favorite scenes in the show takes place between Felix and another cartel boss in the screen grab below. Just look at the lighting – the shadows and highlights of Luna's face. This is just one example of the many shots of Luna as he is seen pondering his next move, always calm, cool and collected. He really is El Padrino by the end.
When you get the chance, this is a great interview of Diego Luna on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlBI6WoRykc