On B List of Movie Reviews
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Blow (2001)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
12/03, 6/25
6/25:
Blow is a well-made biopic of a major drug dealer from the 60's to the 90's.
The only issue I have with the film is the sympathetic tone. It's insulting. That being said, I didn't care
about George Jung or his daughter. The filmmakers should've thought about the lives lost to the drug
abuse that went on back then. As a matter of fact, director Ted Demme died of a heart attack "which may
have been related to cocaine later found in his system during an autopsy" within one year of the film's release.
Most of what's shown is true. The names of George Jung's associates have been changed such as Diego Delgado
and Derek Foreal for Carlos Lehder and Richard Barile, respectively. At the time, when the film was released,
George Jung was still in prison and got released in 2014 before dying seven years later.
Johnny Depp gives a fine, straightforward performance as the protagonist. He doesn't have to wear makeup or
be weird, and therefore, he's a better actor this way. It's funny that his character's father is played by
Ray Liotta who, of course, would be okay with everything because he used to be Henry Hill in
Goodfellas. Who knew Paul Reubens could act post-Pee-wee?
All in all, Blow deserves a place in the Best Drug Films list.