Druglord: The Legend of Shorty (2014) is a compelling documentary film directed and produced by Angus MacQueen and Guillermo Galdos. The film is a thrilling investigation into the mysterious and legendary drug lord, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, aka "Shorty," who was one of the most powerful drug lords in the world. The story follows the journey of two journalists, Tim Foley and Francisco Goldman, who embark on a quest to uncover the truth about El Chapo's life and criminal empire. They dive deep into the dangerous world of drug trafficking, corruption, and violence, attempting to gain access to insiders and witnesses who can provide insights into the elusive figure of Shorty.
The film is structured around a narrative that alternates between interviews with El Chapo's family members and associates, news footage, and live-action reenactments of key moments in his life. The primary focus of the documentary is on his spectacular escape from the high-security prison in Mexico and his eventual arrest by the authorities.
Throughout the film, we see interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and former associates of El Chapo, who provide a fascinating insight into the workings of his drug empire. We learn about his rise to power, his ruthless tactics, and his ability to broker deals with corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials.
One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the way it explores the myth of El Chapo, which has been perpetuated by both his supporters and detractors. Some see him as a Robin Hood-like figure, who helped the poor and oppressed, while others paint him as a monster who had no qualms about using violence to achieve his goals.
The filmmakers also attempt to provide a broader context for El Chapo's story, highlighting the devastating consequences of the drug trade in Mexico and beyond. They examine the ways in which the drug war has fueled violence and corruption, and they paint a bleak picture of the social and economic realities faced by those who live in the shadow of the drug trade.
Despite its serious subject matter, Druglord: The Legend of Shorty is a gripping and fast-paced documentary that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The filmmakers use a variety of techniques, including reenactments and animation, to bring El Chapo's story to life and to make the complex web of relationships and deals that enabled his empire more accessible to viewers.
The cinematography and music are also excellent, helping to create a tense and atmospheric mood that perfectly complements the themes of the film. In particular, the use of traditional Mexican music helps to ground the story in a sense of place and culture, while also highlighting the beauty and diversity of Mexico's regions.
In conclusion, Druglord: The Legend of Shorty is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the complex world of drug trafficking and the devastating impact it has had on Mexico and beyond. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the subject, as well as for those who enjoy well-crafted documentaries that pull no punches in their examination of difficult and controversial topics.
Druglord: The Legend of Shorty is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 53.
