Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way: Opium, Morphine and Heroin is a documentary film that takes a deep dive into the origins, impact, and continued prevalence of opium, morphine, and heroin. The film traces these drugs' roots from their cultivation in fields across the world, to their transformation into powerful drugs that have shaped the course of world history.
The film opens with an exploration of opium, tracking its use in ancient Greece and Rome before moving to China, which became an epicenter for the drug's cultivation and eventual export. Viewers will learn about the Opium Wars, which were fought over Western countries' right to trade opium with China, and how the resulting addiction epidemic had a profound impact on the country's economy and society.
From there, the film examines how morphine was first synthesized from opium, leading to its widespread use as a painkiller, particularly during wartime. However, the medication's addictive properties soon became apparent, leading to the development of heroin as a âsaferâ alternative. Hooked explores the historical and societal context in which heroin developed and how it was initially marketed as a non-addictive wonder drug.
Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to various aspects of drug culture, from the opium dens of London in the 19th century to the street corners of modern-day New York City. The documentary showcases how the illegal drug trade has evolved over the years, with drug lords ruling entire regions and young men becoming addicts and dying like flies due to cheap, substandard drugs.
Hooked features interviews with experts in history and addiction, including doctors, historians, and ex-addicts. The film is interlaced with old clips from newsreels, government propaganda films, and documentaries, which add context and texture to the story. The goal of the film is not to glorify addiction or drug use, but rather to shed light on the complex forces that have fueled the spread of these drugs around the world.
Overall, Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way: Opium, Morphine, and Heroin is a compelling and informative documentary that does an excellent job of tracing the history and evolution of these drugs. Through a combination of historical context, firsthand accounts, and expert interviews, the documentary provides a nuanced understanding of the societal and economic forces that continue to fuel the global drug trade, and it raises thought-provoking questions about the ongoing war on drugs. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of drugs or the larger societal forces at play in the issue.
