Manos Sucias, which translates to "Dirty Hands," is a 2014 crime thriller that follows two impoverished Afro-Colombian brothers, Jacobo and Delio, as they navigate the dangerous and violent world of drug trafficking. The film explores themes of poverty, survival, and the lengths people are willing to go to provide for their families.
The movie begins with Jacobo, a struggling fisherman, being approached by his estranged brother Delio, who has recently returned to town after a long absence. Delio proposes that they work together to transport a large quantity of cocaine up the Pacific coast of Colombia and into Panama, promising a large payout that would allow them to provide for their families for years to come.
Despite initial reservations, Jacobo agrees to the plan, and the two brothers set out on a rickety boat, accompanied by a third man named Miguel. As they traverse the treacherous waters, they encounter a series of obstacles and setbacks, from the boat breaking down to run-ins with rival drug traffickers.
As the journey progresses, tensions between the brothers escalate, with Delio revealing a more callous and ruthless side of himself that begins to alarm Jacobo. Meanwhile, Miguel proves to be an unpredictable and dangerous wildcard, with his true motives for joining the mission remaining unclear.
Throughout the film, the stunning and unforgiving landscapes of Colombia's Pacific coast serve as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the stark contrast between the brothers' impoverished lives and the dangerous wealth of the drug trade. The dynamic and often volatile interactions between the trio of main characters keep the viewer engaged, with each character's motivations and loyalties constantly in question.
Ultimately, Manos Sucias delivers a harrowing and realistic portrayal of the drug trade in Colombia, highlighting the brutal realities of life for those forced to turn to it as a means of survival. While the film may not be easy to watch at times, it is a powerful and thought-provoking work that shines a light on the human cost of the global drug trade.
Manos Sucias is a 2015 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 65.
