Narco Cultura - B

Rated R, 103 minutes
In English and Spanish with English subtitles

Gripping, violent doc "Narco Cultura" shows how influential crime can be

Musicians in "Narco Cultura"

The fascinating new documentary "Narco Cultura" shows the growing impact of crime, in particular from drug traffickers on both sides the border, upon our pop culture, and how it's been romanticized and stylized through music and film, especially in Mexico. To a growing number of Mexicans and Latinos in the Americas, narco-traffickers have become iconic outlaws, glorified by musicians who praise their new models of fame and success. The film shows how they represent a pathway out of the ghetto, nurturing a new American dream fueled by an addiction to money, drugs, and violence. Disturbingly powerful yet relevant, "Narco Cultura" doesn't provide much answers but does show why the narco culture is so popular, in giving people hope for power and money. Directed and written by war photographer Saul Schwartz in his debut documentary film, the narco culture is similar to the impact of rap, hip hop and violent video games in the U.S.; the violence and bloodshed is abhorrent but it doesn't stop entertainers from profiting from it. The film alternates between showing the realities of drug trafficking with those profiting from it in the Mexican-American entertainment industries, glorifying it's romantic side of wealth and power. "Narco Cultura" doesn't hide the guns, the violence, the bodies, the drugs or the money (not to mention many grieving families); remarkably, people in this culture realize these dangers even with all the success it may bring them. It's difficult but often mesmerizing to watch, and on that note it's outlook is rather depressing in that it provides little solutions except to let it die out in pop culture as people see the dangers of the lifestyle. "Narco Culture" isn't an uplifting film but it is an affecting, thought-provoking look at a culture that is unfortunately a way out for many.

Wes's Grade: B