Traffic [HD DVD] [2000] [US Import]

Taut direction by Soderberg keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. The cast showing real talent and Soderberg deserves the praise that he has received (most notably for best director at this years Oscar's). The actors, specifically Douglas, Del-Toro, Zeta-Jones, Don Cheedle and Luis Guzman, are all on top form and do a brilliant job.

The film is disturbing (and it should be) as it portrays the destruction that the use of illicit drugs has on both the social moral fiber within the family and of the nation, but in the end focusing on the break down of the individual family. Illicit drugs effect all social classes, all neighborhoods and all communities.

This film is challenging, thought provoking and brings home the reality of this major social issue, which affects many nations around the world. Buy this. Show it to your family, friends and neighbors. You won't regret it.


GRITTY AND GRIPPING...   January 1, 2003
Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle)
9 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is a raw and powerful movie on the drug trade and its corresponding law enforcement response. It is a series of riveting, interlocking vignettes that tell the story on all fronts of the war on drugs. It paints a picture that will stay with the viewer for some time, so powerful is the imagery employed and so compelling are the actors in their performances.

Michael Douglas plays the part of Robert Wakefield, a newly appointed drug czar, who tries to mount an all points attack on the drug trade. Naive and well meaning, he is, unbeknownst to him, being manipulated by the powers that be in Mexico, who are fighting a turf war over the profitable drug trade. He is so clueless that when the drug war actually lands on his door step, as when his teenage daughter, wonderfully portayed by Erika Christiansen, succumbs to peer pressure and becomes addicted to drugs, he is initially in heavy denial and ignores all the standard warning signs, until it is nearly too late

Benicio Del Toro, in the star making role of Javier, an intelligent, decent, and honest Mexican law enforcement officer, who has his own war on drugs going on, is riveting with his quietly powerful performance. He, too, is being manipulated by the powers that be in Mexico. Nearly too late he realizes that the Mexican general, who is ostensibly battling the war on drugs and to whom Javier had given his full support and cooperation, is engaged in some drug action on the side from which he hopes to profit. The only drug war that the general is really involved in is the one that one drug cartel has with its rival.

Meanwhile, back in the states, a wealthy and respected San Diego business man, played by hunky Steven Bauer, is arrested, as it seems that his businesses are really just a front for the drug trade. His assets frozen, this leaves his beautiful and greedy wife, played by the lovely and talented Catherine Zeta-Jones, picking up the pieces of her husband's empire while he is in jail, awaiting trial. As regent to the kingdom, she cold boodedly negotiates with the drug cartel to restore her husband financially. No shrinking violet is she!

There are several other subplots that are also of note and move the story along. All of these vignettes interlock with one another in some fashion, serving to bring the story full circle. To find out how they do so, watch this well directed and powerful film. It is certainly well worth watching and a welcome addition to one's personal film collection.


Must-see film about the drug world   November 11, 2005
Kona (Derbyshire)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This fascinating, all-star look at the world of illegal drugs loosely weaves several stories together, showing drug dealers, buyers, and those who work to stop the drugs. Michael Douglas plays the new American drug czar who discovers, too late, that his own daughter is an addict. Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro is a Mexican double agent who is caught up in the cruel drug trade in Tijuana. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays a society matron who finds out her husband's fortune comes from selling drugs. And Don Cheadle is an undercover DEA agent who is trying to stop the flow of drugs from Mexico to the US. All of the actors are wonderful. I didn't expect to like this movie, but I did. The script emphasizes character development and I really got caught up in the stories. Each vignette is compelling and memorable, and the script wisely leaves each story unresolved. Traffic won four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Steven Soderbergh.Kona


Don't be fooled by the oscars   October 1, 2001
6 out of 16 found this review helpful

A friend recommended I saw this film and I have to say I think i wasted my money. The film is very difficult to understand. It goes from situation to situation at such speed that it is very difficult to keep up. Also I'm either very stupid (which is possible) or the ending was one of profound greatness and therefore deliberately supposed to be obtuse. I did NOT like this film at all and have to say do not be fooled by the number of oscars this film won. Despite what many have said I found Catherine Zeta Jones wooden to watch as was Micheal Douglas. If you like complicated films where you have to work out the ending then buy it but a relaxing time in front of the Telly it isnt.


A bizarre film.   December 5, 2001
6 out of 34 found this review helpful

This film seems on the surface to be a fantastic story. However, with some poor screenplay, and some average acting, the film soon loses the audience. The story is very difficult to follow, and in retrospect, unlike other films along the same theme, makes no sense after you leave it. All in all not one of the best films I have ever seen.