Wildlands

"Wildlands" is a riveting 2017 documentary that takes its audience on a thrilling exploration of the multifaceted world of drug trafficking and the tentacles of corruption. Directed by Colin Offland and starring Pilar Angel, George Jung, and Thomas McFadden, the film conducts a deep dive into the Royal Road of Cocaine, once a treacherous path, and now an infamous metaphor shedding light on the international crime network operating in it.

At its core, "Wildlands" is a graphically intense ride with a purpose: to expose the gritty realities and underbelly of drug trafficking – viewed through the lens of those involved firsthand. This is achieved through the voices of three main contributors whose life experiences and perspectives guide these narratives: Pilar Angel, George Jung, and Thomas McFadden.

Pilar Angel, a former intelligence officer in Colombia, echoes a past colored with determination and fear, previously fighting against drug cartels in one of narco-trafficking's most prolific hotspots. Her experiences provide firsthand insight about the dangerous struggles against the violent drug underworld in Colombia. Her eyewitness account portrays the depth of organized crime and the resulting social damage from a very internal point of view.

Then there's George Jung, an American ex-con, who was once a major player in the Medellín Cartel, the infamous crime syndicate led by Pablo Escobar. Jung was responsible for smuggling up to 85% of the cocaine used in the USA during the late 70s and 80s. His perspective is that of a trafficker, his insights interlaced with remorse, revelation, and regret. Jung recounts his past as a dealer, taking the viewers through backroom deals, covert operations, and offers a chilling revelation into the darker side of the American Dream.

Lastly, audiences hear from Thomas McFadden. He preserves an extraordinary tale as a former drug trafficker who survived Bolivia's San Pedro Prison, one of the world's most notorious jails. McFadden delivers a unique point of view - a criminal who survived the law enforcement nightmare, only to be drawn into even darker depths. He provides a voice from the view of the convicted, an insight into the tangled criminal justice system corrupting various global pockets.

"Wildlands" cleverly makes use of these three diverse perspectives to create a thorough and wholistic image of the global narcotics trade. The documentary does an excellent job of demonstrating the vast reach of narcotics - it isn't limited to a single place or person, but is a web of countless intertwined lives, organized crime, and corrupt officials.

Throughout its runtime, "Wildlands" manages to capture the audience with dramatic personal stories, historical context, and poignant commentary, all wrapped within high-stakes real-world crime drama. It also serves to end the romanticizing and sensationalizing of drug lords and cartels often seen in popular culture by showcasing the harsh realities and consequences of their operations.

Offland's direction shines as he maneuvers through complex threads of information, ensuring clear and cohesive story-telling. The cinematography expertly captures the underbelly and dark corners of the narcotics world. Furthermore, the film uses graphics and images to visually represent various aspects of the global narcotics trade, striking a balance between conveying information and keeping the audience riveted.

In summary, "Wildlands" is a journey into the harsh, often unseen realities of drug trade. It isn't a glorification of a dark lifestyle, but a raw, unflinching exposé, shedding light on the complexities and consequences of narcotics trafficking from three strikingly different perspectives. The documentary is a true gem for anyone interested in real crime stories, global issues or someone seeking an immersive cinematic experience within the reality-based genre. The film serves as a daunting reminder of the far-reaching impact of the narcotics trade and the inevitable corruption it breeds in society. It's an intense, informative, and provocative watch, providing a startling insight into a world that many are fortunate to never know personally.