Narcos is such a great show it's hard to explain just how good it really is. Wagner Moura and Pedro Pescal lead an amazing cast who suck you right into the show. There have been a lot of shows about drug cartels but this is without a doubt the best and it's bit close! It really is addicting once you start watching and you get used the subtitles pretty quick.
432 Reviews
Amazing!
Rob133124 January 2023
Narcos is just a flat out great show. Its just so gritty and realistic. It's about the rise and fall of one of the most notorious drug lords, Pablo Escobar. It also follows other drug cartels throughout the years and how they do business. It's about real life events which they execute almost perfectly. Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar especially is just incredible. He resembles Pablo Escobar as good as any actor has ever tried. Almost half the show is in Spanish but you get used the subtitles and forget about them pretty quickly. Once you start watching this you'll want to binge it as quickly as possible. It's that good!
Impressive
katysuarez30 August 2015
As a native Colombian, born and raised in Medellin (in 1975) and victim myself of the Pablo Escobar era, I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with the show!!! I thought it was going to be another bad gringo movie about Colombia with lots of mistakes and not even Colombian landscapes in the background but, I WAS WRONG!!!! Very good actors too, I didn't like Escobar accent since it's not real Paisa accent but it's OK; it will go unnoticed to non- native Colombians ;)
Good Job Netflix!! Sksjdjdjdufirjfjfifrior difjrirjfjfkririfrjrjrkf. That's all I had to say
Catalina Suárez
Good Job Netflix!! Sksjdjdjdufirjfjfifrior difjrirjfjfkririfrjrjrkf. That's all I had to say
Catalina Suárez
Netflix To The Rescue
michaelradny29 August 2015
Incidentally, I saw an ad for Narco on YouTube, and instead of skipping the ads like I normally do, I played this one out because I was genuinely excited for what I was watching. Instantly I jumped onto Netflix and I was not disappointed. This is a truly gripping show, one of the best I've seen this year. The characters and acting are done well and the storyline moves at a fast enough pace to get your adrenalin pumping for the whole episode. My only fear was that it would be too generic of a Crime drama, but those feelings were quickly swept away. This is truly an original and thoroughly planned out TV show with a whole lot of heart.
Maybe the best on Netflix at the moment. Narco doesn't disappoint with any aspect of the show. It's exciting and fast paced, but above all, it makes you want to keep coming back for more.
Maybe the best on Netflix at the moment. Narco doesn't disappoint with any aspect of the show. It's exciting and fast paced, but above all, it makes you want to keep coming back for more.
Banger!
muhammadshah-579536 February 2023
Reviewing late but if somehow you see this, I wanna tell you that this is one of best series out there so, watch it if you haven't already. A friend of mine actually recommend me this and I guess it was an amazing recommendation and I didn't regret watching it. The first two seasons of the show are amazing and ghe to third season is not as good as the first too but still it's pretty good and entertaining to watch. 30 episodes of non-stop entertainment. I'll definitely recommend jf you are a fan of crime genre, specially based on true events (coz it makes it better). The whole series is based on narco terrorism in Colombia. The first two seasons are Based on "Medellin Cartel" whose boss was Pablo Escobar. The third season is based on "The Cali Cartel" run by the Rodriguez brothers. That's why I said that the first two season were dope but the third one was amazing too. So, if you haven't already, go watch it.
The Incredible Story of Pablo Escobar
ahmetkozan1 April 2016
Narcos is an intriguing and entertaining series. Netflix again done a very good job. Season 1 tells the true story of notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, who became a billionaire through the production and distribution of cocaine, while also focusing on Escobar's interactions with drug lords. This is a massive story.
Escobar's life has attracted my attention too. I watched many videos and read books about Escobar's life. The show educates you on the Medellin Cartel and it is a very interesting topic to learn about. Pablo Escobar had much more influence on the political system than i would expected. This series has added a lot to me about it. Wagner Moura is an excellent actor and he learned Spanish just for the Pablo Escobar's role. He was born for this role. The bilingual dialogue adds a new layer of authenticity to the project and shows it's commitment with the original story. The long and often complicated story of Pablo Escobar is portrayed simple and effective for viewers not to get lost in what is going on.
Congrats to Netflix for such a powerful, incredible production. I would recommend this show to all my friends and anyone looking for a great show to watch. This is one of the best shows I've seen in a while. Can't wait for the next season to come out! 10/10
Escobar's life has attracted my attention too. I watched many videos and read books about Escobar's life. The show educates you on the Medellin Cartel and it is a very interesting topic to learn about. Pablo Escobar had much more influence on the political system than i would expected. This series has added a lot to me about it. Wagner Moura is an excellent actor and he learned Spanish just for the Pablo Escobar's role. He was born for this role. The bilingual dialogue adds a new layer of authenticity to the project and shows it's commitment with the original story. The long and often complicated story of Pablo Escobar is portrayed simple and effective for viewers not to get lost in what is going on.
Congrats to Netflix for such a powerful, incredible production. I would recommend this show to all my friends and anyone looking for a great show to watch. This is one of the best shows I've seen in a while. Can't wait for the next season to come out! 10/10
Fantastic production, we are living in the golden age of series
johmil-1837429 August 2015
This is such a quality production. Its cinema quality in every aspect. I've seen two episodes so far but if this show keep this up I give it an even higher grade. Netflix is now really starting to compete with HBO and this is much better than Netflix anchor House of Cards for example.
Now I don't like shows that glorify and make the criminals heroes, but I don't think this series does that. Escobar is a ruthless person but still his a family man in some ways. Whats good with Narcos is that it portrays both side of the law. If it would only show it from Pablos perspective it wouldn't be as interesting.
This is a very classy production. Everything from the DEA-detective who is the narrative voice to the quality of the camera work. The actors are spot on and the scenes are amazing. I nearly feel that I'm in the Colombian jungle and the hot humid air touches me through the screen.
I just love series nowadays. You can transport you self to nearly every situation of life and follow character for a long time. And they really use the advantages of series if you compare it to film.
Now I don't like shows that glorify and make the criminals heroes, but I don't think this series does that. Escobar is a ruthless person but still his a family man in some ways. Whats good with Narcos is that it portrays both side of the law. If it would only show it from Pablos perspective it wouldn't be as interesting.
This is a very classy production. Everything from the DEA-detective who is the narrative voice to the quality of the camera work. The actors are spot on and the scenes are amazing. I nearly feel that I'm in the Colombian jungle and the hot humid air touches me through the screen.
I just love series nowadays. You can transport you self to nearly every situation of life and follow character for a long time. And they really use the advantages of series if you compare it to film.
It's going to be ''The Hit'' . Beautiful after 3 episodes .
ahmed7336729 August 2015
It's beautiful , this's the way TV-series should be directed and produced, i loved the fast pace of the series from the first minute till now i haven't skipped anything or felt bored.
The narration way of the story from the first beginning adds another depth to the story.
It shows you scenes from the future then gets to the present to elaborate how we reached that point .
The cast is great , probably you haven't seen anyone of them before , but sure as hell they can act , they are able to deliver the feeling they have so you can interact with them .
Simply , a masterpiece .
P.S : Netflix has always been picky about its series, that''s why it's my favorite network.
The narration way of the story from the first beginning adds another depth to the story.
It shows you scenes from the future then gets to the present to elaborate how we reached that point .
The cast is great , probably you haven't seen anyone of them before , but sure as hell they can act , they are able to deliver the feeling they have so you can interact with them .
Simply , a masterpiece .
P.S : Netflix has always been picky about its series, that''s why it's my favorite network.
Dark, Real Insight, Mesmerising performance from Wagner Moura.
hadjigeorgiou-8194228 August 2015
Alright so, when it comes to drug related TV Shows which almost always include the DEA, the first thing that comes to mind is Breaking Bad and The Wire.
Needless to say, while preparing to start up the pilot, I continuously tried to imagine how can this series give us something original or even something that will make us say "Hey, this isn't a cheap knock off of something." Well. I was profoundly surprised. Netflix has done it again.
They managed to present the show in a way that includes every positive aspect of the two aforementioned series. It has the darkness of Breaking Bad, the intensity and the smart writing while also maintaining the thoroughness of The Wire in the sense that we get to see both sides of the drug trade, the clichés and even the everyday life that surrounds it.
The narrative style also gives it a different aspect which helps the viewer engage in a more positive way. The cast seems to be very specifically chosen since the roles don't even make you question the legitimacy of the actors.
I would say that this looks promising although I am yet to finish the series to be able to give my final word.
Definitely a series you should watch if you are into this kind of thing.
Kudos again, Netflix.
Needless to say, while preparing to start up the pilot, I continuously tried to imagine how can this series give us something original or even something that will make us say "Hey, this isn't a cheap knock off of something." Well. I was profoundly surprised. Netflix has done it again.
They managed to present the show in a way that includes every positive aspect of the two aforementioned series. It has the darkness of Breaking Bad, the intensity and the smart writing while also maintaining the thoroughness of The Wire in the sense that we get to see both sides of the drug trade, the clichés and even the everyday life that surrounds it.
The narrative style also gives it a different aspect which helps the viewer engage in a more positive way. The cast seems to be very specifically chosen since the roles don't even make you question the legitimacy of the actors.
I would say that this looks promising although I am yet to finish the series to be able to give my final word.
Definitely a series you should watch if you are into this kind of thing.
Kudos again, Netflix.
How to do Television right.
winickj-797-8091528 August 2015
Since movies have become nothing but shoot-em-ups and comic books television has emerged as the way to get great drama to adults.
Narcos is a tale that everyone knows today, but the storytelling of this series is done with great visuals, interesting casting and a storytelling format which I love.
Using the protagonist as the voice over narrator gives this series the feel of Goodfellas or Casino (two of my favourite movies by the way).
Its extremely watchable and kept my attention the whole time. The scene with Pablo Escobar on the bridge was stunning.
A worthwhile watch, if you have interests in things other than comic books.
Narcos is a tale that everyone knows today, but the storytelling of this series is done with great visuals, interesting casting and a storytelling format which I love.
Using the protagonist as the voice over narrator gives this series the feel of Goodfellas or Casino (two of my favourite movies by the way).
Its extremely watchable and kept my attention the whole time. The scene with Pablo Escobar on the bridge was stunning.
A worthwhile watch, if you have interests in things other than comic books.
Great drug cartel series
gillmurphydogg5 January 2023
Such a great show! Though the topic of drugs and the war on drugs is so "easy", it can still be appropriated to screen so poorly. I found Narcos akin to The Wire in terms of doing honor to the subject matter in a multi-layered way.
It's a gritty show and unlike The Wire, it's more true crime/fact-based. The show gives fascinating insights into the inner workings of drug/crime syndicates and the level of risk people will take to transport them across borders and into other countries. It tells of the brutality of drug lords and the lengths they'll go to make profit. The acting, cinematography and script are first class.
It's a gritty show and unlike The Wire, it's more true crime/fact-based. The show gives fascinating insights into the inner workings of drug/crime syndicates and the level of risk people will take to transport them across borders and into other countries. It tells of the brutality of drug lords and the lengths they'll go to make profit. The acting, cinematography and script are first class.
America vs. evil
paul2001sw-129 November 2018
'Narcos' tells the extraordinary story of Pablo Escobar, a Columbian who rose to the top of a massive drug smuggling enterprise. The series has been highly praised, but I didn't like it that much. Told from the perspective of U.S. government agents, it paints a picture where those agents are tough as hell but essentially heroic, and there's relatively little interest in the everyday lives of ordinary Columbians (or indeed, of Americans addicted to the drugs Escobar smuggled). Whereas series like 'The Wire' have shown us drug barons who, while grotesque, remain human, 'Narcos' is more about spectacle, and a story whose morality is fundamentally black and white. The details of Escobar's tale are amazing; but I didn't feel I got much in the way of deep insight by watching this show.
Sprawling Wide, But Very Shallow.
mrdoyle2 September 2015
Netflix's new series Narcos is, like its central character, ambitious in scope. It attempts to capture not just the essence of Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura), a man whose deeds and very existence still loom large in Colombia, but the socio-political landscape of the time, the fear instilled in his enemies and the geo-political effect on North/South American relations in the 1980's. It fails, not because it doesn't try hard enough to achieve the virtually impossible, but because it gets bogged down in tired narrative and muddy history.
Told through the unnecessarily heavy-handed, pulp noir narration of DEA agent Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook, whose one-dimensional & totally unsympathetic performance drags the whole production down), Narcos chugs along well enough for a few episodes. It looks very pretty, is superbly designed and its sprawling story leaves you feeling that the team behind it was aiming for a quasi-impressionistic piece, that had to be stitched back together with Murphy's tiresome voice over.
Most disappointingly, too much liberty is taken messing with the actual sequence of events. In the two hour traffic of biopic/historical features, it's understandable that licence is taken with chronology. But in a ten episode season, one should reasonably expect a little more accuracy. Narcos suffers from the needless conceit of placing actual events randomly, rather than staying true to the arc of history as it relates to the rise & fall of the Medellin cartel.
The longer format also lends itself to the development of more sympathetic characters. Sadly, the only character the creators have ladled sympathy on is Moura's well-tempered Escobar.
All that said, should Netflix decide to pick up a second season of Narcos, I'll almost definitely see it through.
Told through the unnecessarily heavy-handed, pulp noir narration of DEA agent Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook, whose one-dimensional & totally unsympathetic performance drags the whole production down), Narcos chugs along well enough for a few episodes. It looks very pretty, is superbly designed and its sprawling story leaves you feeling that the team behind it was aiming for a quasi-impressionistic piece, that had to be stitched back together with Murphy's tiresome voice over.
Most disappointingly, too much liberty is taken messing with the actual sequence of events. In the two hour traffic of biopic/historical features, it's understandable that licence is taken with chronology. But in a ten episode season, one should reasonably expect a little more accuracy. Narcos suffers from the needless conceit of placing actual events randomly, rather than staying true to the arc of history as it relates to the rise & fall of the Medellin cartel.
The longer format also lends itself to the development of more sympathetic characters. Sadly, the only character the creators have ladled sympathy on is Moura's well-tempered Escobar.
All that said, should Netflix decide to pick up a second season of Narcos, I'll almost definitely see it through.
Best show on TV!!
dblyth-468219 April 2019
A dramatized account of the rise and fall of the Colombian drug cartels
Tweekums17 March 2020
This Netflix series charts the rise and fall of the Colombian drug lords as their power increases as they earn billions of US dollars supplying the United States with cocaine and the actions of the DEA as they try to bring them to justice. The first two seasons are centred on Pablo Escobar and his Medellin cartel and DEA Agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña while the third sees Peña leading the hunt for the 'Gentlemen of Cali', the cartel which eventually took over from Escobar.
The story shown is based on reality but the makers never pretend that it is entirely true... a pre-title card informs us that some characters are entirely fictional. That doesn't stop it feeling real thanks to the way events are depicted. The characters are shown in a matter of fact way leaving it to the viewer to judge them... of course given what we see some of them do it isn't hard to condemn many of them. Even so surprisingly few characters are totally unsympathetic at all times. The cast does a really impressive job bringing their characters to life; most obviously Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña and Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar. Many people have commented about incorrect accents but I doubt this will be a problem for non-Spanish speakers; it was certainly better than having all characters speaking English. Overall I found the series really gripping; I'll certainly be watching 'Narcos: Mexico' soon.
The story shown is based on reality but the makers never pretend that it is entirely true... a pre-title card informs us that some characters are entirely fictional. That doesn't stop it feeling real thanks to the way events are depicted. The characters are shown in a matter of fact way leaving it to the viewer to judge them... of course given what we see some of them do it isn't hard to condemn many of them. Even so surprisingly few characters are totally unsympathetic at all times. The cast does a really impressive job bringing their characters to life; most obviously Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña and Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar. Many people have commented about incorrect accents but I doubt this will be a problem for non-Spanish speakers; it was certainly better than having all characters speaking English. Overall I found the series really gripping; I'll certainly be watching 'Narcos: Mexico' soon.
Season 1 & 2 is crazy GOOD!
charlieedmond27 December 2022
Now, with the knowledge that most of the events shown are fictional and some real events altered for dramatic effect, I appreciate what the show set out to do.
The antagonist is written in such a way that you feel sympathy for the worst of the worst, an evil cruel monster. Only good writing can do that. I admit though, this wouldn't have been as impactful if not for the phenomenal supporting cast!
In terms of Audio, Visuals, Acting, this Series is one of the best.
Just remember, that this Series is not a documentary, so if you want facts you should research it yourself, the antagonist's real life counterpart was far, far more evil than depicted.
All in all, it's a good watch that shows how sickening mankind can be when Hope is lost. But at the same time, that there will always be those who will stand against Evil.
The antagonist is written in such a way that you feel sympathy for the worst of the worst, an evil cruel monster. Only good writing can do that. I admit though, this wouldn't have been as impactful if not for the phenomenal supporting cast!
In terms of Audio, Visuals, Acting, this Series is one of the best.
Just remember, that this Series is not a documentary, so if you want facts you should research it yourself, the antagonist's real life counterpart was far, far more evil than depicted.
All in all, it's a good watch that shows how sickening mankind can be when Hope is lost. But at the same time, that there will always be those who will stand against Evil.
Addicted
Tomadour28 August 2015
Having seen all Padilha movies, I was anxious to see this new Netflix series and had great expectations. He did it again. I cannot stop watching. One episode after another. OK if the cast is not Colombian. But they are all good actors and play the parts very well. I will try to finish this weekend all the episodes but i think there will be more seasons. Best series of the year so far. The action is great. The scenarios are perfect. The 1980's atmosphere is awesome. 10 out 0f 10. I hope they will make more series like that in the future. Good real stories and perfect action and direction. I could not expect less from Padilha.
An exhausting, but definitely worth watching series.
Lukasmj13 November 2022
Narcos is definitely one of my favorite series.
The series may not be for many because you have to read subtitles almost non-stop, but Wagner Moura in the role of Pablo Escobar is VERY convincing in my opinion.
The series does a very good job of telling Escobar's story from his point of view.
Steve Murphy is also very well portrayed and as such serves as the viewer's companion through the series.
I stopped watching after the second season, because I didn't saw a sense in watching further at this point, but many people told me that the series went downhill after this point, so I guess I made the right decision here.
The series may not be for many because you have to read subtitles almost non-stop, but Wagner Moura in the role of Pablo Escobar is VERY convincing in my opinion.
The series does a very good job of telling Escobar's story from his point of view.
Steve Murphy is also very well portrayed and as such serves as the viewer's companion through the series.
I stopped watching after the second season, because I didn't saw a sense in watching further at this point, but many people told me that the series went downhill after this point, so I guess I made the right decision here.
Best series I've seen in a very long time!
E161TZ11 July 2019
Loved it from start to finish. I did not care that I spent most of the time reading English subtitles, this entire series left me wanting and wishing I could speak Spanish. It's simply superb! Not once was I bored, I did not want this to finish, I knew nothing about Pablo's life, but man, what a life he lived. You have to see this to believe it!
So well made.
rossanova2 November 2022
This series and its follow up, "Narcos: Mexico", are so well made and captivating. They've been a binge frenzy for me for the last several weeks.
Of course, the stories themselves are fascinating but the writing, acting and photography are all top notch. Everything resonates with authenticity and depth. Storytelling at its pinnacle.
Usually, these types of shows drag out the series just to make more episodes. Not here. Every single frame is compelling and there for a reason. There's zero fat in the content. You're constantly being pulled forward into the next scene and its really satisfying.
Highly recommended.
Of course, the stories themselves are fascinating but the writing, acting and photography are all top notch. Everything resonates with authenticity and depth. Storytelling at its pinnacle.
Usually, these types of shows drag out the series just to make more episodes. Not here. Every single frame is compelling and there for a reason. There's zero fat in the content. You're constantly being pulled forward into the next scene and its really satisfying.
Highly recommended.
Oh My God!
WaliedNasser3 July 2022
Enjoyable but Lacking Perspective
schlomo-jones31 August 2015
Everyone loves a good gritty crime saga, and Narcos makes the cut for being entertaining and dramatic. The director has clearly been inspired by Scorcese, arguably the master of the genre, however the somewhat lackluster acting and simplistic good vs. evil make it feel more like a cold war era action movie than a complex political drama.
The action, the interspersed archival footage and the supporting cast make a passable film. However, I don't like how Pablo Escobar was portrayed as a brooding, sullen character. Part of what made him powerful was charming and gregarious personality. Without that, he wouldn't have been able to gain so many loyal followers ready to die for him. In the show they reduce his influence to blank intimidating stares and cash handouts. Maybe it's just a Hollywood thing though, since I can't think of single movie that actually portrays evil, but powerful people as being affable, save for Scorcese.
Another thing I didn't like was the DEA narrator running his right-wing rhetoric over the show and really tainting it with an almost propaganda feel. This also brings up another troubling aspect to the film. Although the USA's involvement is treated cynically, as was Pablo's "robin hood personality", all the pro-extradition Colombians who fought against Escobar are portrayed in Eliot Ness fashion, incorruptible, good men fighting against the forces of greed and evil.
This Burkean form of conservative views are present throughout the series. Escobar is just seen as a demogogue whipping up the support of the naive poor who later oppresses. M-19 are just intellectuals who "read to much Karl Marx for their own good".
But why were there so many poor people looking for a leader to unite them in the first place? Why were there so many leftist groups in Colombia? Why would some Colombians be mistrustful of the US and see pro-extradition politicians ans their puppets? These questions are completely ignored, leading uneducated viewers to simply believe that the state of things in the show exist in a bubble and have always existed. I don't expect 100% historical accuracy, but There is no mention of "La Violencia", the brutal civil war that took place only a couple decades prior to the events in the show. There's no mention of the right-wing paramilitary death squads that slaughtered labor organizers and civil rights activist for decades, directly supported by the US on behalf for United Fruit.
Without this context, the show is simple right wing propaganda. Escobar is portrayed as a pure villain, the pro-extradition forces are noble heroes. Everyone else is either greedy and corrupted by Escobar and the Narcos, or is a naive poor person or leftist sympathizer.
I guess Netflix needed an answer to Orange is the New Black to satisfy their right-wing audience. Again, it's passable entertainment, but viewers should be aware of the BS their being fed.
The action, the interspersed archival footage and the supporting cast make a passable film. However, I don't like how Pablo Escobar was portrayed as a brooding, sullen character. Part of what made him powerful was charming and gregarious personality. Without that, he wouldn't have been able to gain so many loyal followers ready to die for him. In the show they reduce his influence to blank intimidating stares and cash handouts. Maybe it's just a Hollywood thing though, since I can't think of single movie that actually portrays evil, but powerful people as being affable, save for Scorcese.
Another thing I didn't like was the DEA narrator running his right-wing rhetoric over the show and really tainting it with an almost propaganda feel. This also brings up another troubling aspect to the film. Although the USA's involvement is treated cynically, as was Pablo's "robin hood personality", all the pro-extradition Colombians who fought against Escobar are portrayed in Eliot Ness fashion, incorruptible, good men fighting against the forces of greed and evil.
This Burkean form of conservative views are present throughout the series. Escobar is just seen as a demogogue whipping up the support of the naive poor who later oppresses. M-19 are just intellectuals who "read to much Karl Marx for their own good".
But why were there so many poor people looking for a leader to unite them in the first place? Why were there so many leftist groups in Colombia? Why would some Colombians be mistrustful of the US and see pro-extradition politicians ans their puppets? These questions are completely ignored, leading uneducated viewers to simply believe that the state of things in the show exist in a bubble and have always existed. I don't expect 100% historical accuracy, but There is no mention of "La Violencia", the brutal civil war that took place only a couple decades prior to the events in the show. There's no mention of the right-wing paramilitary death squads that slaughtered labor organizers and civil rights activist for decades, directly supported by the US on behalf for United Fruit.
Without this context, the show is simple right wing propaganda. Escobar is portrayed as a pure villain, the pro-extradition forces are noble heroes. Everyone else is either greedy and corrupted by Escobar and the Narcos, or is a naive poor person or leftist sympathizer.
I guess Netflix needed an answer to Orange is the New Black to satisfy their right-wing audience. Again, it's passable entertainment, but viewers should be aware of the BS their being fed.
Interesting story, boring storytelling
nyanbatcat28 April 2018
The Topic of Pablo Escobar is one i would consider highly interesting, but the way its executed here just isnt.
Production value is top, sets, effects and so on, they all fit perfectly together, but thats not all a series needs.
The problems I have with this series is, that I have nothing and no one to care about.
The american cop coming to colombia with his wife doesnt really connect with me. There are so many interesting parts that get brushed over, he builds his whole gigantic drug empire practically in one episode and yet they feel hollow. I would like to see how Pablo was before, how his persona changes (because everyone earning that much all of a sudden changes), how the people arround him deal with the changes, his friends his family. When we see them all for the first time, they were already in on it. The same could be said about the DEA agents. We get a few lines of narations how it was before and how it was after Pablo took power and suddenly hes already travelling to colombia.
In my opinion there are two ways to make this more interesting:
make a documentary out of it, the things the narator says, the insane riches and the high number of casualties are both shocking and fascinating, but they get padded with crap I dont care about. By that I mostly mean the DEAs work, I mean theres no mystery, no chase not anything. They´re just tracking down little flies in the opperation and when they get them, they are already dead. Furthermore you already know how the story ends, so the other way this could get me on board would be the polar opposite of a documentary:
Get closer to specific people, weather they are in the DEA, the local police departments or within Pablos operation. People we care about, interesting characters, show their traits, weaknesses hobbies and business. This would be slow and a lot of things would be fictional, but I find the way the series is told right now to be painfully boring and Im really not someone who needs a lot of action.
I know this is a ridiculously high standard, but lets compare this with breaking bad (actually the rating is pretty close to BB). Each episode has a lot less things happening, but because of that, we can focus on them and because we get to love and hate the characters and explore them, just like they explore themselves, we are getting engaged in whats happening to them, everything has more of an impact. We keep asking ourselves, how far will he/she go? In Narcos we get Pablo ordering street shootings in the first few episodes and whats worse for me: you dont even see or hear him doing it (Oh yea, the cop also shoots people in the first few episodes, but after he has 1 minute of sadness coming home from work, its almost like it never happened). You dont see the expression in his face when he has to make these decision, not even see him plotting or anything. For me all of these characters end up feeling hollow and more like plot-devices instead of people. Also, they die within a few episodes anyway, so why should we care?
Judging from the marvellous reviews I dont have much company thinking like that. While I even have a few friends who binge-watched this thing, I had to force myself watching this after the second episode was over, but eventually gave up towrds the end ofseason 1.
make a documentary out of it, the things the narator says, the insane riches and the high number of casualties are both shocking and fascinating, but they get padded with crap I dont care about. By that I mostly mean the DEAs work, I mean theres no mystery, no chase not anything. They´re just tracking down little flies in the opperation and when they get them, they are already dead. Furthermore you already know how the story ends, so the other way this could get me on board would be the polar opposite of a documentary:
Get closer to specific people, weather they are in the DEA, the local police departments or within Pablos operation. People we care about, interesting characters, show their traits, weaknesses hobbies and business. This would be slow and a lot of things would be fictional, but I find the way the series is told right now to be painfully boring and Im really not someone who needs a lot of action.
I know this is a ridiculously high standard, but lets compare this with breaking bad (actually the rating is pretty close to BB). Each episode has a lot less things happening, but because of that, we can focus on them and because we get to love and hate the characters and explore them, just like they explore themselves, we are getting engaged in whats happening to them, everything has more of an impact. We keep asking ourselves, how far will he/she go? In Narcos we get Pablo ordering street shootings in the first few episodes and whats worse for me: you dont even see or hear him doing it (Oh yea, the cop also shoots people in the first few episodes, but after he has 1 minute of sadness coming home from work, its almost like it never happened). You dont see the expression in his face when he has to make these decision, not even see him plotting or anything. For me all of these characters end up feeling hollow and more like plot-devices instead of people. Also, they die within a few episodes anyway, so why should we care?
Judging from the marvellous reviews I dont have much company thinking like that. While I even have a few friends who binge-watched this thing, I had to force myself watching this after the second episode was over, but eventually gave up towrds the end ofseason 1.
Magnifico!
grantss20 May 2018
(Reviewed after Season 3).
The history of the Colombian drug cartels, and the US DEA's efforts to bring them to justice. Seasons 1 and 2 focus on the Medellin Cartel and its infamous leader, Pablo Escobar. Season 3 centres on the successor to the Medellin Cartel, the Cali Cartel.
Superb. Edifying, enthralling and incredibly engaging - compelling viewing. A good mix of history, drama, action and intrigue. Well-drawn and developed characters - even the bad guys have character depth.
Shows well the mountain of a task that faced the DEA in bringing Colombia's cocaine manufacturers to justice, as even the local police and politicians couldn't be trusted.
Adding to the authenticity is that about 80% of the dialogue is in Spanish. No Colombians speaking English to each other in a Spanish accent. (There are English sub-titles, of course, should you want them).
Brilliant performance by Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar. He absolutely inhabits the role, making Escobar seem like an average guy, complete with personal mannerisms and traits. Makes for a very engaging and empathetic experience. If it wasn't for the fact that Escobar was a mass-murderer, he might even be likeable... (Interesting fact: Moura is Brazilian and had to learn Spanish for the role. Makes me even more impressed with his performance and work-ethic).
The negative aspect to Seasons 1 and 2 was the character of DEA agent Steve Murphy, played by Boyd Holbrook. He did not seem that an important enough character to be the narrator and essentially central figure of Seasons 1 and 2. Moreover, he is a tad irritating and Holbrook's performance involves talking low and slurred, which is how actors talk nowadays when they want to try to win awards, probably because they think people might mistake them for Marlon Brando.
Pedro Pascal (who might be familiar to Game of Thrones viewers, as he played Oberyn Martell in Season 4) puts in a solid performance as Agent Javier Pena. His character grows in importance as the series progresses and he really steps up as the progression occurs. In Season 3 he takes over narration and does a much better job than Boyd Holbrook.
On that note, I was a bit apprehensive about Season 3. When the Pablo Escobar story ended, I felt that this was a natural end to the series. Everything had been building up to Escobar's demise and by the time it came, I was drained, the build-up of tension was so great. Plus Wagner Moura had made him into such a larger-than-life and engaging character, replacing that character would be difficult.
However, the writers do a great job in Season 3 of maintaining the engagement, through showing several characters, good, bad and neutral, and how the events affect them, plus making the plot development incredibly nail-biting.
Fantastic series.
The history of the Colombian drug cartels, and the US DEA's efforts to bring them to justice. Seasons 1 and 2 focus on the Medellin Cartel and its infamous leader, Pablo Escobar. Season 3 centres on the successor to the Medellin Cartel, the Cali Cartel.
Superb. Edifying, enthralling and incredibly engaging - compelling viewing. A good mix of history, drama, action and intrigue. Well-drawn and developed characters - even the bad guys have character depth.
Shows well the mountain of a task that faced the DEA in bringing Colombia's cocaine manufacturers to justice, as even the local police and politicians couldn't be trusted.
Adding to the authenticity is that about 80% of the dialogue is in Spanish. No Colombians speaking English to each other in a Spanish accent. (There are English sub-titles, of course, should you want them).
Brilliant performance by Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar. He absolutely inhabits the role, making Escobar seem like an average guy, complete with personal mannerisms and traits. Makes for a very engaging and empathetic experience. If it wasn't for the fact that Escobar was a mass-murderer, he might even be likeable... (Interesting fact: Moura is Brazilian and had to learn Spanish for the role. Makes me even more impressed with his performance and work-ethic).
The negative aspect to Seasons 1 and 2 was the character of DEA agent Steve Murphy, played by Boyd Holbrook. He did not seem that an important enough character to be the narrator and essentially central figure of Seasons 1 and 2. Moreover, he is a tad irritating and Holbrook's performance involves talking low and slurred, which is how actors talk nowadays when they want to try to win awards, probably because they think people might mistake them for Marlon Brando.
Pedro Pascal (who might be familiar to Game of Thrones viewers, as he played Oberyn Martell in Season 4) puts in a solid performance as Agent Javier Pena. His character grows in importance as the series progresses and he really steps up as the progression occurs. In Season 3 he takes over narration and does a much better job than Boyd Holbrook.
On that note, I was a bit apprehensive about Season 3. When the Pablo Escobar story ended, I felt that this was a natural end to the series. Everything had been building up to Escobar's demise and by the time it came, I was drained, the build-up of tension was so great. Plus Wagner Moura had made him into such a larger-than-life and engaging character, replacing that character would be difficult.
However, the writers do a great job in Season 3 of maintaining the engagement, through showing several characters, good, bad and neutral, and how the events affect them, plus making the plot development incredibly nail-biting.
Fantastic series.
A reason to subscribe to Netflix
paul_marston31 August 2015
There are very few series that deserve to be considered great. This could well be up there.
It's based on the true story of Pablo Escobar. I don't know how accurate it really is, but at the very least it FEELS 100% accurate.
The series hasn't gone down the English with columbian accents route, they have used Spanish with subtitles. For me it just adds to the authenticity of the series! Pablo's part is played effortlessly by the Brazillian actor Wagner Moura. He seems born to play the part! It has gone down the scorsese / goodfellas narrative approach. So if you don't like that style, you will be disappointed! If you are looking for a well researched authentic look into the life and deeds of the most notorious of the columbian drug lords - THIS IS IT! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! (It get's a 9 because NO series can ever be perfect!)
It's based on the true story of Pablo Escobar. I don't know how accurate it really is, but at the very least it FEELS 100% accurate.
The series hasn't gone down the English with columbian accents route, they have used Spanish with subtitles. For me it just adds to the authenticity of the series! Pablo's part is played effortlessly by the Brazillian actor Wagner Moura. He seems born to play the part! It has gone down the scorsese / goodfellas narrative approach. So if you don't like that style, you will be disappointed! If you are looking for a well researched authentic look into the life and deeds of the most notorious of the columbian drug lords - THIS IS IT! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! (It get's a 9 because NO series can ever be perfect!)
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