Birds of Passage

A decent artsy look at the formation of the first Colombian cartels. The cattle trade is gradually upgraded to the drug trade, sparking a power and money struggle between families. I wasn’t happy with the slower pace, but thankfully there is some decent action towards the end. Not a very entertaining film, but very interesting and informative. Those who like cartel movies should not miss it. 65%. (07/23/2019)

A captivatingly family saga that takes place over two decades about the origin and demise of the first drug clans in Central America and the associated first gang wars. Great actors and their characters with precisely constructed natures are complemented by a number of engaging and special tribal traditions and rituals. A film about that fact that family honor has greater value than all wealth, which in the end only blinds and produces death. Each of the five chapters drag a bit in places, but the overall strong charge present in almost every scene clearly wins the audience over. (06/30/2018)

An intense crime drama built on the clash between tribal traditions and the progress of modern times, exploring the conflict between family honor and the lure of wealth and prosperity. The film chronicles the rise and fall of the first Colombian cartels, slowly building its narrative while introducing us to the characters and escalating the tension. The story is divided into five chapters (plus an epilogue), with each chapter delivering a significant plot development – always crucial, never filler. Characters evolve as the times change, trying to balance their actions with their traditions – a feat that’s not always possible. This is a thematically rich film with strong symbolism and an excellent concept. It’s a prime example of how an art film can still be deeply narrative-driven. Birds of Passage is high art that can still captivate the average viewer. I’d love to see it get an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. (07/07/2018)