Most of us are aware of Pablo Escobar. But if you aren’t, let me introduce the main character of this documentary. Pablo Escobar was a notorious drug lord, narco-terrorist, and politician from Colombia. He was infamously known as the "King of Cocaine," a title he earned due to his vast and violent drug empire. Escobar's reign in the drug world was marked by brutality, wealth, and an unparalleled influence that stretched far beyond Colombia's borders.
The documentary begins with gripping footage from the 90s, showing a dramatic raid on Escobar’s luxurious estate. This initial scene sets the tone for the documentary, highlighting the tension and high stakes surrounding Escobar's life. Throughout the film, interviews and opinions from people closely involved in his case provide personal insights and first-hand accounts of the chaos and fear that Escobar instilled in Colombia and beyond.
However, this isn’t a comprehensive biography about his entire life or childhood. Instead, it focuses on one of the most audacious chapters of his criminal career: his escape from prison.
Escobar's foray into politics is a surprising twist in his story. Despite his criminal background, he managed to get elected as an alternative member of the Chamber of Representatives. This brief political career was an attempt to gain legitimacy and protect himself from extradition to the United States. However, his political ambitions were thwarted when the Colombian and US governments intensified their efforts to arrest him, linking him to heinous acts such as the Avianca Flight 203 bombing and the DAS Building bombing. These acts of terrorism, attributed to Escobar, painted a grim picture of his ruthlessness and the lengths he would go to maintain power.
In 1991, under immense pressure, Escobar surrendered to the authorities. However, his surrender came with a peculiar condition. He negotiated a deal with the then President to be imprisoned in a "self-built" facility known as La Catedral. This arrangement was bizarre and controversial. The prison was more of a luxury retreat, equipped with amenities such as a football field, a bar, and even a Jacuzzi.
The situation took a dramatic turn when it became evident that La Catedral was far from a prison in the conventional sense. Authorities, realizing the absurdity and the security risks of the arrangement, decided to transfer Escobar to a more secure, government-controlled facility. This decision triggered a crisis. On July 22, 1992, fearing extradition to the United States, Escobar escaped from La Catedral.
The documentary then shifts focus to the nationwide manhunt that ensued. Escobar used his vast resources to evade capture, employing a network of loyalists and engaging in brutal confrontations with law enforcement.
The manhunt for Escobar became a cat-and-mouse game, with numerous close encounters and dramatic near-captures. The documentary portrays the relentless efforts of the authorities, the fear and tension in Colombian society, and the audacity of Escobar's tactics to remain at large.
What was Escobar’s end? Was he captured or was he killed? This story is not just about a notorious criminal but about a chapter in Colombian history that shaped the nation's future and left an indelible mark on the world. Maybe if the documentary had been better translated, especially regarding the designation of the authorities, it would have been much clearer and more effective. Overall, the documentary provides a comprehensive outlook on this case, making it well worth a watch.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times