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Narcos (2015)

2015 · Biography,Crime,Drama · dramatized-true-crime, mob-organized-crime, crime-procedural

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Narcos is a US prestige dramatized-true-crime series chronicling the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel, narrated by a DEA agent and shot on location in Colombia with bilingual Spanish/English dialogue. It operates at cinematic scale — fast-paced, viscerally gripping, and anchored by Wagner Moura's commanding central performance — while straddling both sides of the law to avoid simple glorification. Reviewers consistently praise its authenticity, its immersive sense of place, and its propulsive plotting, making it compulsive binge viewing. The show earned credibility from Colombian viewers as well as international audiences unfamiliar with the history.

From the reviewers

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.
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.
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.
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
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).

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