Review of Cartel Land (2015) by Abhishek V — 14 Nov 2015
In the stunning Oscar-caliber documentary Cartel Land, director-cinematographer Matthew Heineman embeds himself in anti-drug vigilante groups north and south of the US-Mexico border, taking us right into the heart of the action.
On the Arizona border US vet Tim Foley has formed a vigilante group out of frustration at flagrant lawlessness. In Michoacan, 1,000 miles south, where death is an everyday occurrence, Jose Mireles, a medical doctor leads the Autodefensas, intent on driving out the Knights Templar cartel.
There are severed heads, dead bodies, a survivor's account of having to witness the unspeakable murder of her husband and other family members, interviews with workers in a meth lab, real shootouts.
Dr. Mireles, a charismatic leader, nearly dies in a plane crash. Originally embraced by the local population, the vigilantes' lack of discipline is their undoing. Infiltrated by the cartels, they often behave no better than their enemy.
This review of Cartel Land (2015) was written by Abhishek V on 14 Nov 2015.
Cartel Land has generally received very positive reviews.
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