Post Description

* Title: The World History of Organized Crime: Colombia
    * Running Time: 50 Minutes
    
This enthralling History Channel production looks at both the origins and current state of organized crime in Sicily, Russia, Colombia, India, and China. The series of five shows is thoroughly researched and beautifully put together, clearly elucidating the complex sociological roots that gave rise to today's cartels. Such fascinating topics as Russian prison tattoos and the ancient Indian Thug cult are discussed along the way. Though the producers don't shy away from pointing out governmental missteps that have inadvertently assisted in the rise of organized crime, the series comes down firmly on the side of law and order, and is careful to show the ruthlessness and brutality of the black market. The only hitches in the series come in the form of quick repetitions of information (that once followed commercial breaks), but these are only occasionally noticeable. Though densely informative, The World History of Organized Crime never becomes dull or dry--indeed, once you start watching it, it's almost impossible to stop

Colombia:
Focused on the Cartels and, in particular, Pablo Escobar, this program explains how Colombia's most lucrative export – cocaine – shaped it into a country of violence and corruption. Using narco-terrorism and bribes, the Cartels quickly came to control Colombia, but even their dissolution didn't end the seemingly unstoppable flow of drugs.

I honestly thought this collection would include something about the Italian Mafia in America, but besides a passing mention or two in Sicily, there wasn't much about it. Looking on the History Channel's website, I discovered that material was already covered in Mafia - The History of the Mob in America. Despite this, I really enjoyed this collection and learned quite a bit. Two of the programs provided some more background on films I've seen in the past year: Sicily had a lot of information that helped illuminate the HBO film Excellent Cadavers and the Columbia program pertained to both Proof of Life and Blow.



20% par2 Aanwezig