El Niño is a Spanish foreign language film which portrays the topic of drug trafficking to and from the shores of Europe.
The film is set in the heavily policed region between Morocco and Southern Spain which is divided by the Gibraltar Strait.
The film focuses on three main characters as they risk everything for a way out of their poverty stricken lives.
The film also stars Luis Tosar as one of the film's main leads.
Synopsis
El Niño is a film that depicts the drug-trade from both standpoints of the dealer and the policing force. By regarding the issue from both sides the viewer is able to fully understand the motives behind both party's actions.
As the three main characters make plans to transport drugs over the choppy tides of the Gibraltar Strait, the viewer is able to see all of the precautions that are set up on the policing side of things.
El Niño depicts the film from both vantage points and succeeds in tells a story rich with plot, misdirection and deception.
Important Themes
El Niño does a good job with portraying both sides of the drug-trafficking issue. It outlines the lengths individuals will go to get things done. On both sides there is immense danger, pressure, corruption and risk.
El Niño is a film which shows the stark realities of the drug-trafficking business and explains how it has such a massive international economic impact.
Today, Spain and Portugal are the main points of entry for cocaine into Europe according to this European Commission report.
Cocaine remains to be the most common used and trafficked stimulant in Europe. As such, there is a constant demand and market for the drug.
Cocaine trafficking peaked in 2008 but now there are higher wholesale prices for the drug on European shores. The buyers who run big businesses reap both the risks and rewards of their affairs. Subsequently, many locals in tourist cities become low ranked workers for these large drug kingpins as depicted in the film.
El Niño does a tremendously well job in describing the extent traffickers will go to hide cocaine in clothing, packages, furniture and many other household objects.
Conclusion
All in all, El Niño is an entertaining film that keeps you glued to your seat. It is one of those films which beautifully blends together the genres of crime, drama, thriller and suspense.
Artfully depicting the intricacies of the international drug trade from two differing perspectives.
I would El Niño recommend to anyone looking for a film that will take you on a thrilling adventure.
