Traffic

This three-night mini-series, which is derivative of the Steven Soderbergh movie Traffic, which in turn was adapted from a British mini-series Traffik, is entertaining, although it left a lot of loose ends fluttering in the wind, unless there is a Part II in production. While not a remake, the mini-series does use the same multi-character multi-plot structure as the Oscar winning film, but it lacks the star wattage of the theatrical movie. However, the less familiar faces actually work for the film and add to its gritty realistic quality. Also, while the theatrical film focused on drugs and Mexico, the mini-series is focused on drugs, illegals, terrorism, and Afghanistan. The first part sets up a series of seemingly unconnected story lines that grab the interest and carry the viewer into part two. The core of the plot emerges in part two and carries the multiple stories to resolution in part three, although several characters and their plot-lines seemed to fade away or drift off without a clear idea of their fates. Time should not have been a problem since there appeared to be some padding here and there as scenes were repeated unnecessarily to remind the viewer of what they had already seen. Tighter editing would have provided some additional running time to wrap up the plot and provide a more satisfying conclusion without cutting into advertising revenues. But, basically, Traffic: the Mini-Series is a good entertaining film, with some nice vistas of Canada standing in for Afghanistan, and some decent performances, although ultimately it will not result in a parade to the podium at the Emmys.

I did enjoy most of the mini-series, though the overseas "DEA Cowboy" seQuences were just the usual Hollywood schlock, bearing no resemblance to overseas drug or other covert ops. I expect a bit of hokiness, but this was definitely in extremis and could have benefited from at least come consultant who had been there. At least then these characters could tell the difference between heroin and raw opium: the product they keep calling "heroin" in Afghanistan is obviously opium, which is indeed grown there but NEVER processed into heroin there.

I'd probably have given this flick a good solid 8 as a pure action-adventure flick if it weren't for the abominable hack job obviously done to fit it into some magical six-hour block. Story arcs flew, and ended, at random, leaving bizarre loose ends all over the place. Obviously the junkie and the Tongs have some tie-in (as leverage for the DEA guy) that disappears entirely. And what really happens to "Ronnie?" Balthazar Getty obviously doesn't know, yet the Chechen basically kidnaps him, which will get him zilch, and then .....?? Ambiguity in endings is often fine, and this could have stood some, but this move just suddenly ended for no apparent reason. Obviously this was not for some artistic reason, it was just hacked to death by some idiot in one Hell of a hurry to make things fit. I think it's the most incompetent job of cutting I've ever seen anywhere, and it truly p***ed me off. This could have been a very good series if they'd given it the extra half hour it needed to sort out the subplots.

Traffic looks at the issue of smuggling in drugs, people and of course weapons of mass destruction. It ties the issues in distant lands, the war terrorism to things such as your children and your home.

Unfortunately it does it with that sort of 1980s cop show drama feel, though taking itself far more seriously. What is more, the simplistic anti-drug and anti-terrorism messages are not that interesting.

All in all, it is an OK series, it is well made. The plot may be cheap, but the plot twists are enough to keep it going.

What is more, the acting is superb and the realism of characters lifts this out of morass.

I really enjoyed the new made-for-TV miniseries "Traffic". It's important to note that this was roughly based on another miniseries called "Traffik" (spelled with a 'k'), made in 1989 by the BBC. I liked that one immensely, it is easily one of the best movies I've ever seen. But I would still rate this new effort as way above average.

The story is compelling viewing, mainly because it hits so close to home - literally and figuratively. The movie is roughly organized around two main scenarios: one involves the illegal smuggling into the United States - by way of the commercial seaport of Seattle, Washington - of cargos of illegal immigrants; the other deals with a terrorist-organized shipment of smallpox, meant to wipe out huge masses of population in the U.S. In a post 9-11 world it's the kind of story that ought to make one sit up and take note.

Both stories grab your attention: both are dark and tragic enough to really make you feel empathy towards all involved. I found myself really caring about the fates of each of the main characters, I anxiously awaited the following episodes, and was willing to tune in for three nights consecutively - something I don't often do with made-for-TV stuff nowadays.

I couldn't help but note a few flaws, probably because I was subconsciously comparing this film with the aforementioned "Traffik", the BBC miniseries of 1989, which was generally a superior film. I felt this current miniseries got a bit too melodramatic and sensationalistic here and there, and it seemed that characters were doing things that seemed too contrived for reality. (Made-for-TV says it all!). Another distraction was the fact that the seaport in the story was purportedly supposed to be Seattle, Washington. Well, it turns out the whole thing was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Since I'm from Seattle and know what my city looks like, I had a good chuckle out of watching the film trying to pass off Vancouver as Seattle.

But these flaws are minor and largely cosmetic compared to the real gist of the film, which is essentially the dark and seamy nature of the "trafficking" which the movie addresses: the smuggling of illegal immigrants is a reality, as is the threat of terrorists using shipping containers to smuggle in WMD's. (A couple of years ago here in Seattle, customs inspectors found a freight van on board a cargo ship that had about 15 dead Chinese illegals in it. Seems they didn't survive the trip across the Pacific. So the human smuggling that is depicted in the movie is a real issue and is based on actual events.)

If you get a chance, watch this miniseries (hopefully it will be out on DVD or videocassette someday). I also heartily recommend that you find a copy of the aforementioned BBC miniseries "Traffik". Both films cover serious issues that, in this day and age - especially post 9-11 - are impossible to ignore.

I own and have watched the Euro (not the HBO) mini-series numerous times. I originally saw Traffic (the Movie) at the theater when it was released. I own that video as well and have also watched it numerous times. I would give the mini-series a 7.5/10. Even for the time, some of the dialog is cheesy and some of the characters actions are less then believable. Both films require serious suspension of disbelief to swallow the ignorance of the main drug trafficker's (German/La Jolla) wife. Anybody with that kind of dough would have set up legitimate, working businesses to launder money and to create layers of cover. What bother me most is that somebody can come along and give the film a 1 star rating because it didn't have a "message". That puts this film in the category of the worst pix of all time and draws down user rating unfairly. That is a pet peeve of mine and made me register here just to defend this film. Maybe IMDb adjusts for this in there stats. I don't know. But I judge a movie based on how it holds up after repeated viewings. And, even knowing the story through and through, I get drawn in by the first scene and Del Toro's on-screen presence. From the on it's like sliding into an easy chair... If you haven't seen either version then I envy you. Don't pass up this or the original mini-series. They are both worth your time.