Loving Pablo
Loving Pablo

Loving Pablo

2017Movie123 minSpanish

The film chronicles the rise and fall of the world's most feared drug lord Pablo Escobar and his volatile love affair with Colombia's most famous journalist Virginia Vallejo throughout a reign of terror that tore a country apart.

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Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic52/100
Google Users65%
Director: Fernando León de AranoaGenres: Biography, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the rise and fall of the notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as told through the eyes of Virginia Vallejo, his lover and a prominent television journalist. It details their tumultuous relationship amidst Escobar's violent reign and his eventual confrontation with the authorities. The narrative follows Vallejo's entanglement with Escobar, showcasing the dangerous allure of his power and the devastating consequences of his criminal empire.

Critical Reception

Loving Pablo received mixed reviews from critics, who often praised the performances of Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, as well as the film's ambition in portraying a complex historical figure. However, many critics found the film to be lacking in depth and originality, with some criticizing its narrative focus and pacing. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating the dramatic portrayal of Escobar's life and others finding it to be a somewhat superficial account.

What Reviewers Say

  • Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz deliver compelling performances that anchor the film.
  • The film attempts to provide an intimate look at Pablo Escobar's life but often feels melodramatic.
  • Despite its ambitions, the narrative struggles to distinguish itself from other portrayals of the drug lord.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a dramatic and intense portrayal of Pablo Escobar's life, with many praising the lead actors. Some viewers felt the story was too sensationalized, while others appreciated the insight into the drug lord's relationships and the political context of his time.

Fun Fact

Penélope Cruz learned to speak Spanish with a Colombian accent for her role as Virginia Vallejo.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
tmdb28039023

tmdb28039023

A caption at the beginning of Loving Pablo informs us that “This film is inspired by real events. Some of the characters, names, and events have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes." What they don't tell us is that even the protagonist...