Traffik
Traffik is a 1989 British television serial about the illegal drugs trade. Its three stories are interwoven, with arcs told from the perspectives of Afghan and Pakistani growers and manufacturers, German dealers, and British users. It was nominated for six BAFTA Awards, winning three. It also won an International Emmy Award for best drama. The 2000 crime drama film Traffic, directed by Steven Soderbergh, was based on this television serial. In turn, the 2004 American television miniseries Traffic was based on both versions.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the intertwined stories of several individuals connected by the international drug trade. A Swiss journalist investigates heroin trafficking, uncovering a complex network involving politicians, financiers, and addicts. His investigation leads him to France and then to Pakistan, revealing the human cost and moral compromises inherent in the drug war.
Critical Reception
Traffik was generally well-received by critics for its ambitious scope and unflinching look at the global drug trade. It was praised for its complex narrative structure and strong performances, though some found its pacing occasionally deliberate. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of the devastating impact of drugs on individuals and societies.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its intricate exploration of the international drug trade.
- Commended for its realistic and often bleak depiction of the consequences.
- Recognized for strong performances, particularly from Bruno Ganz.
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Fun Fact
Alain Tanner, the director, was known for his humanistic approach to filmmaking and often explored themes of social and political engagement in his works.
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