Traffic (2000)

Soderbergh delivers an electrifying, economical multi-storyline drama on the drug trade that feels more real than real, with a breathless pace and distinctive visual style for each thread. The uniformly strong ensemble shines, especially Benicio del Toro as an honest Tijuana cop in an impossible situation.

The critic hails Traffic as the most exciting and complexly imagined American movie of the year, praising its vivid view of the drug war, ambiguous encounters, and Soderbergh's energetic handheld camerawork. The script's multiple story lines and performances, especially Benicio Del Toro's, are highlighted as strengths.

Bradshaw finds the film an ambitious, watchable multi-storyline exploration of the drug trade adapted from a British series but criticizes it for adding pro-American schmaltz and presenting a loaded view that depicts Mexican corruption while portraying the US establishment more favorably. He singles out Benicio Del Toro's riveting, understated performance as the standout.

The critic calls it an expertly made, utterly engrossing film reminiscent of 70s adult cinema, thrilling and a major achievement despite minor flaws like the ending.

The critic finds Traffic an exciting visual experience but ultimately a conventional, moralistic melodrama that lacks human depth except for Benicio Del Toro's performance.

Soderbergh's film articulates the war on drugs with clarity and breadth across interconnected storylines, distinguished by its honesty, compassion, and ambivalent perspective that notes both myths and minor victories. It succeeds as tense, efficient storytelling with inventive visuals and editing, despite minor flaws in plotting and character arcs.

The critic calls the film a great, despairing squall that infuses epic form with jittery rhythms and a fresh palette, comparing it favorably to Altman's Nashville. The ensemble performances and sprawling overview of the drug trade are singled out for praise.

The review highlights the top-notch performances, Soderbergh's masterful direction and camerawork, the film's wisdom on addiction and the futility of the drug war, and its gripping narrative.

The critic praises Soderbergh's ensemble drama for its brutal honesty in depicting the war on drugs across multiple interconnected stories. He singles out the strong performances and the director's unsentimental vision that delivers a powerful, ironic punch.