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Fans ofBreaking Badhave a new chance to seeBryan Cranstonin a thrilling drug-fueled drama. Known for his role as mild-mannered science teacher turned drug kingpin Walter White on the hit AMC crime series, shortly afterBreaking Bad’s end,Cranston took on a new role showcasing the other side of the drug trade. In the 2016 crime thrillerThe Infiltrator, Cranston goes undercover as a federal agent who infiltrates the criminal empire of Pablo Escobar. A look inside the real-life operation to take down one of the world’s greatest drug kingpins,The Infiltratoris a tense and entertaining thriller, and it is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Inspired by true events,The Infiltratorstars Bryan Cranston as Robert Mazur. A US Customs Agent working undercover, Mazur works as a money launderer helping to funnel the illicit money ofunderground drug lords. Working alongside his partner, Emir Abreu (played by John Leguizamo), as well as a junior agent new to the undercover world (Diane Kruger as Kathy Ertz), Robert and his team rise up in an operation that would take down one of the most infamous drug lords, Pablo Escobar.
The Infiltrator
The Infiltrator Is a Gritty Look Inside Drug Enforcement
Fans ofBreaking Badwill find Cranston on familiar ground withThe Infiltrator. Though he is playing on the opposite side of hiscrime kingpin character, Walter White,as an undercover member of law enforcement, his character of Mazar is unflinchingly brutal. Under his cover as a corrupted businessman, Cranston attacks the film with unbridled force. He commands his scenes and deftly navigates the duality of his character (husband/family man vs. hardened criminal) with impressive skill. A great example of this transition happens in the anniversary scene. Along with Cranston,Leguizamo is a standoutas the wild and unflinching Emir Abreu.
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The Infiltratorisrated R and with just cause. With strong language, blood, sexual content, and mentions of drugs, the rating is well-earned, although the film does not use these elements in a manner beyond its needs.The film is violent, sometimes even cruel, but still manages to tuck in moments that are surprisingly touching. The fact that the film is based on a true story adds a real-life element that helps to ratchet the tension to a sometimes uncomfortable degree. This is well-served as Mazur gets more enmeshed in the murky and dangerous world of the drug cartels.
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The Infiltratorreceived fairly solid reviews from audiences and critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, both critics and viewers rated the film favorably, at a respectable 72% and 71%. The film was called entertaining, unrelentingly tense, and smartly constructed. While critics of the film lamented its tread over familiar storytelling ground, they also praised the performances of the assembled cast in the engaging and menacing story. “Moviegoers need another film about the drug trade as much as they need a hole in the head,” said Matt Brunson ofFilm Frenzybefore continuing, “butThe Infiltratordoes just enough right to make it a welcome addition.”
Cranston as the leadhas been given much praise from critics, who note that the actor has found true glory in the form of corrupted characters. Likening his portrayal of Mazur to his iconic Walter White, Cranston was called dynamic in an Oscar-worthy role that commands attention. Leguizamo’s performance as Mazur’s partner, the unpredictable Emir, was deemed explosive. Both Kruger and Ryan received notice for their savvy and strong female characters who held their own in the volatile yet enjoyable film.
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While the film disappointed at the box office, grossing only $22 million dollars worldwide against the film’s estimated $28 million budget, viewers who have watched the film have given it a positive response.Fans of the film called it well-written, with quality characters and unexpected depth. The film was called stylish with its gritty 1980s feel and an intriguing perspective into the undercover drug trade. Criticisms of the film noted that while it was entertaining, the script was underserving of the talented cast, and the film as a whole was ultimately forgettable.
Released in 2016,The Infiltratorwas directed by Brad Furman (director ofThe Lincoln Lawyerfilm). Other actors included in the cast are Benjamin Bratt (Miss Congeniality), Olympia Dukakis (Steel Magnolias), Amy Ryan (The Office), and Jason Isaacs (of theHarry Potterseries). The film is based on the autobiographical novel of the same name written by Mazur and adapted for film by Ellen Brown Furman. While the film received positive reviews from critics and audiences, many viewers missed this film the first time around, judging by the box office. Viewers have another chance to watch Cranston’s crime thriller now.The Infiltratoris available to stream onNetflix.
