The term “narcocorridos” may not sound like a familiar genre of music to many, yet it stands to be among the most popular with Latinos and Mexicans. The sound is accordion and guitar heavy, with upbeat rhythms and extremely graphic lyrics. The uptempo nature of the narco corridos harshly contrasts the imagery of the lyrics, telling the story of guns, drugs, and murder. These lyrics come directly from the Narco culture in Juarez, Mexico, where the drug cartel rules the town. Director Shaul Schwarz brings this underground culture to mainstream attention in his provocative documentary “Narco Cultura.”
“Narco Cultura” is a harrowing look at two very interesting sides of the Narco Culture; one shows the desperation stemming from civilians and the Mexican DEA, whose lives are in danger every day. They live in fear of the drug cartel, who send their messages through the decapitation of rival gangs, then leave body parts scattered across town. Director Shaul Schwarz doesn’t hold back from showing murdered bodies, bullet holes to the head, or blood running down the city streets. Stray dogs wander as policemen, wearing black masks for identity protection, investigate the crime scene. Schwarz makes it clear that this is not a random occurrence, but an unfortunate look at everyday life in the city of Juarez. Just to put it into perspective, one of the hard-hitting facts plastered across the screen reads, “In 2010, the police processed 3,622 murders.”
Just to put it into perspective, one of the hard-hitting facts plastered across the screen reads, “In 2010, the police processed 3,622 murders.”
The other side of the story focuses on Los Angeles-based Edgar Quintero, the leader of the popular narco corrido band “Los Buknas de Culiacan.” The group draws inspiration for their folksy ballads from the cartels in Mexico, and at one point in the film, Quintero expresses his desire to travel to these crime-ridden towns for new inspiration. His glorified view of the cartels, who have been described as modern-day Robin Hoods, is what makes “Los Buknas” so popular. In fact, it’s not unusual to see them play a show with a fake bazooka or gun in hand.
It’s a film that is hard to watch, knowing that this type of violence exists today and the corridos only help propel the criminal behavior., especially when Edgar and his band are treated like royalty, and their fan base is loyal and growing. Schwartz does a good job of not making Edgar seem like the bad guy, we root for him but also want to shake him and wake him up to the severity of his actions. “Narco Cultura” is not for the weak of stomach, but if you can get past all the blood and dead bodies, it is one of the most eye-opening and critically disturbing films of 2013.
