Birds Of Passage

This culturally diverse epic crime thriller is directed by Ciro Guerra (Embrace Of The Serpent) and details the dark and violent rise of the illegal drug trading in Columbia, from the 1960s through until the 1980s.

The film centers on a poor but happy extended family and its reversal in fortunes when a man provides the mother of the woman he wishes to marry with an extravagant dowry paid via “weed” money. A profitable family empire evolves, prosperity doubling in two years – but at what cost?

A universally significant film which highlights the adverse and evil effects from the trafficking of marijuana, Birds Of Passage also resonates the influences of the new world upon the old world.

The importance of family, customs and superstitions infiltrate the film and audiences will come to the realisation that all communities regardless of stature have the misconception that “weed is the world’s happiness,”

Production values are surprisingly high and an unknown cast many of whom have probably never been in front of a camera before enhance the raw and gritty feel of the film.

This extremely violent film which touches on police corruption ultimately leads to a blown-out family war and mercilessly depicts murderous scenes which will stay with audiences long after leaving the cinema. (MMo)

★★★ ½