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Narcos: Mexico

Narcos: Mexico

The uncut story of Mexico's first cartel.

TV Series2018
TMDB: 7.9/10

See the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel as an American DEA agent learns the danger of targeting narcos in 1980s Mexico.

Accuracy Verdict

Get ready to dive into the wild world of 'Narcos: Mexico', where the lines between reality and fiction blur, and the true stories are even more shocking than the show!

Behind the Scenes

  • The show's creator, Chris Brancato, was inspired by a 1993 article in the New York Times about the rise of the Guadalajara cartel, and he spent years researching and developing the story, even interviewing real-life cartel members and law enforcement officials.
  • The production team built an entire replica of the Guadalajara cartel's headquarters in Mexico City, using real-life blueprints and photographs to ensure accuracy.
  • Diego Luna, who plays Félix Gallardo, spent months researching and preparing for the role, including meeting with former cartel members and learning how to handle guns and drive like a cartel member.
  • The show's iconic 'narco-tunnel' was built in a warehouse in Mexico City, and the production team used a combination of practical effects and CGI to create the illusion of a sprawling underground network.
  • Michael Peña, who plays Kiki Camarena, was a last-minute replacement for another actor who dropped out of the project, and he had to learn the entire script in just a few weeks.
  • The show's cinematographer, Danny Ruhlmann, used a combination of handheld cameras and drone footage to create a sense of realism and immediacy, often shooting in real locations and using natural light.
  • The production team worked closely with the Mexican government to ensure that the show was accurate and respectful, and they even received permission to film in real-life locations like the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.
  • The show's score, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, incorporates traditional Mexican music and instrumentation, including the use of mariachi guitars and trumpets.

Did You Know?

  • The real-life Félix Gallardo was known for his charisma and business acumen, and he was often referred to as 'El Padrino' (The Godfather) by his associates.
  • The Guadalajara cartel was responsible for smuggling an estimated 70% of the cocaine that entered the United States in the 1980s, and their operations were so sophisticated that they even had their own airline and fleet of planes.
  • The show's portrayal of the DEA's involvement in the hunt for Kiki Camarena's killers is largely accurate, and the real-life agents who worked on the case have praised the show for its attention to detail and commitment to telling the true story.
  • The show's use of Spanish and English dialogue is a deliberate choice, reflecting the bilingual nature of the border region and the complex cultural identities of the characters.
  • The real-life Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, which is featured prominently in the show, was actually built in the early 20th century and is considered one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Mexico.
  • The show's exploration of the complex relationships between the cartel, the government, and the DEA is rooted in real-life events and figures, including the infamous 'Iran-Contra' scandal and the role of the CIA in the cartel's rise to power.
  • The show's creator, Chris Brancato, has said that he was inspired by the works of Gabriel García Márquez and other Latin American authors, and he sought to bring a sense of magical realism to the show's storytelling and characters.
  • The show's use of archival footage and news clips is a deliberate choice, meant to blur the lines between reality and fiction and create a sense of immediacy and urgency.

Watch Next

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SicarioMore Drama

While it's a different kind of crime thriller, 'Sicario' explores similar themes of border violence and cartel activity, and features a similar blend of action, suspense, and social commentary.

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