This movie is brilliant- at least the way I saw it. NBC aired this movie on TV. It was 6hours and it ran over the course of 3 days. At the end of each part NBC reporter Tom Brokaw did a behind the scenes special talking to reporter Elaine Shannon who covered the story to the actual DEA agents portrayed in the movie to even showing Rafa Caro-Quintero's luxury prison cell.I am so glad I taped it when it aired. The DVD is awful; so many and I mean many, many scenes, vital scenes are taken out. If I watched the DVD without watching the original TV movie I would have had so many questions. One would think the DVD would have all the extras and bonus features.

A great film based on DEA agent, Enrique"Kiki" Camerena of Calexico California. Acclaimed director, Michael Mann of "Miami Vice", "Heat" and "The Insider" was Executive Producer of this 1991 Mini-series directed by Brian Gibson. It was the second most watched NBC mini-series of the year following "The Kennedys". Filmed on location in Spain, "Drug Wars" is a powerhouse film depicting the role of the DEA in Mexico in 1985 that led to the unveiling of drug corruption within the Mexican government. At the head of the investigation was agent Camerena, played by Steven Bauer along with Jaime Kurkendall,portrayed by Craig T. Nelson (wonderful performance by the way). Miguel Ferrer,Tony Plana, Elizabeth Pena and then 24 year old, Benicio Del Torro also star. A tight cast portray the investigation into the kidnapping, torture and cover up of Kiki Camarena. Based on Elaine Shannon's book and "Time" magazine article, "Desperados". This is a great film. The precursor to "Traffic".Great Film. I wish NBC would sell this film!

I haven't seen this movie since if first came out. What made me think of it was seeing "Traffic" in which both Stephen Bauer and Benicio Del Torro also act. This mini series really stayed with me, the complexity of the problem and the human cost being very nicely, especially so for a TV produced drama. They are usually very poorly done--not this one. It's hard hitting enough to stay with you, it has for me for a decade. I would think there would be renewed interest in after the success of "Traffic", a film I didn't enjoy but has obtained obvious acclaim.

First off, I must confess that I haven't actually seen this film for about 7 or 8 years, but I remember being really moved by it. This film is one of those that you feel really deeply for the characters, and when the clincher comes, it is as though it is actually happening in your life and the emotion you feel is just overwhelming. A really gripping film. If you like your "true stories" (trying not to sound morbid), this is for you.