Rating: 8.00 from 24 votes.
Loading...El Chapo: The Legend of Shorty
El Chapo: The Legend of Shorty tells the story of Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, better known as “El Chapo” or “Shorty,” the notorious Mexican drug lord and former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. It traces El Chapo’s rise from humble beginnings in the rural town of La Tuna, Sinaloa, to becoming one of the most powerful and feared drug traffickers in the world.
The documentary follows filmmakers Angus Macqueen and Guillermo Galdos as they embark on a journey through Mexico in an attempt to find and interview the elusive El Chapo. Their quest takes them deep into the heart of the Mexican drug trade, where they encounter various individuals connected to the cartel, including drug dealers, smugglers, and even El Chapo’s mother.
Throughout the film, viewers are provided with a comprehensive overview of El Chapo’s criminal career. It details his early days working in the drug fields, his ascent within the Guadalajara Cartel, and his eventual founding of the Sinaloa Cartel. The documentary highlights El Chapo’s innovative smuggling techniques, including the use of underground tunnels to move drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border.
The film also covers El Chapo’s numerous run-ins with law enforcement, including his 1993 arrest and subsequent escape from a maximum-security prison in 2001. It explores the complex relationship between El Chapo and the Mexican authorities, touching on allegations of corruption and complicity within the government.
The documentary provides insight into El Chapo’s dual image as both a ruthless criminal and a folk hero. It examines how he gained popularity among some segments of the Mexican population, drawing comparisons to Robin Hood-like figures.
Interwoven with the filmmakers’ journey are interviews with key figures involved in the pursuit of El Chapo, including DEA agents, Mexican law enforcement officials, and journalists who have covered the drug lord’s activities. These interviews offer multiple perspectives on El Chapo’s impact on Mexico’s drug trade and the challenges faced in bringing him to justice.
The film concludes with the dramatic capture of El Chapo in February 2014, which occurred during the documentary’s production. This unexpected turn of events provides a timely and newsworthy ending to the story, underscoring the ongoing nature of the fight against drug cartels in Mexico.
