El Cartel
Gritty exploration of Columbia's drug trafficking underworld
About El Cartel
Released: 2008
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 1 Season
Cast
Manolo Cardona, Karen Martínez, Robinson Díaz, Diego Cadavid, Fernando Solórzano, Julián Arango, Sandra Reyes, Juan Pablo Raba, Fernando Arévalo
About El Cartel
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About
El Cartel is a Colombian TV show that aired in 2008. It falls under the genre of Colombian TV shows and revolves around the drug trade in Colombia. The show follows the life of a wealthy and ruthless drug lord, Aurelio Casillas, and his struggles to maintain his empire while battling rivals, law enforcement, and personal demons.
The plot explores the dark and dangerous world of drug cartels, showcasing the violence, corruption, and power struggles that are inherent in this criminal underworld. El Cartel is known for its intense and gripping storyline, compelling characters, and realistic depiction of the drug trade in Colombia. It offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the criminal organizations involved in the production, distribution, and sale of illicit substances.
Making / Production
El Cartel was created by Andres Felipe Sandoval and is set in Medellin, one of the major hubs of the Colombian drug trade. The show was produced by Caracol Television and was a major success in Colombia and other Latin American countries.
The production team meticulously researched the workings of drug cartels and collaborated with former law enforcement officials and experts to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the show. El Cartel was praised for its attention to detail and its ability to portray the gritty reality of the drug trade.
Actors
- Manuel Sarmiento as Aurelio Casillas - the main protagonist and the powerful drug lord.
- María Fernanda Yepes as Ximena Letrán - a journalist investigating the drug trade and Aurelio Casillas.
- Martín Karpan as Martín González - a loyal friend of Aurelio Casillas and his right-hand man.
- Diego Cadavid as Lieutenant García - a relentless police officer determined to bring down Aurelio Casillas.
- Mariano Venancio as El Bebé - a feared rival drug lord and Aurelio Casillas' main adversary.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- El Cartel is based on real-life events and is inspired by the experiences of former drug traffickers and law enforcement officials.
- Some of the filming locations for El Cartel include Medellin, Bogota, and Cartagena.
- The show was highly controversial due to its portrayal of violence and drug-related themes.
- El Cartel received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of the drug trade.
- The show has gained a cult following and is considered one of the best Colombian TV shows in the genre.
Awards
El Cartel has received several awards and nominations, including the Best Telenovela Award at the 2008 India Catalina Awards and multiple awards at the TVyNovelas Awards.
Quotes
- "In this life, either you're on top, or you're six feet under." - Aurelio Casillas
- "The drug trade is a business like any other; it's all about supply and demand." - Martín González
- "No one can defy me and get away with it." - El Bebé
Music / Soundtrack
- The soundtrack of El Cartel features a mix of traditional Colombian music and modern Latin American beats, capturing the vibrant and diverse cultural background of Colombia.
- Notable songs from the show include "Pablo Pueblo" by Rubén Blades and "El Rey de Mil Coronas" by Los Tigres del Norte.
About El Cartel
El Cartel is a thrilling Colombian TV series that follows the dangerous lives of those involved in the drug trafficking business.