Watch Countdown to Death: Pablo Escobar

Countdown to Death: Pablo Escobar is a 2017 documentary film that takes viewers on a journey through the life of the infamous drug lord, Pablo Escobar. The documentary is directed by Tom Stubberfield and produced by Monster Films. The film provides a comprehensive overview of Pablo Escobar's rise to power, as well as the violent and bloody reign that he held over Colombia during the 1980s and early 1990s. Through a series of interviews with government officials, journalists and individuals close to Escobar, the film paints a vivid picture of the man behind the legend, delving into his criminal activities, political influence, and personal life.

The documentary begins with a brief overview of Escobar's early years, when he was born in 1949 in Rionegro, Antioquia, a small village in the Colombian Andes. From there, it traces his journey from a young man who sold contraband cigarettes to his later life as one of the world's richest and most powerful drug lords.

As the documentary progresses, it details the methods that Escobar used to gain power and amass an enormous personal fortune. It explores his role in the Medellin cartel, which he helped establish and which became one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. The film explores the violence that the cartel used to gain and maintain its power, which included the assassination of thousands of people, including government officials, journalists, and judges.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the extent of the corruption and collusion that existed between Escobar and Colombia's government and military. The film examines how Escobar's drug money allowed him to buy off politicians and law enforcement officials, leading to widespread distrust and anger among the Colombian people. It also explores the various attempts made by the government and its allies to take down Escobar, including the creation of a special anti-drug unit known as the Search Bloc and the assistance of American intelligence agencies.

Throughout the film, interviews with those who knew Escobar personally provide valuable insights into his personality and motivations. These include his brother and former hitman, Roberto Escobar, his accountant and "money man," Alvaro de Jesus Agudelo, and journalist Virginia Vallejo, who had a highly publicized affair with Escobar during his heyday.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is its portrayal of Escobar as a highly complex, multifaceted individual. On one hand, he was a ruthless and violent criminal who ordered the deaths of thousands of people. On the other, he was a committed family man who built schools, hospitals, and housing for the poor. His legacy in Colombia is highly divisive, with some seeing him as a hero for challenging the country's corrupt elites and others as a villain who caused untold suffering and tragedy.

Ultimately, Countdown to Death: Pablo Escobar is a gripping and informative documentary that provides a nuanced and balanced view of one of the world's most notorious criminals. Through its expert storytelling and illuminating interviews, it sheds light on a complex and deeply flawed individual who left an indelible mark on the history of Colombia and the world.