Watch Cocaine Cowboys

Cocaine Cowboys is a 2006 documentary film directed by Billy Corben that explores the history of the cocaine trade in Miami during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The film focuses on the stories of several key players in the Miami drug scene, including drug kingpins Jon Roberts and Mickey Munday, and investigative journalist Al Sunshine.

The film sets the scene by showing how Miami was transformed during the 1970s from a sleepy retirement community into a bustling, multicultural city that served as a gateway to Latin America. The film then introduces viewers to the key players in the Miami drug trade, many of whom were small-time criminals and drug smugglers who saw an opportunity to make it big in the cocaine business.

The film then delves into the inner workings of the cocaine trade in Miami, showing how drugs were smuggled into the city via boats and planes and distributed via elaborate networks of dealers and suppliers. The film features interviews with drug dealers, smugglers, and law enforcement officials who were involved in the Miami drug scene, offering a firsthand look at the dangerous and lucrative world of cocaine trafficking.

One of the central figures in the film is Jon Roberts, a former drug smuggler who became one of the biggest cocaine kingpins in Miami during the 1980s. Roberts is portrayed as a charismatic and ruthless figure who was responsible for importing massive amounts of cocaine into Miami and building a multimillion-dollar empire. The film features interviews with Roberts himself, as well as with friends, family members, and fellow drug dealers, who provide insights into his character and his motivations.

Another important figure in the film is Al Sunshine, an investigative journalist who covered the Miami drug scene during the 1980s. Sunshine is shown as a fearless reporter who risked his life to uncover the truth about the Miami drug trade, often putting himself in danger to get the story. The film features interviews with Sunshine and highlights his pivotal role in bringing the drug trade to light.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to a vivid and disturbing portrait of the Miami drug scene, including graphic descriptions of violence, corruption, and greed. The film also highlights the human toll of the cocaine trade, showing how addiction and violence affected families and communities across Miami.

Overall, Cocaine Cowboys is a gripping and informative documentary that provides an in-depth look at one of the darkest periods in Miami's history. The film's use of archival footage, interviews, and reenactments creates a compelling and immersive narrative that captures the complexity and drama of the Miami drug scene. As a result, Cocaine Cowboys is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the drug trade in the United States.

Cocaine Cowboys is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 59.