Netflix was created in 1997, just four years after the death of Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria. Since its inception, Netflix has had its fair share of fame, hits, and controversies, much like Escobar, who often attracted fame, hits, and controversy in a single act.
It’s no surprise that when these two worlds collided with the release of “Narcos” in 2015, fame, hits, and controversy followed suit. Naturally, Netflix received praise for its thorough research and the artistic direction of Brazilian filmmaker José Padilha, which lent a rich dramatic effect to the story. However, in a story as politically charged as this, perfection is elusive, and sometimes the devil hides in the details.
The video seeks to uncover lesser-known aspects of the story that might have eluded viewers. These aspects include behind-the-scenes details, over-dramatized truths, insights into the cartels, and the surviving Escobar family’s perspective.
If you haven’t watched the show, be aware that this video contains spoilers beyond the usual spoilers. These are 10 things Netflix is concealing about Don Pablo Escobar: leader of the Medellín Cartel, the first narco-terrorist, and one of the wealthiest criminals in history.
Number 10: Narcos’ Original Plan
Initially, Netflix intended the story to be a full-length feature film rather than a TV show. However, the more they delved into evidence and research about the “King of Coke,” the clearer it became that a single movie wouldn’t suffice. The producers uncovered stories of his wealth’s origins, starting with his pre-smuggling life involving activities such as stealing gravestones. These revelations, coupled with insights from DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña, led to the creation of “Narcos.”
Number 9: Escobar’s Recordings
Escobar was meticulous about record-keeping, including video recordings of events at his haciendas. These recordings provided a window into the conversations, fashion, and daily life around Escobar. The show portrays him mostly brooding and lost in thought. However, in reality, Escobar actively contributed to the show, and some of his actual recordings were incorporated, showcasing the activities within his residences.
Number 8: Family Opinion
Escobar’s family was not consulted for the show’s portrayal, leading to imaginative depictions of their interactions with him. His brother was infuriated by the portrayal of another accountant being arrested and cooperating with authorities. Escobar’s family has also contested the representation of events like the Palace of Justice siege and his death.
Number 7: Escobar’s Gruesomeness
While the show hints at Escobar’s brutality, it doesn’t fully depict his extreme cruelty. Escobar was known to commit horrific acts of violence, including torturing and killing enemies, sometimes even his own childhood friends. His cruelty extended to animals, as he killed architects who built his houses to prevent them from revealing the structures’ secrets.
Number 6: M-19’s True Nature
The portrayal of M-19 in the show misrepresents the group’s power and ideology. M-19 was a formidable guerrilla group in Colombia with a history of left-wing nationalism and revolutionary socialism. The show simplifies M-19 as naive idealists, distorting their influence and tactics.
Number 5: Escobar’s Relationship with His Family
Escobar’s relationship with his family, especially his son Juan Pablo, is depicted differently in real life. Juan Pablo insists his father loved him deeply, despite Escobar’s violent activities. Escobar taught his son about the dangers of drugs, even while being involved in the drug trade himself. Juan Pablo was also older than shown in the series during his father’s death.
Number 4: Secrets of La Catedral
The show reveals details of Escobar’s luxurious prison, La Catedral, but not all the hidden contents. The discovery of film canisters containing pictures of Escobar and various information not shown in the series points to even more secrets.
Number 3: Carlos Lehder’s Influence
Carlos Lehder’s role and influence on Escobar’s operations are underplayed in the show. Lehder was a key figure in revolutionizing cocaine trafficking and was instrumental in Escobar’s wealth accumulation.
Number 2: Escobar’s Suicide
Juan Pablo Escobar believes his father committed suicide rather than being killed by authorities. He cites evidence from their final conversation, Pablo’s fear of being captured, and his instructions on committing suicide if captured.
Number 1: Wagner Moura’s Pro-Drug Stance
Wagner Moura, who portrayed Escobar in “Narcos,” believes drugs like cocaine should be legalized. This perspective aligns with the idea that a legal drug trade would have resulted in a different perception of Escobar’s actions, portraying him as a shrewd businessman rather than a ruthless criminal.
In conclusion, “Narcos” offers a gripping portrayal of Escobar’s life but simplifies or omits many aspects of his story. This video aims to shed light on some of the untold or misrepresented aspects of Don Pablo Escobar’s complex life and legacy.