Is El cártel Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, El cártel is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
El cártel Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, El cártel emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Based on Mexico's current criminal climate, EL CÁRTEL is a rare look into the values and practices of the world's most intriguing and enigmatic industry - the multi-billion dollar business of drug trafficking. Unlike standard genre fare, El cártel attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and El cártel features a noteworthy lineup led by José Luis Franco . Supported by the likes of Frederick Stuart and Mauricio Islas , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of El cártel (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
El cártel Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: El cártel is a Drama, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
El cártel Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: El cártel attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of El cártel reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
El cártel Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
El cártel uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: El cártel adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch El cártel?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
El cártel Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $400.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
El cártel Budget
The estimated production budget for El cártel is $400.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of El cártel
- José Luis Franco – Angel Santana
- Frederick Stuart – Jules Land
- Mauricio Islas – Santos
- Tania Arredondo – Dolores Santana
- Howard Gibson – Vern
Top Highlights
José Luis FrancoAngel Santana
Frederick StuartJules Land
Mauricio IslasSantos
Tania ArredondoDolores Santana
Howard GibsonVern
Miguel RodartePancho
Gustavo Sánchez ParraRojas
Rafael OliveiraNed Constantine
Alejandro de la MadridOfficer Solana
José SefamiDon Amilkar
Parents Guide & Age Rating
El cártel is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, El cártel stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El cártel movie hit or flop?
El cártel has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is El cártel worth watching?
El cártel is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch El cártel online?
El cártel may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How El cártel Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for El cártel
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.