Cartel Land

Dir: Matthew Heineman

2015

****

Matthew Heineman's Cartel Land is a fascinating and disturbing look into the world of the Mexican Cartels but more specifically, a look at the citizens that have turned vigilante in an effort to fight back against their reign of terror. Heineman looks at what is happening on both sides of the border. In the USA, we follow Tim 'Nailer' Foley, a once down on his luck user who turned his life around and decided to do something positive, becoming founder of the Arizona Border Recon, a group looked on with suspicion as it tracks down illegal immigrants. He explains with conviction that he's not part of a racist vigilante group as they are often painted by the media but is actually sympathetic with crossers, his intention being to hit the Cartel where it hurts. He's not always 100% convincing but his followers certainly aren't as educated and articulate. When we are shown what the Mexican people are putting up with a few hundred miles away, it's hard not to sympathize with them and Foley shows he understands this to some degree. The main focus of the documentary is on Dr Jose Mireles who lead the vigilante group Autodefensas. Dr Mireles is an educated man who is obviously prepared to stand up to the Cartels when the Police, Army and Government seem reluctant to do so. The people of Michoacan backed Autodefensas and regained control of the area and the group became heroes in society for some time, seeing off both the police and the army thanks to public support. They captured many a Cartel leader too, visibly beating them on camera by men whose family had been kidnapped and killed by them. It's hard not to accept these beatings when shown some of the truly horrific atrocities the men are guilty of. What happens to these men is never shown on camera but Dr Mireles makes it clear that they are to be disposed of. Typically when the law is taken into the hands of the public, cracks start to appear and the group becomes corrupt. It's a loosing battle with few winners, except for maybe the Cartel. It's a hard hitting and often brutal film that doesn't shy away from the unfortunate truth and it should be applauded for doing so.