In Scarface, when Tony is first offered the job to pick up cocaine, when he hears he’ll be dealing with Colombians, a look of contempt flashes across his face. Later, when Manny presses him on it, Tony says, “I don’t like Colombians,” but never explains why. Here, Oliver Stone is tapping into a very real prejudice many Cuban criminals held towards Colombians in Miami at that time.
Before the late 1970s, the cocaine pipeline into South Florida was largely controlled by Cuban criminal networks. But that all changed with the rise of Pablo Escobar and the Colombian Medellín Cartel. Colombian traffickers began pushing out the Cubans, which led to all‑out warfare in the streets of Miami and an unprecedented rise in homicides.
The Colombians operated with a level of barbarism far beyond anything the Cubans were used to. They had a reputation for double‑crossing outsiders, especially Cubans. They were willing to kill civilians, wipe out entire families of rivals. There were even reports in the press of victims being dismembered with chainsaws – which was incorporated into the film.
That moment when Tony hears he’ll be doing the pickup with “Colombians”, that look of distrust and contempt is one of recognition. He’s aware of their reputation, and it’s why he’s so vigilante and suspicious when he goes into the deal.
Rocky IV was once the subject of heavy satire & a lukewarm critical response, but if you ask me honestly, I would tell you that I consider this to be an all-time sports film. This is a beautiful sports movie that nails so main themes. Sly is awesome here too- give him credit.
@SHAQ@BleacherReport A lot of people been saying weird stuff towards Kobe and if anyone should be shutting it down it should be Shaq. Time to go on them podcasts and put all of them in check. A bunch of ringless retired NBA players commenting on a legend like Kobe. Time to shut it all down Shaq!!!