The story is split into three strands which are loosely connected, one is centred around the appointment of Judge Wakefield (Michael Douglas) to spearhead America's war on drugs as well as his teenage daughter's (Erika Christensen) decent into the sleezy world of drug abuse. The second is concerned with the source of the problem, drug cartels in Tijuana. Mexican police officer Javier Rodriguez (Benicio Del Toro) becomes caught up in the intrigue between the two major drug cartels in the city and ends up risking his life fighting against not only the drug traffickers but also corruption within the Mexican drug authorities. The third involves happy suburban family the Ayala's. Living the high life in the white picket fence heaven that is suburban America the families life is turned upside down when David Ayala (Alec Roberts) is arrested for his part in trafficking and distributing drugs leaving his wife Helena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) to deal with the angry suppliers of her husbands drugs, the Obregon Brothers. These strands do collide but without the principle elements of each one actually sharing any screen time; Del Toro, Douglas and Zeta Jones are never in the same shot but all share a connection with the drug cartels in Mexico.

Traffic is a really intelligent look at the world of drug trafficking and offers a broad scale of insight. We see the trafficking process from its beginning in Mexico where attempts at its deterrence are much beleaguered by corruption, through to America's infinitely more constitutional attempt at tackling the problem. We are also the given the chance to see the happy upper class lives of those responsible for the drugs distribution in contrast with the murky underworld of drug dealing on the street and its effect on individuals and their families.

So the best performances have to go to old crusty cradle snatcher himself Michael Douglas in his role as Judge Robert Wakefield as well as Erika Christensen for her role as his spoilt, rebel without a cause daughter Caroline. Not to mention Benicio Del Toro whose intensity never waned throughout the entire film giving him a real on screen presence not to mention bringing home the melancholy futility of the drug situation in Mexico. I felt particularly struck by his characters honesty and loyalty in the midst of all the corruption surrounding him. The stoic approach with which Del Toro played the character was exceptional, his expressions and physical acting were second to none. As for Michael Douglas it was in his capacity as the father of a teenage daughter spiralling out of control rather than his offical roel which really struck me. His concern seemed so genuine and he evoked the sympathy which it was hard to feel for Caroline herself. With her "I'm so tortured" demeanour and obvious privileged situation in life it's a real struggle to feel sorry for Caroline Wakefield however Christensen may not be able to illicit that response but perhaps with a little help from the Films Art Director, Keith Cunningham does manage to make her situation look really gruesome; the audience is appalled at her situation and perhaps also a little shocked at the graphic approach which the film takes.

Clifton Collin Jr (Tigerland, The Rules of Attraction) as turncoat assassin Franky Flowers who betrays his employers and ends up paying for it.

Selma Hayek (One Upon A Time in Mexico, Frida), as ….I'm not entirely sure what…gangster moll I think….