It’s funny how the latest drug movies such as “Traffic” and “Blow” should almost be filed under educational. When you leave, it’s as if you’ve just taken a crash course on how the drug world works.

Sure, there is an overall message in these films that keeps most intelligent people from taking what they’ve learned and changing their day jobs, but it’s the harsh reality of these movies that causes an impact in your movie-watching sensors.

“Blow” is in the spirit of “Traffic” as it entertains through education and a good message, but it is able to do so in a different way, separating the two quite easily.

It is based on the true story of George Jung (Johnny Depp), a normal American trying to get ahead in life. He moves to California and becomes a large supplier of marijuana to his home state of New Jersey as well as his local neighborhood.

But after getting caught with a large amount of pot, Jung spent an educational stint in prison and learned about cocaine and the intricacies of trafficking it.

Teamed with a Colombian drug cartel run by Pablo Escobar, Jung quickly became responsible for the surge of cocaine in America in the 1970s.

He gets used to life without rules and as fast as his ambition and savvy got him swimming in a world of money, his greed caused him to lose almost everything he ever cared about.

Along with telling Jung’s personal story, “Blow” dives into what made drug trafficking possible. The success that one can have from this lifestyle is as evident in this movie as are all the risks involved.

The way “Blow” captures all the ups and downs of a life like this is amazing. Penelope Cruz (“All the Pretty Horses”) plays Jung’s wife – a beautiful ambitious woman whose life becomes so tangled with Jung’s that it becomes a tornado of emotions.

Director Ted Demme (“Beautiful Girls,” “Rounders”) fills “Blow” with underlying messages about life that flow directly from the screen to your mind without having to think about them. The power of these messages is enforced with lingering fact that this is based on a true story.

There are so many conflicts brought forth in this film, but each carries a special meaning and a deep impact. Not only do you see the sacrifices Jung made, but the trials and tribulations experienced by everyone who was around him.

For every astounding life situation experienced by Jung in “Blow,” there is a character or two with equally interesting qualities that continue to bring a certain freshness to the screen.

Paul Reubens, best known for his role as Pee-Wee Herman, is the colorful California drug dealer who initially draws Jung to the mainstream of pot and later joins him in his cocaine escapades. His presence is unlike anyone else in this film as he dances on the screen with energy and confidence.

Jung’s father is played by Ray Liotta (“Hannibal”). His sentimental attitude toward his son is unforgettable and touching, and makes the relationship between the two enjoyable to watch.

Spanish film star Jordi Molla is Jung’s mentor in prison; he educates Jung about cocaine and becomes partners with him on the outside. His performance contains an audacity that lights up all of his scenes and his character provides some of the most reality-harsh moments of the film.

The solidity of all the characters around Depp is what makes him so good. Each character is written so well, it keeps you glued to every interaction that goes on in the film.

“Blow” won’t keep you tuned in with action and excitement, rather pure inquisitiveness and curiosity. The true test of a film is if it can cause an audience to experience a number of emotions while watching, and “Blow” does this almost without flaw.

It will take a great film in the coming months to bring to the table what “Blow” provides.

If this film doesn’t move you and educate you – at least you’ll know how to become unsuccessful in drug trafficking.

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