Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way: Opium, Morphine and Heroin

Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way: Opium, Morphine, and Heroin is a captivating documentary that delves into the historical background and the socio-political contexts behind the classification of these substances as illegal drugs. It offers an unbiased, comprehensive insight into the controversial aspects of drug use and policy while tracing the origins and evolution of opium, morphine, and heroin.

From the outset, the creators make it clear that the aim of the documentary is to dissect and analyze the intricate stories around the subjects it deals with. As such, the film sheds light on the cultural, economic, and political factors that prompted the transformation of these once revered medicinal substances to illicit drugs. The journey of this transformation offers a compelling exploration of historical events and cultural shifts that shaped the prevailing perception about these drugs.

The film begins by delving into the history of opium, one of the oldest known narcotics. It gives a detailed account of how it was used as a crutch for pain in various civilizations, such as Ancient Greece, Egypt, and China. The inception of opium trade, from being employed as a pawn in geopolitics to be a massive global economic machine, is expressed in great details. The documentary also serves as a mirror reflecting how opium's use transcended from a medical necessity to a recreational vice.

Next, it navigates to the evolution of morphine, a derivative of opium. Morphine is depicted as a miracle drug of the 19th century, hailing its initial medicinal application during the Civil War, and its role in alleviating pain in battlefield surgeries. However, the negative consequences of its addictive nature soon surfaced, and the documentary boldly exposes this aspect.

Inevitably, the film moves towards heroin, a further transformation of morphine manufactured by Bayer in the late 19th Century. Launched as a non-addictive substitute for morphine, it ironically turned out to be one of the most dangerous addictive substances, leading to a global health crisis. The creation, proliferation, and subsequent demonization of heroin is narrated with comprehensive archival footage and expert interviews.

However, Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way: Opium, Morphine, and Heroin doesn't merely provide a historical lens; it aims to provide a well-round, multi-dimensional view of the issue. It delves into the science behind these opioids, explaining how they interact with the human body and why they result in addiction. It merges biological understanding with anthropological history.

In addition, the socio-political impact of these substances receives noteworthy attention, with intricate details about the War on Drugs, its racial implications, and the heavy societal costs borne by certain communities. The role of government policies and pharmaceutical industries in the proliferation of these drugs and their impacts is displayed, providing viewers with the bigger picture of what led to the present circumstances.

The documentary benefits from a wide range of sources, including interviews with historians, social scientists, policy-makers, and those who have experienced drug addiction firsthand. This results in a balanced and precise assessment, debunking various myths and biases attached to these substances.

In essence, Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way: Opium, Morphine, and Heroin effectively portrays how the societal perception and legal status of these substances revolved around the axis of time, cultural understanding, economic benefits, and political agenda. While ensuring a hard-hitting narrative that leaves the audience contemplating, it still remains educational. It is not just a story of these drugs but a revelation on the interconnection of science, culture, politics, and economics. It encourages viewers to change their perspectives without enforcing an opinion, showing respect for the intelligence and judgment of the audience.

A quintessential watch for those interested in history, public policy, anthropology, or anyone inquisitive about the reasons behind the illegality of certain substances, this documentary will leave you more informed and introspective about the world around you. It is a chattel of knowledge that offers an insightful discourse on a complex, often misunderstood topic. Whether or not you concur with the views expressed, the film's thought-provoking approach makes it a fruitful venture for all viewers.