
Raw Opium 2011
"Pain Pleasure Profits"
Dive into the shadowy world of global narcotics with *Raw Opium (2011)*, a gripping documentary directed by Peter Findlay that explores the dual nature of opium—both as a pain-relieving substance and a destructive force fueling illicit markets larger than some nations' GDPs.
Director: Peter Findlay
Cast




Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raw Opium (2011) about?
*Raw Opium (2011)* peels back the layers of the global opium trade, showcasing the lives it touches—from the farmers who cultivate it to the addicts who suffer its consequences. The documentary follows key figures, including a UN enforcement officer and a former drug czar, as they navigate the brutal realities of a market defined by pain, pleasure, and staggering profits.
Who directed Raw Opium?
The documentary was directed by Peter Findlay, a filmmaker who brings a sharp, observational lens to the opium crisis.
Who stars in Raw Opium?
The film features John Ralston, Misha Glenny, Gabor Maté, and Gwynne Dyer among its cast, each contributing a unique perspective to the opium narrative.
Is Raw Opium (2011) worth watching?
With its concise 83-minute runtime and unflinching portrayal of a global crisis, *Raw Opium (2011)* is a compelling watch for documentary fans. It doesn't glamorize the subject but instead offers a sobering, human-centric look at the opium trade's far-reaching impacts. Whether it resonates depends on your interest in real-world, issue-driven films, but it's undeniably thought-provoking.
How long is Raw Opium?
*Raw Opium (2011)* has a runtime of 83 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Raw Opium (2011) — A gripping documentary on the opium trade's human and economic toll
Dive into the shadowy world of global narcotics with *Raw Opium (2011)*, a gripping documentary directed by Peter Findlay that explores the dual nature of opium—both as a pain-relieving substance and a destructive force fueling illicit markets larger than some nations' GDPs. The film follows real-life figures caught in the opium trade's web: from a seasoned Southeast Asian opium master to a UN drug enforcement officer stationed along the Afghan border, a former Indian government anti-drug czar, and two individuals battling addiction in Portugal. Through their stories, *Raw Opium (2011)* weaves a haunting narrative of pain, pleasure, and profit, exposing the raw truths behind one of history's most controversial commodities.
With a runtime of just 83 minutes, this documentary delivers a punchy, immersive experience that balances stark realism with humanizing perspectives. Findlay's lens captures the stark realities of drug enforcement, the devastating impact of addiction, and the complex economics that keep the opium trade thriving. Whether you're drawn by the film's tagline—*Pain Pleasure Profits*—or its unflinching look at a global crisis, *Raw Opium (2011)* is a must-watch for documentary enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world's most infamous narcotic.