Sicario

8

beingryanjudeOct 10, 2015

Suffering only from the occasional lull, SICARIO is wholly thrilling and features more than one exceptional sequence of events. Emily Blunt proves her chops once more - again, in a well-crafted action thriller.

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8

csw12Dec 29, 2015

Sicario is a great follow up from Prisoners by director Villenueve. The cinematography is excellent and score is heart thumping. The movie keeps an intense atmosphere from beginning to end.

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8

anshimanNov 2, 2015

Despite having plagued with somewhat indolent beginnings, Sicario is beautifully shot, edited, acted, written, and screams with a Hitchcockian dramatic tension that echoes through the entirety of the latter part of the film.

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8

saucyninja007Sep 28, 2015

The performances by Blunt, Brolin, and Del Toro are fantastic and believable. The action sequences are not only intense but built up to very well. The cinematography is also far above average for a film of this genre. The only thingThe performances by Blunt, Brolin, and Del Toro are fantastic and believable. The action sequences are not only intense but built up to very well. The cinematography is also far above average for a film of this genre. The only thing preventing me from giving this film higher than an 8 is that I don't have any desire to see it again.… Expand

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8

j1trainNov 7, 2015

An intense, unflinching thriller with tremendous performances from a great cast. Emily Blunt is a real force as is Benicio Del Toro who ends up stealing the show from her in the final act. Beautiful and raw filmmaking.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

BradySmithJan 7, 2016

This is an expertly crafted movie from the top down but not a perfect one in terms of pacing. There are sections in the movie that drag. This is because, even though the screenplay itself is intelligent, the underlying story is not reallyThis is an expertly crafted movie from the top down but not a perfect one in terms of pacing. There are sections in the movie that drag. This is because, even though the screenplay itself is intelligent, the underlying story is not really anything special. However, when things hit the fan in this movie, they really hit the fan. It starts with a bang and the finale (the whole last half hour +) is really something. Altogether it's a well acted, extremely well shot, smart, and distinctive movie. Plus Benicio Del Toro is just freaking awesome.… Expand

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8

GerNJan 9, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Confused and crushed sums up Emily Blunt's character in Sicario. And that is how the director intends for the audience to feel. But the confusion prevents us from a deeper connection with "Kate" as we struggle to understand what is happening and why. It is a testimony to EB's skill that we remain involved with Kate/Kat whose curiosity does lead to her undoing. If Sicario had focused more on her moral quandary (duty and greater good versus breaking the law and doing bad things) and less on her drive to understand, she would have been much more believeable. Instead, we want to shout "who cares why, just walk away from this moral morass". I am tempted (a little) to watch Sicario again without the confusion. But no, I'm not that curious.… Expand

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8

BrianMcCriticOct 3, 2015

This film gives you a sense of dread in almost every minute of the film. Sicario kind of reminded me of Training Day a young cop wanting to help make a difference, but is stuck in a world with no hope. A-

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8

eagleeyevikingJan 5, 2016

With picturesque cinematography, solid acting and a tight plot, Sicario aims and succeeds in being more than just an action packed vehicle for Emily Blunt.

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8

oDjentoDec 4, 2015

Villenueve is an incredible director. With an astonishing opening that’s gritty and visceral, and bringing incredible foreshadowing with the motes of dust you can see why people are pumped about this film.
The gore is brief but effective.Villenueve is an incredible director. With an astonishing opening that’s gritty and visceral, and bringing incredible foreshadowing with the motes of dust you can see why people are pumped about this film.
The gore is brief but effective. The violence is covered and not made to excite, but is extremely effective. Denis shows how insignificant a good person can be in a male dominated world full of deceit and wrong doing. He shows we run in a cycle, and if you change something for the ‘better’, things always end up worse. In a way he shows chaos theory.
Emily Blunt is a great character but it is Benicio Del Toro who is the biggest star of this, and in one scene with him towards the end of the film he had 75% of the audience in my cinema gasp.
An incredible film, although personally I’d say I enjoyed Prisoners a tad more.
7.9/10… Expand

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8

Voodoo123Mar 12, 2019

+Fantastic cinematography
+When the soundtrack is there it is relevant to the mood
+Excellent action set pieces +Talented cast deliver memorable performances -Limited plot (although deliberate) feels basic I really enjoyed watching this+Fantastic cinematography
+When the soundtrack is there it is relevant to the mood
+Excellent action set pieces
+Talented cast deliver memorable performances
-Limited plot (although deliberate) feels basic

I really enjoyed watching this movie although I felt the dialogue was missing that emotional connection with what was going on to take things to the next level. The film is a cinematic masterclass visually and the soundtrack (or lack thereof!) was wonderfully refreshing and mood setting.… Expand

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8

ToFewViewsFeb 20, 2016

Sicario is a very interesting movie, It's filmed extremely well, Actors do a great job and the story is very intriguing and full of tension. It follows Emily Blunt's Character as a FBI member and how she helps a anti cartel group stop theSicario is a very interesting movie, It's filmed extremely well, Actors do a great job and the story is very intriguing and full of tension. It follows Emily Blunt's Character as a FBI member and how she helps a anti cartel group stop the massive drug and human trafficking. She goes to Mexico with the group and is forced to use some more then questionable tactics to get the job done.The Film has moments of extreme tension and excitement but at the same time has some fairly low points that feel like they drag on. All the actors involved did a great job but Benicio Del Toro stands out by far, he plays a very mystery character that you always want to know more about, The film starts focusing more on Emily Blunt but near the end fades towards Del Toro's side of the story.Sicario is a film that when watching it the first time you find lots of enjoyment and excitement out of the film but even that it's such a well put together film I don't feel the urge to watch it again. It's a good onetime watch.… Expand

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8

hotfromcauldronSep 21, 2015

Sicario is a dynamite hybrid of Homeland and True Detective. It’s a gritty examination of Mexico’s dire drug problem and it’s effects on the USA. Outstanding cinematography - of a landscape that is character in itself- and music thatSicario is a dynamite hybrid of Homeland and True Detective. It’s a gritty examination of Mexico’s dire drug problem and it’s effects on the USA. Outstanding cinematography - of a landscape that is character in itself- and music that heightens the tension combine with Villeneuve’s superb storytelling and intense performances especially by Emily Blunt- who holds her own in a tough male dominated world. It’s a movie that could propel Trump into the oval office - with it’s own solution.… Expand

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8

evtsoaresJan 15, 2016

It is a tense film, holding on , easy to understand and even seems to have two hours . It has a great cast, good acting and we will not talk about the soundtrack.

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8

danippOct 14, 2015

With amazing performances by the cast, especially Del Toro, Sicario is an honest and realistic film about drugs and cartels. Set mostly in Mexico, the film shows with details the violent and political side of its subject, which gains evenWith amazing performances by the cast, especially Del Toro, Sicario is an honest and realistic film about drugs and cartels. Set mostly in Mexico, the film shows with details the violent and political side of its subject, which gains even more power with the music made by Jóhannsson. It can be quite scary sometimes. Well done.… Expand

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8

WheelzFourReelzMar 29, 2016

Though slow at timesSicario is a bleak, brutal, and fascinating thrill ride with phenomenal performances, beautiful cinematography, and a wonderful score.

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8

Darkly_TranquilOct 6, 2015

Sicario is a film of two parts. From a technical standpoint it is a beautifully shot, tightly directed, and cleverly acted crime/police thriller, and from a narrative standpoint, its a dark, grimey, depressing, and all too believable taleSicario is a film of two parts. From a technical standpoint it is a beautifully shot, tightly directed, and cleverly acted crime/police thriller, and from a narrative standpoint, its a dark, grimey, depressing, and all too believable tale about the inevitable slide into "ends justify the means" tactics employed by agencies fighting the War on Drugs and the conflict between the need to uphold the law versus actually making a difference.

The film boasts strong performances from Emily Blunt as the out-of-her-depth FBI agent Kate Macer, Josh Brolin as the pragmatic and ruthless operative Matt Graver, and Benicio del Toro as the enigmatic and menacing Alejandro. Behind the camera, the direction from Denis Villeneuve and sublime cinematography by Roger Deakins present this grimey desperate world with skill and flair, while the film is backed by a dark brooding soundtrack that keeps the gloomy, threatening tone throughout.

This movie is definitely not for the faint hearted; its relentlessly violent and dark and offer little in the way of hope, but if you don't mind stepping into the shadows and getting a little dirty, this is a thriller not to miss.… Expand

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8

homer4presidentFeb 4, 2016

I thought the intro and ending was excellent. I thought the score was amazing too and also the cinematography. However, I found the middle of the movie to be extremely boring and tedious.

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8

GentM2015Mar 20, 2016

Sicario is a very well directed and beautifully shot movie that follows an FBI agent who is enlisted by a governmental task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs.The film is directed by Denis Villeneuve and the lead stars are EmilySicario is a very well directed and beautifully shot movie that follows an FBI agent who is enlisted by a governmental task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs.The film is directed by Denis Villeneuve and the lead stars are Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin.
The main things that stand out from this movie are the acting, directing and the brilliant cinematography from the amazing Roger Deakins who can do no wrong.Everybody in the movie is amazing, especially Emily Blunt, who is traumatized most of the time and this is certainly one of the best roles I have ever seen her play. Benicio del Toro also really surprised me and his character is really mysterious.
The action in this movie, while there's not much of it, it was still great and very intense. Also, the score is amazing by Jóhann Jóhannsson and it totally deserved the Oscar nomination.
However this movie is very slow in some parts and it feels like it's dragging on for quite a while. There are some good intense sequences but at the same time some slow parts that go on forever. The ending is also weird with a surprise twist.
Nonetheless I enjoyed this movie but I wouldn't say it's one of the 2015's best.… Expand

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8

FilmPhonicOct 5, 2015

Director Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners) teams up with cinematographer extraordinaire Roger Deakins (The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo) in an ultra-realist tense and bleak crime thriller, set in the backdrop of the current version of the USA’sDirector Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners) teams up with cinematographer extraordinaire Roger Deakins (The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo) in an ultra-realist tense and bleak crime thriller, set in the backdrop of the current version of the USA’s so-called “war on drugs” centered around Mexico, and within the wider context of an evolving decades-old crisis.

‘Sicario’ is a striking and well-crafted tense action thriller with an ominous feel throughout in keeping with Villeneuve’s recent work. There’s also a clear tactical-militaristic style that’s reminiscent of Kathryn Bigelow’s work in ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ and ‘The Hurt Locker’ , which itself should be an eye-opener as it’s depicting what happens on a regular basis just south of the most powerful and advanced nation on earth, seemingly uncontrollably, often bleeding across the border.

Emily Blunt delivers a strong central performance, through which the audience discovers this insane world, as a female FBI agent in a distinctly male environment but ‘Sicario’ doesn’t dwell on it or get sucked into sexual politics. Josh Brolin is also solid while Benicio Del Toro steals the show with his second superb performance in a drug-war drama. Which incidentally reminds us that given the escalation in drug-cartel activities over the last 15 years, perhaps it’s time for a sequel to Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Traffic’ which would greatly expand on what we see in ‘Sicario’.

And that’s perhaps the only major negative aspect of this film, Villeneuve’s decision to make the narrative an uncompromising mission-like thriller means it only skims the surface of the current drug-war, leaving us tantalized but unsatisfied by what might have been. The result is certainly compelling, but we would have liked to see an expansion of the context which has seen American authorities, namely the CIA, simultaneously fight against and benefit from drug trafficking while losing control of a crisis in the Americas that has existed for decades, but which is rapidly evolving into something increasingly ominous.

The Bottom Line..
A stark and meticulously crafted crime thriller, ‘Sicario’ does a cursory job illuminating the current state of the US “war on drugs”, but will keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat throughout, makes us more excited to see how Denis Villeneuve and Roger Deakins tackle the upcoming ‘Blade Runner’ sequel.… Expand

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8

Jess_HillSep 25, 2015

A tense drama that is engaging yet leaves you feeling helpless. The performances are excellent, Blunt is superb, and the ensemble cast present subtle characters with depth and precision. The storyline is complex, revealing itselfA tense drama that is engaging yet leaves you feeling helpless. The performances are excellent, Blunt is superb, and the ensemble cast present subtle characters with depth and precision. The storyline is complex, revealing itself incrementally, meaning the motivations of the characters reveal themselves slowly; too late in some instances. The pacing is restrained, and the overall plot plays out to a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. Themically, this is necessary, and ultimately I enjoyed this film. A second viewing would enhance the experience again. 8.32/10… Expand

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8

geo333Oct 4, 2015

Sicario is dark, dramatic and mysterious that makes it a compelling movie to watch. Led by Benecio Del Toro performance and director Denis Villeneuve; who help bring to life the drug war and its cruelty in full effect. Overall, Sicario is aSicario is dark, dramatic and mysterious that makes it a compelling movie to watch. Led by Benecio Del Toro performance and director Denis Villeneuve; who help bring to life the drug war and its cruelty in full effect. Overall, Sicario is a great drama thriller movie.… Expand

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8

PrashunOct 16, 2015

So after liking Black Mass my bias for crime films continues further here, I really liked Sicario, it was well directed, acted and the cinematography was beautiful. At the heart of Sciario, the plot is quite simple, a talented FBI rookie-So after liking Black Mass my bias for crime films continues further here, I really liked Sicario, it was well directed, acted and the cinematography was beautiful. At the heart of Sciario, the plot is quite simple, a talented FBI rookie- Kate (Emily Blunt) gets called up to a higher up narcotics unit who claim that their fight makes a difference and if she wants to make a difference and start dealing with higher level cartel mafia they were the only unit which can help her out. The said unit led by Graver (Josh Borlin) has hired a special contractor Alejandro Gillick (Benecio Del Toro) of mysterious origins who is a smooth multilingual talker and a ruthless killer all rolled into one; basically James Bond without all the womanizing and silliness. Gillick and Graver take liberties during their missions and don't go about their business by the books in fact sometimes they seem bigger criminals than the drug cartel they fight against. Kate is an idealist and this disturbs her, but at the same time she also wants to make a difference, this theme is the meat and potatoes of the movie. I personally found this theme a lot more relatable than Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners' "I will fall to any depths for my child" theme because I am not a parent and but still old enough to realize that how many times I wish I could have done something which really mattered to the society I live in. Everyone's great here, Emily Blunt and Josh Brolin perform well but the man who is the spirit of this movie and it's namesake is the Sciario (meaning The Hit-man) himself- Benecio Del Toro, we find the Academy Award winner here in top form, I was reminded of the fact how physically imposing he was when he towered above Josh Brolin (who is a big guy himself); coupled with the fact he was so intimidating, this was a great casting choice and I hope to see a nomination for Del Toro in Best Supporting Actor category.

Some things I wish the film did better was if it dealt with the details, the nitty gritties which I enjoyed in Black Mass, what's the hierarchy of the cartel? How is the business carried out? How is the load distributed? Answers to these questions are lacking in this movie and it is details like this which truly elevate crime films and make them realistic. The ending was also a little too Gung-Ho for my liking, I also liked the fact while this film had better editing than Prisoners, the film still had some "fat" and could have been trimmed by fifteen minutes or so. Lastly, I am glad that this movie had a very unique well shot encounter between the Cartel and Narcotics unit it was in an underground tunnel of sorts and the shots alternated between night vision and normal vision while ominous music played in the background, good stuff, I like that Villeneuve has made this more visually appealing than his previous works.… Expand

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8

AnarchyAusOct 26, 2015

Good acting and great directing/writing. The film takes a harsh look at the drug war and holds you in it's palms for every suspenseful second. Denis Villeneuve with is film has cemented his name as directing/writing combo to watch out for inGood acting and great directing/writing. The film takes a harsh look at the drug war and holds you in it's palms for every suspenseful second. Denis Villeneuve with is film has cemented his name as directing/writing combo to watch out for in the future.… Expand

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8

RealLeatherNov 11, 2015

If you like Michael Mann films then you will probably like this. Not a particularly inventive film but it does have it's fair share of very captivating moments and some thrilling short and sweet action sequences. Some of the charactersIf you like Michael Mann films then you will probably like this. Not a particularly inventive film but it does have it's fair share of very captivating moments and some thrilling short and sweet action sequences. Some of the characters (including Emily Blunt's) feel a bit by-the-numbers and some of the story arcs were quite predictable. Del Toro stole the show.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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8

Xan_RyilDec 3, 2015

What a movie, It is second movie of Director Denis Villeneuve I have seen and both time i said the same. Perfect cast and breathtaking cinematography and background score. Emily Blunt starts the movie with stunning performance but its DelWhat a movie, It is second movie of Director Denis Villeneuve I have seen and both time i said the same. Perfect cast and breathtaking cinematography and background score. Emily Blunt starts the movie with stunning performance but its Del Toro to whom this movie actually belongs. Actor takes torture and perfect assassin to another level.
I did not expect any less from the director of Oscar Nominated Incendies and i was not disappointed.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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8

aadityamudharApr 19, 2016

Sicario is a great follow up from Prisoners by director Villenueve. The cinematography is excellent and score is heart thumping. The movie keeps an intense atmosphere from beginning to end.

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8

EpicLadySpongeFeb 20, 2016

Sicario is enjoyable! While you enjoy Sicario on home media, please take the time to view behind the scenes that bought you the making of this excellent movie.

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8

RatedRexJan 13, 2016

A haunting performance by Benicio Del Toro highlights this, deliberately paced, dark, sinister movie. Some of the dialog was hard to understand, and it took awhile to figure out what exactly was going on. But if you stay with it, withoutA haunting performance by Benicio Del Toro highlights this, deliberately paced, dark, sinister movie. Some of the dialog was hard to understand, and it took awhile to figure out what exactly was going on. But if you stay with it, without distractions, everything becomes crystal clear in the end. Emily Blunt, who reprises her tough-girl role that she played in "Edge of Tomorrow", isn't given a lot to do.. And Josh Brolin's WTF personality is a little distracting. But overall "Sicario" is solid, adult entertainment. It is one of the top movies of the year.… Expand

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8

TheBloodRavenDec 30, 2015

Sicario was a superb film that i heavily enjoyed from start to finish. Emily Blunt smashes her role as a morally conscience FBI agent with a need to hunt down the bad guys. The films overall tone is gritty and dark, highlighting the harshSicario was a superb film that i heavily enjoyed from start to finish. Emily Blunt smashes her role as a morally conscience FBI agent with a need to hunt down the bad guys. The films overall tone is gritty and dark, highlighting the harsh reality of the violence and horror that occurs in the modern world of America as well as parts of Mexico. Benicio Del Toro nails it as a mysterious and deadly antagonist and this really shines in his scenes with Blunt, conveying an underling light vs dark and good vs evil theme. Sicario's cinematography is brilliant. The film is definitely one of the best looking of 2015 with vibrant and colorful backdrops, juxtaposing heavily with the dark scenes transpiring in the foreground. Josh Brolin and Daniel Kaluuya also are strong supporting actors, both providing the film with a heightened sense of urgency as well as a balanced level of comic relief which doesn't take away from the films overarching narrative. Sicario is a well written story, however the film does fall short in some scenes with slow moving plot points and a handful of unnecessary scenes. Nonetheless, Sicario deserves praise for a gripping story, stellar and intense action pieces, strong performances in most characters as well as a chilling finish which will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.… Expand

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8

AquaMorphJan 12, 2016

I can sign that this was a good movie. The pacing in this movie is fanatic moving seamlessly from slow paced build up to high intensity action. The cinematography is gorgeous and the film is well written.

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8

landres28Jan 17, 2016

If you want to know what a "sicario" really is, I recommend the movie "La virgen de los sicarios" based on an homonymous book, from Colombia, a really great great film.

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8

ZachSchellerAug 14, 2016

Villeneuve has building quite the reputation for extreme suspense. He makes a heavy, slow thriller around the Mexican drug war. Del Torro gives his best performance in years. Main issue is the confusion of its plot.

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8

GMReviewsSep 10, 2016

Sicario captures the reality of the film in visual splendour, and is led by amazing performances from Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro, as well as Josh Brolin. This is a film that doesn't rely on explosions and gunfights but on something on aSicario captures the reality of the film in visual splendour, and is led by amazing performances from Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro, as well as Josh Brolin. This is a film that doesn't rely on explosions and gunfights but on something on a bigger level, making this a satisfying crime drama.… Expand

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8

daviddelnorte23Mar 8, 2017

Ví Sicario una vez cuando se estrenó. Fue una película que tampoco llamó en gran medida mi atención. Pero dado a las grandes críticas que cosechó, decidí volver a verla y entonces es cuando, ahora sí, me ha parecido tremenda.

Y es que loVí Sicario una vez cuando se estrenó. Fue una película que tampoco llamó en gran medida mi atención. Pero dado a las grandes críticas que cosechó, decidí volver a verla y entonces es cuando, ahora sí, me ha parecido tremenda.

Y es que lo primero que destaco son esos planos tan Villenueve, increible fotografía que hace presiosa de ver, aunque el entorno donde tiene lugar, no lo es precisamente. El guión es fabuloso y la madurez tanto del relato, de temas y de personajes es muy adulta y valiente.

Los actores están bien, correctos, aunque tampoco me parece que haya una super-interpretación por parte de nadie. Tampoco hacía falta contratar a John Berthal para dos escenas...

En conclusión, para mí Sicario es un peliculón pero no es mejor que la llegada. Notable alto.… Expand

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8

red_ninja_9Jul 24, 2017

Happened to stumble onto this movie. It was quite entertaining, this movie is comparable to "Training Day" - suspenseful cartel movie. Emily Blunt really didn't do much in the movie but complains, **** and has mental breakdowns. Del Toro wasHappened to stumble onto this movie. It was quite entertaining, this movie is comparable to "Training Day" - suspenseful cartel movie. Emily Blunt really didn't do much in the movie but complains, **** and has mental breakdowns. Del Toro was excellent. He was calm, cool, and collective. This movie is a must.… Expand

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8

UnskyJul 24, 2017

Some shoots just looked amazing. The visuals were really good and so was the acting. On the other hand I kinda felt that the plot didn't progress and it was frustrating. This doesn't change the fact that my overall impression is really positive.

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8

WalterKovacsDec 26, 2017

Well executed scenes with great pacing. An exciting film that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. A must see film.

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8

AndrewBurgeSep 29, 2018

'Sicario' has moments of sprawling tension, executed perfectly mostly through Joe Walker's precise editing and a nerve-wrecking score by the late Jóhann Jóhannsson. Of course, all encapsulated by Denis Villeneuve's striking directing style'Sicario' has moments of sprawling tension, executed perfectly mostly through Joe Walker's precise editing and a nerve-wrecking score by the late Jóhann Jóhannsson. Of course, all encapsulated by Denis Villeneuve's striking directing style and the great Roger Deakins' highly produced cinematography.

Two scenes steal the show in 'Sicario'. We have the convoy of all black Chevrolet jeeps passing through the Mexican Border. It is a scene presented with cutting-edge camera-movement and is a tense, stressful scene. The ending scene goes full 'Zero Dark Thirty' being a high definition demonstration of American Special Forces procedures filled with radio-chatter, drones and, most importantly, cover-up.

The film has outstanding production values and great performances by Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin. This is a film filled with secrets, eventual discoveries and careful realizations. Throughout all of it, we are being taken through a textbook executed war on drugs yet as we get closer to the ending another story unfolds. Taylor Sheridan's script makes this story work on many levels and as I got closer to the ending, the film accommodated me to the 'means to an end' philosophy of its characters. But then again, in a land where drug dealers mercilessly chop people and put them on display, school football matches being randomly interrupted by gunshots and families being torn apart by narcotics, this was not hard to do.

In the end, 'Sicario' might lack a certain sustenance and its lead character Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) might feel a bit passive, but, as a whole, the film gets its point across in a polished manner. Couldn't help but notice there were more mothers than fathers watching those football games...… Expand

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8

ahmedaiman9999Apr 23, 2018

Besides the masterful technical aspect and the powerful performances, the movie has earned its place among the best revenge thriller movies due to telling this story from a new perspective.This is the thing that make every turning point andBesides the masterful technical aspect and the powerful performances, the movie has earned its place among the best revenge thriller movies due to telling this story from a new perspective.This is the thing that make every turning point and every reveal seems like a subtle plot twist.

The moral dilemma is the weakest point in Sicario; as it was represented in a very direct way, made me less captivated throughout the movie, and also made me take a while to engage with the story. (8/10)… Expand

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8

0326990qdiun123Jun 28, 2018

I love Emily Blunt I love Emily Blunt I love Emily Blunt I love Emily Blunt

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8

Kirollos-NoahNov 29, 2018

Sicario is directed by Denis Villeneuve, written by Taylor Sheridan and starring Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro.

In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent [Emily Blunt] isSicario is directed by Denis Villeneuve, written by Taylor Sheridan and starring Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro.

In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent [Emily Blunt] is enlisted by an elite government task force official [Josh Brolin] to aid in the escalating war against drugs. Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past [Benicio Del Toro], the team sets out on a clandestine journey forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive.

A great fast-paced, dark and powerful story, with an amazing direction adding some very talented cast, but with a couple of flaws, this is how Sicario was born.

Let's jump to the flaws.. Emily Blunt's character wasn't so necessary, she had no goal but just going with the waves of this movie, but with her amazing performance, she convinced me -or I pretended being convinced- that her goal is cleaning the world of it's dark crimes, but for me, it's uneven.

Some scenes were so confusing, and there was nothing to give any hope, it's just dark.. from the beginning to the very very end!

These are the flaws of this movie, everything else was well made.. the breathtaking scenes mixed with amazing performances with great story.

Sicario is a great movie, and I'm gonna give it an A-.

Alright, next one is Sicario: Day of the Soldado, stick around. And thanks for reading my review, wish you like it.… Expand

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8

MurphyBrandonJul 29, 2020

Great suspense that keeps you guessing about what is actually happening and who is giving the orders. The impact is heavy because it's set in a real modern-day conflict.

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8

MrScallopsJun 19, 2019

"Sicario" is a stylish, realistic and altogether professional crime film, showing the different sides of the Mexican drug war.

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8

CameAug 22, 2019

Sicario is a descent and solid crime thriller. You can expect some good performances, action scenes and other stuff.
Generally this is a good film and i don't have many words to describe it.

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8

DogeGamer2015Sep 7, 2021

Es una buena película de acción y suspenso; la trama es muy buena y las actuaciones de Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro y Josh Brolin son excelentes, es muy recomendable.

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8

buttermypugJun 20, 2020

Subjectively for myself sicario provides an attention to detail and thematic elements that I usually cant find in action dramas. The messages it shows are nuanced and never one sided. It can easily be said that although some characters areSubjectively for myself sicario provides an attention to detail and thematic elements that I usually cant find in action dramas. The messages it shows are nuanced and never one sided. It can easily be said that although some characters are worse than others no one in this film is truly a pure good guy. Captivating sequencing and great music gives me a reason to re watch this movie. Strongly recommend.… Expand

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8

AuthorityKindMay 21, 2022

It has masterful pacing and cinematography, that alone can carry you through the movie. Its writing is superb and the characters are both well realized and well used in the narrative. Denis' style is also excellent, and the how he holds hisIt has masterful pacing and cinematography, that alone can carry you through the movie. Its writing is superb and the characters are both well realized and well used in the narrative. Denis' style is also excellent, and the how he holds his shots makes the movie even more immersive and thrilling, than had it been done in the more conventional Hollywood way.… Expand

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7

CMCSep 27, 2015

Good movie for the genre, with better than average dialogue, cinematography. Involving and suspenseful, entirely predictable. So for what it is and tries to be, I give it a 7. In the pantheon of films, it is more like a 3.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

mani8kgmOct 15, 2015

Hmmmm. It promised so much, but delivered very little by the end. Almost kitsch. It gets the rating because it was riveting. Just a let down by the end of it!!!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

EludiumQ36Jun 5, 2016

Tough film to watch at times with depictions of drug cartel savagery, but it provides insight into black ops against drug kingpins. Josh Brolin portrayed well a confident, laid back "Matt", and Benicio Del Toro was convincingly menacing asTough film to watch at times with depictions of drug cartel savagery, but it provides insight into black ops against drug kingpins. Josh Brolin portrayed well a confident, laid back "Matt", and Benicio Del Toro was convincingly menacing as "Alejandro" aka Sicario, however, Emily Blunt made for a poor "Kate". I'm not blaming her, she's a great actress, I'm just saying she was wrong for the role and that took away points from the film because she was more distracting than immersed. The final few scenes of the film were so anti-climatic, too, with "Kate" pointing her gun at "Alejandro" yet again when she was warned not to, and the final soccer field scene. I understand what the director was attempting but it didn't measure up to the prior events. Really needs a more worthy ending if/when someone remakes it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

Trev29Jan 24, 2016

The movie starts with incredible intensity, slows down a bit, and then finishes strong. Emily Blunt is fantastic and has unfortunately gone unnoticed this awards season. Impressive score also.

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7

Compi24Sep 27, 2015

Villeneuve, Deakins, Johansson, Del Toro, and Blunt are all utterly remarkable in their respective duties, but there's a fundamental flaw in the film's narrative DNA - the unbearably inconsequential spectator of a protagonist at the film'sVilleneuve, Deakins, Johansson, Del Toro, and Blunt are all utterly remarkable in their respective duties, but there's a fundamental flaw in the film's narrative DNA - the unbearably inconsequential spectator of a protagonist at the film's center. Instead of motivating the events of the story herself, our main character is relegated to witnessing all of the acts be committed by other characters around her. Yes, it is clear that there is a point being made here about the futile frustrations of the American war on drugs. But if "Zero Dark Thirty" has taught us anything, it's that movies can be made about the asinine quirks of bureaucracy without having an inactive main character. This issue aside though, it's clear Villeneuve's crafted a real winner here, especially when you look at the film's pulse-pounding final act. With "Sicario" and Villeneuve's other films in mind, it's safe to say the director's found himself down quite a badass trajectory.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

Meth-dudeApr 29, 2020

"Sicario" is a solid, well directed and ambitious thriller. With terrific acting performances, impressive action sequences and a great ending, it definitely deserves the acclaim it gets.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

nHeat87Nov 15, 2015

I, much like the lead character in this movie, never quite made a connection with what is supposed to be the plot of the movie. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, but I never felt like the character relationships were believable as theyI, much like the lead character in this movie, never quite made a connection with what is supposed to be the plot of the movie. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, but I never felt like the character relationships were believable as they were portrayed which was made more difficult with the "gritty" storyline.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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7

AliceofXSep 22, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sicario is a film about the powerlessness of man when faced with great evil. When it all comes over you, more akin to a storm or some other natural catastrophe.

The film has a slow pace and it takes its time building up to the main point of the story. The final scene with Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro is among the best that I have seen this year.

Sicario's combination of gruesome violence and minimal soundtrack creates this strange atmosphere to the film. It is amidst the most depressing I've see. Now I'm not talking about tear-jerking sad films, but about that sort of bleak hopelessness that is hard to get right.

Recently there was an article that said they are planning a sequel with Benicio Del Toro's character and I wondered how would they do that since the film's focus is on Kate. She embodies the film's point. Very quickly you notice that she is the only female character in a land of men. I think this was a deliberate choice to further showcase how she stands out in this world, a world without the good guys. A world where those who play by the rules can't win.

Overall, Sicario might not be a film for everyone but I think it will definitely have a place amongst this year's best.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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7

OkinAZOct 4, 2015

This would have been a much better movie if the sound quality was better. It was hard to follow at times because of the sound quality and I had hearing aides on. Older movies sound quality much better than today's. Do not understand why.This would have been a much better movie if the sound quality was better. It was hard to follow at times because of the sound quality and I had hearing aides on. Older movies sound quality much better than today's. Do not understand why. I can still re-watch older movies and hear the words. Now days movies, good luck! A very violent, dark movie - del Toro what a horrible character but he had me believing. My opinion, he stole the show (Oscar quality). Although Blunt was good in the movie, just thought her character was not very believable. If FBI, agent would know the harshness of the cartel, etc. So, think the writers did her character injustice, to a certain extent. Made her look innocent and frail, which I cannot believe especially after she uncovers 20+ bodies hidden behind a wall in Arizona. Brolin added to the creepy feel of the movie but have seen him play better roles in movies.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

DavidV293Jan 23, 2016

It's that type of film that would leave with some questions and I like that because it's something mysterious and original. 'Sicario' was somehow fun and had a great set of action sequences. To me, it wasn't intense because I kinda knew theIt's that type of film that would leave with some questions and I like that because it's something mysterious and original. 'Sicario' was somehow fun and had a great set of action sequences. To me, it wasn't intense because I kinda knew the whole deal. The movie drags on and on till it gets where it supposed to. I'm talking about the scenes that included planning and explaining. Sicario is fun to watch, but it's not worth to be on my collection of movies.… Expand

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7

moviecritic68Oct 21, 2015

Very good realistic action . Storyline is believable in today's world. Scored it below the average user score due to predictability & some weak acting at times. Overall I give it a 7.5 . Mostly for it's intensity. More of a wait till itVery good realistic action . Storyline is believable in today's world. Scored it below the average user score due to predictability & some weak acting at times. Overall I give it a 7.5 . Mostly for it's intensity. More of a wait till it comes out on DVD movie than a must see but not a complete waste of money if you do choose to go see it.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

RalfbergsJul 30, 2016

In my opinion it is a good movie, but no really like amazing or great. Yes, it has good acting, but the whole story itself wasn't that interesting and some of it doesn't make sense. For example, Blunt's character wasn't really that muchIn my opinion it is a good movie, but no really like amazing or great. Yes, it has good acting, but the whole story itself wasn't that interesting and some of it doesn't make sense. For example, Blunt's character wasn't really that much connected with the story itself - yes, she was there all the time, but mostly just being confused, angry, or disappointed with something. The only really great thing was Benicio Del Toro - both his performance and his storyline was what was great - the rest of the movie was okay. maybe I just had too high expectations.… Expand

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7

TheKavehJOct 5, 2015

I honestly don't think it's Oscar worthy at all, but Emily Blunt, Bencio Del Toro, and Josh Brolin all act great, and Denis Villenuve directs greatly too.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

smiyamotFeb 14, 2016

Well done movie about the drug trade across the Mexico border and what it does to the people of Mexico who are caught in the crossfire of the drug cartels. The story itself is an eye opener as far as the CIA, Delta force, and others beingWell done movie about the drug trade across the Mexico border and what it does to the people of Mexico who are caught in the crossfire of the drug cartels. The story itself is an eye opener as far as the CIA, Delta force, and others being involved in a seemingly US territory operation. I had to drop my rating because it involves an FBI agent who want to arrest the bad guys, not shoot them. Why would this clandestine operation get someone like her if that is their goal? Why do movie makers use this particular conflict between the characters of the movie? Detracts from the conflict of innocent civilians getting murdered.… Expand

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7

Ruinercero84Jan 4, 2016

The movie itself it's good. The photography is great, but the parts where supposedly mexicans speak its awful. Mexico has one of the greatest traditions in world cinema, so it's a shame that with millions of dollars, producers and directorsThe movie itself it's good. The photography is great, but the parts where supposedly mexicans speak its awful. Mexico has one of the greatest traditions in world cinema, so it's a shame that with millions of dollars, producers and directors cannot get real and native spanish speakers / latin / mexican american actors.

The movie it's like reading an excellent book but with the details I mentioned it's like an excellent novel with bad spelling and orthography in some pages.… Expand

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7

AntonishereFeb 1, 2016

This was one of the goriest and most shocking movies of 2015, if you arent into the drug wars then this movie will seem slow paced and kind of boring, but for me the acting is amazing, the action scenes are appropriated and the script wasThis was one of the goriest and most shocking movies of 2015, if you arent into the drug wars then this movie will seem slow paced and kind of boring, but for me the acting is amazing, the action scenes are appropriated and the script was brilliant, plus Josh Brolin steals the show.… Expand

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7

AbeMCMay 30, 2018

A contemplative reflection on the battles against the cartels at the US-Mexico border. A complete film - artistic without being full of itself, sparing use of music soundtrack, and visually stable (no shaky-cam). A little uncertain in itsA contemplative reflection on the battles against the cartels at the US-Mexico border. A complete film - artistic without being full of itself, sparing use of music soundtrack, and visually stable (no shaky-cam). A little uncertain in its use of characters - Blunt's seems to be the main focus, though Del Toro's dominates the climatic scene. Worth watching for its vicious depiction of cartel violence and Emily Blunt's excellent performance as a conflicted, more traditionally-minded member of law enforcement who isn't comfortable with skirting the law to strike back at the cartels.… Expand

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7

KaptenVideoDec 24, 2017

In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is enlisted to aid in the escalating war against drugs.

Also starring, Josh Brolin, Daniel Kaluuya, Benicio Del Toro, Victor Garber, JonIn the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) is enlisted to aid in the escalating war against drugs.

Also starring, Josh Brolin, Daniel Kaluuya, Benicio Del Toro, Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal.

„Sicario“ was the only movie in English directed by Denis Villeneuve that I hadn’t seen yet. All five (including „Prisoners“, „Enemy“, „Arrival“, „Blade Runner 2049“) have been cult hits and among the most critically acclaimed screen works of given release year.

Villeneuve’s movies are emotionally distant, slow-burning, and usually more dependent on mood than sharp storytelling. I am not the fan of his style – it's too slow, rather uneventful, lacks sharp dialogue and character building – but I gotta admit that it always pays off.

I could also say that „Sicario“ doesn’t really offer any intriguing characters except Del Toro’s (good that he’s gonna be back for sequel „Soldado“) and the best drug war / trafficking stories are just more captivating (especially „The Wire“ and „Breaking Bad“)…

But it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a solid thriller, and a cool movie which makes you gradually more and more thankful that you endured the rather slow first half.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

o_retyDec 1, 2019

Realistic and gritty tale of war on drugs. Maybe a tad too long, but overall not bad.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

AJ_13Jul 12, 2021

Intense, well acted and well shot action thriller. I definitely won't visit Juarez this summer.

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6

podunk411Nov 28, 2015

The directing and cinematography were great. The overall performances were solid. However I can't get past how poorly written the main character is, (Emily Blunt) or her partner. There's something missing when they get the short end of theThe directing and cinematography were great. The overall performances were solid. However I can't get past how poorly written the main character is, (Emily Blunt) or her partner. There's something missing when they get the short end of the stick in the story. Almost feels like several key scenes were cut that would've given Blunt's character more of an active role in everything. Whatever the reason for the oversight, it's still an action packed movie worth watching, just not best film of the year.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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6

randombananaJan 19, 2016

Could have been a way better movie as the plot is certainly interesting. Every part where Kate wasn't in a lead role i liked, I really did not like the girl however and most of her scenes, especially those with her sidekick are extremelyCould have been a way better movie as the plot is certainly interesting. Every part where Kate wasn't in a lead role i liked, I really did not like the girl however and most of her scenes, especially those with her sidekick are extremely jarring. They focused way too much on the emotional side of her and except for the first 5 minutes where you think she's this tough chick she is whining all the time. Did they really need like 3-4 scenes of her smoking a cigarette to show how this stuff is affecting her?… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

jcasetnlNov 30, 2016

Keeps interest with gritty visuals and interesting characters, but Emily Blunt is completely miscast as the hand-picked local law enforcement to assist in a larger drug operation that plays fast and loose with the law. Blunt, sold early inKeeps interest with gritty visuals and interesting characters, but Emily Blunt is completely miscast as the hand-picked local law enforcement to assist in a larger drug operation that plays fast and loose with the law. Blunt, sold early in the film as a tough-but-moral cop (and her toughness is a hard sell, indeed) makes one bumbling, naive move after another as the chaos of the drug war is revealed to her. From a plot perspective, ultimately her roll in the drug operation really doesn't make much sense, and it doesn't take much thought to imagine a ton of other FBI better suited to the overarching goals. Vague, I know, but I can't say more unless you want spoilers.

Setting aside Blunt, a side story of a Mexican State police officer who smuggles drugs never really goes anywhere save to humanize some of the low-level traffickers "just trying to put food on the table". Of course he loves his son. Of course his wife is worried and prays at dinner. Of course his son plays soccer. Lastly, if you like films with military operations, tactics and so on, this isn't your film. Literally in the first couple minutes, Blunt is on an FBI operation to bust a drug house in full body armor, assault weapons and a troop carrier. As they're searching the house yelling tactical stuff like "room clear!", Blunt walks into a room without looking(!!), and the cliche bad guy with a shotgun is of course standing right out in the open, and of course is going to shoot it out despite dozens of agents swarming the building. He manages to miss from five feet away, but ol' quick draw Emily Blunt spins and pumps him full of lead. He falls to the ground still clutching the shotgun, and Blunt walks right up to him, doesn't neutralize his weapon and then checks his pulse. For a film trying to do gritty realism, it doesn't fly.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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6

TheApplegnomeAug 20, 2017

’Sicario’ is a stunningly directed drama flick, with a story that’s highly intense — even without that much action. It’s a very plot-driven and slowly paced story, and for some; kinda boring. It got its moments of symbolism and powerful’Sicario’ is a stunningly directed drama flick, with a story that’s highly intense — even without that much action. It’s a very plot-driven and slowly paced story, and for some; kinda boring. It got its moments of symbolism and powerful imagery, but drags on without that much thrills or character moments. Its finale got some of this, but the overall film doesn’t. Still; the director of both ’Arrival’ and ’Prisoners’ succeeds once again with a stunningly directed flick!

Personal rating: 68/100
Critical rating: 80/100… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

Brent_MarchantFeb 1, 2016

A would-be thriller that never quite lives up to its potential, due to numerous lapses into labored storytelling. The film's superb action sequences, beautiful cinematography, fine performances and haunting soundtrack are real stand-outs,A would-be thriller that never quite lives up to its potential, due to numerous lapses into labored storytelling. The film's superb action sequences, beautiful cinematography, fine performances and haunting soundtrack are real stand-outs, but, unfortunately, they're undercut by uneven pacing and the inclusion of a little too much padding. With a little tightening up, this could have been a much better effort.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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6

xhaosisOct 15, 2015

It was good, but not great...

Th movie, was good... The story was what brought down the rating.. I still do not quite understand what the point was to this movie. Cowboys vs Indians pretty much from what I got from it.. No matter howIt was good, but not great...

Th movie, was good... The story was what brought down the rating.. I still do not quite understand what the point was to this movie. Cowboys vs Indians pretty much from what I got from it.. No matter how they spun it.

better movies to see first this fall before this one. Get those outta the way First then check this one out.… Expand

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6

Douglas56Sep 26, 2015

The film has its virtues – principally the acting and the look, which is occasionally gorgeous – but it falls short in the most important department, the script. With a predictable plot on a well-worn theme, and with little dialogue of note,The film has its virtues – principally the acting and the look, which is occasionally gorgeous – but it falls short in the most important department, the script. With a predictable plot on a well-worn theme, and with little dialogue of note, it's very hard for Villeneuve to sustain any dramatic tension. What tension there is is largely supplied by an excellent and suitably grim soundtrack. The film's 'message', if that's the right word, is that after decades of politicians' rhetoric about 'the war on drugs', the reality is that this is what drug enforcement has become - just another bloody war - with all that implies for the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. That's really the best I can say about Sicario.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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6

gdiego135Jan 6, 2016

Everyone is different, everyone has their own way of thinking, and their tastes, this movie just wasn't my kind of movie, it was too slow paced, and kind of boring to me, sorry for whoever liked it, the only part that got my interested isEveryone is different, everyone has their own way of thinking, and their tastes, this movie just wasn't my kind of movie, it was too slow paced, and kind of boring to me, sorry for whoever liked it, the only part that got my interested is when Shane (the walking dead) showed up.… Expand

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6

amheretojudgeJan 16, 2018

you gotta learn how to sleep on a plane..

Sicario

Sicario walks on its interesting perspective, intense execution and some chilling scenes but it also fumbles on its way down as it takes a lot of time to reach its destination.

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6

AgentLviJul 9, 2023

not bad movie, but not good either. The story is really miss & match, visual is decent, and the voice is also decent

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5

JamesLOct 4, 2015

A one dimensional , pointless film propped up by gratuitous violence instead of a solid plot. I have seen this story told a million times before but in so many better ways. Del Toro has played this role has million times before. It was reallyA one dimensional , pointless film propped up by gratuitous violence instead of a solid plot. I have seen this story told a million times before but in so many better ways. Del Toro has played this role has million times before. It was really rather boring and predictable.… Expand

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

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5

kamgeforceDec 25, 2015

Pretty much no story whatsoever, the trend of female and black guy continues, both characters absolutely useless and added only for "diversity" reasons. Solid audio visuals, though the soundtrack is bland and forgetable. Worth seeing only forPretty much no story whatsoever, the trend of female and black guy continues, both characters absolutely useless and added only for "diversity" reasons. Solid audio visuals, though the soundtrack is bland and forgetable. Worth seeing only for Benicio Del Toro.… Expand

8 of 8 users found this helpful80

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5

penfifteenSep 27, 2015

Great acting. Great cinematography. GREAT music. Great directing. But a mediocre plot. The protagonist, who you want to take action and have a little input in her own future, is a passive passenger, only along for the ride (kicking andGreat acting. Great cinematography. GREAT music. Great directing. But a mediocre plot. The protagonist, who you want to take action and have a little input in her own future, is a passive passenger, only along for the ride (kicking and screaming the whole way.) The first half is amazing, the second half, unfortunately, is a bit of a dud.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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5

shellviewFeb 8, 2016

I found "Sicario" disappointing. Although there were many tense, thrilling scenes the movie did not have a flow. The story was hard to follow to its ending. It was a raging sexist movie hiding behind its lead character. Emily Blunt'sI found "Sicario" disappointing. Although there were many tense, thrilling scenes the movie did not have a flow. The story was hard to follow to its ending. It was a raging sexist movie hiding behind its lead character. Emily Blunt's character had casual sex out of loneliness and cried at the most girlie of times not something a male lead would do. She was also chastised by her partner for not taking care of her appearance...really? A man would have said "You should smell my pits". I think the supporting cast did a great job that outshone Blunt in every scene. The constant droning music lost its effectiveness through so much over use. "Sicario" was just a slicker version of the American TV show "The Bridge". All in all a big disappointment.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

TyranianApr 13, 2019

Decent action and everything but it felt derivative and failed to make me care about any of the characters.

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5

foxgroveOct 11, 2015

The problem with Sicario is that it is too much of an infuriating mystery before it becomes anything else. After a stunningly horrific opening the film meanders disappointingly before advancing the story in to any meaningful or understandableThe problem with Sicario is that it is too much of an infuriating mystery before it becomes anything else. After a stunningly horrific opening the film meanders disappointingly before advancing the story in to any meaningful or understandable context. Dealing as it does with the drug trade between Mexico and the states, the picture is predictably violent requiring constant viewer attention, but is never boring. The screenplay is generally fine, but there are definitely situations that are questionable plot contrivances (Officials fast tracking cars through the border only to have them caught in a traffic jam; The pointless act of obtaining Blunt’s signature to stop her talking, and even Del Toro’s motive for his involvement in the operation). The traffic jam shootout is actually a very good set piece and, whilst the film may take its time for three quarters of its length, there is no denying the power and tension created in the last half an hour. The sound and music add volumes in atmosphere and the performances of the three leads are good.
Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro both play unsympathetic characters. Brolin comes over as smug and confidently self-satisfied whilst Del Toro, giving the film’s best performance, is a silent and mysterious character who can turn impassively violent in a heartbeat. Surprisingly, given the early buzz on her role, Emily Blunt’s character turns out to be very reactionary to the males around her. For much of the running time she hasn’t a clue as to what is going on and seems to be there either to be brutalised or ignored, appearing naïve and out of her depth. Considering that this is the type of lead that would normally have gone to a male star it is all the more surprising a let-down. This is definitely not a performance heading for an Oscar nomination despite her excellence at what little is required of her.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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5

DanGreenieSep 27, 2015

Not for kids of any age. A very dark, gory movie with an eerie soundtrack to enhance the plot. Violence incarnate to reflect the depraved nature of the drug business. I found the tension in the movie to be pervasive with a proper use of cutNot for kids of any age. A very dark, gory movie with an eerie soundtrack to enhance the plot. Violence incarnate to reflect the depraved nature of the drug business. I found the tension in the movie to be pervasive with a proper use of cut aways and suspenseful moments. What gave me LOL moments was the presumption that the female lead was believable. She was not. Her character was a feminist fantasy shattered by the one real scene where a possible hit man succeeds in nearly choking her to death. Had the dark angel not saved her, she would have been toast ... as it would be in real life. Her protesting and silly announcement she would "tell all" was farcical since the "tough chick" could not handle the truth when presented with it. Which is she, a chick-with-a-**** law enforcer or a rigidly moralistic do-gooder who witnessed drugista ruthlessness but could not take them down? I found greater sympatico with the actual hit man than the cardboard cutout female FBI agent.… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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5

abm0Jan 13, 2017

Boring movie. Not much happens. We're just supposed to be oh-so-impressed with the psychotic killers that are the Mexican drug cartels (as if we didn't already know that) and with a special agent chick thrust in the world of hardenedBoring movie. Not much happens. We're just supposed to be oh-so-impressed with the psychotic killers that are the Mexican drug cartels (as if we didn't already know that) and with a special agent chick thrust in the world of hardened law-breaking operatives and who ends up behaving like Bambi caught in headlights. It's not all bad, but at the same time I didn't come out satisfied with the kind of use of my time this was.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

TrailesqueJan 15, 2018

Emily Blunt plays a young drugs enforcement cop who gets roped into an operation that is more complicated than what she bargained for. Brolin, good as always, plays an agent with a hidden agenda, and the good guys begin to growEmily Blunt plays a young drugs enforcement cop who gets roped into an operation that is more complicated than what she bargained for. Brolin, good as always, plays an agent with a hidden agenda, and the good guys begin to grow indistinguishable from the bad boys. (SPOILER ALERT) There are some fine moments and an interesting subtext (the CIA was protecting the Medellin drug cartel, really?) But other sections drag, and the flick is hindered by a mediocre script and unsympathetic characters. Eventually it veers off into a predictable druglord revenge thriller bloodbath.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

VNVreviewerJan 10, 2016

Please don't be fooled by the trailers and any review stating this movie is "action packed" because it isn't. There is some action and most of it is well done (I say only most because the tunnel sequence near the end was extremely poorlyPlease don't be fooled by the trailers and any review stating this movie is "action packed" because it isn't. There is some action and most of it is well done (I say only most because the tunnel sequence near the end was extremely poorly done) but "action packed" is an exaggeration. In between the sparse action is a very slow paced and obtuse movie. Another negative is Emily Blunt's character. I say her character because it is the writing that's at fault rather than Emily Blunt's portrayal. Her constant questioning and moral dilemmas just came across as very irritating and I didn't empathize with her character one bit. Her and her partner's exclusion would have made for a slightly less complicated and more enjoyable movie. Some other positives are that the cinematography was very good, the soundtrack was very atmospheric and effective and Benicio Del Toro was as cool and magnetic as ever but these weren't enough to save the movie. If you're interested in the subject matter, I would still recommend it but if like me, you're not and are looking for an entertaining movie, you should avoid watching it.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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4

CanisrahDec 25, 2015

A convoluted and obtuse plot badly paced can't be explained away by using adjectives like 'gritty' and 'edgy'. But slow exposition aside there are some tense sequences which are entertaining but for the major flaw in this film. The casting.A convoluted and obtuse plot badly paced can't be explained away by using adjectives like 'gritty' and 'edgy'. But slow exposition aside there are some tense sequences which are entertaining but for the major flaw in this film. The casting.

Seriously - Emily Blunt is totally superfluous to the story as is her sidekick. Not only is the presence of this jarring duo unnecessary, but Emily's presence amongst the Delta soldiers and other tough guys comes off as forced and weak. The 'tough female protagonist' angle they were aiming for falls absolutely flat and ends up looking quite absurd.

Ultimately what could have been a serviceable action thriller is undermined by silly casting probably done for 'diversity' reasons - Hollywood insists on pushing this unrealistic feminist/social justice narrative which sees Emily blunt look like a fish out of water and her black guy buddy totally useless and superfluous. If you are going to cast a tough female... at least give her character some flesh to go with the bones and some contextual reason in the plot for actually being there.

It got quite amusing in the end - tense action sequences followed by numerous scenes of Emily Blunt smoking. Action (in which Emily is pretty much a passenger). Emily Smoking. Emily needs a new bra (that's in the film). Action. Emily smoking.

Meh.… Expand

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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4

YoloSwag4DogeMay 22, 2018

I get the appeal, but this film to me seems like sheer fantasy rather than a portrayal of grim reality. The CIA is depicted as an all powerful entity filled to the brim with raw, omnipresent machismo. Everyone is needlessly vague for the sakeI get the appeal, but this film to me seems like sheer fantasy rather than a portrayal of grim reality. The CIA is depicted as an all powerful entity filled to the brim with raw, omnipresent machismo. Everyone is needlessly vague for the sake of appearing ultra mysterious. There's no sense of formality, professionalism or meticulous enforcement. Instead, we have a couple of government renegade spooks who break the law nonchalant with their band of any way, any day special forces operatives. Mexico is illustrated as a cesspool of constant violence and lawlessness, so naturally the renegades have no issue with kidnapping someone from there so they can bring him back to the US to torture him for information at a domestic black site, (cuzz that's what good neighbors do, yah know?) Torture makes people talk, but it rarely provides good Intel as people will just keep making up lies to stop the torture. But in this, it provides spot on details in a matter of minutes that leads to finding the next piece of the drug cartel puzzle. Though the cartel is brutal, our antiheroes are virtually just as bad. Their mob-like methods are supposed to be interpreted as "for the greater good", but everywhere they go they cause death, suffering and all around chaos to get a little bit of cocaine off the streets. Though the stakes are purportedly stopping someone who likes having their crews rig IED's before police raids, the reality is that if that was something that somehow proved beneficial to drug lords, they'd already be doing it all the time and the cops would be trained to deal with it. But nah, our CIA protectors just have to get one guy and the world is saved. There's no moral gray in this, only black and white idealizations of fighting fire with fire. Near the end both antiheroes reveal themselves as being severely anti-social, as in possessing psychopathic tendencies. Their actions are portrayed as barely contained, pragmatic masculinity, but it's really just a bunch of **** who like hurting people under the guise of government business. I found it an interesting watch, but the ambient vibe of fear, pessimism and anarchy coupled by a 'dog eat dog wins the day' narrative just really is downright delusional.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

raciocinioMay 3, 2018

O Filme começa com tudo, e com as excelentes críticas eu me empolguei muito, a cena inicial é perfeita, com alta tensão, e também muito interessante, mas depois o filme parece não ter o que dizer e isso é o pior e principal fator, que paraO Filme começa com tudo, e com as excelentes críticas eu me empolguei muito, a cena inicial é perfeita, com alta tensão, e também muito interessante, mas depois o filme parece não ter o que dizer e isso é o pior e principal fator, que para mim fez o filme falhar, também é muito lento fora a desnecessária necessidade de querer ser um thriller altamente inteligente, mas como disse o pior fator do filme é que não tem uma história para contar, são vários acontecimento aleatórios que nada acrescenta ao filme e a uma história que já não tem.

Enquanto os diretores e roteiristas trabalham para fazerem um drama inteligente, eles cometem o erro brutal de não ter uma única história para contar.

Sicario é horrivelmente Superestimado, um dos piores filmes dos últimos anos, que erroneamente foi considerado melhores filmes dos últimos anos.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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3

ScraperJun 25, 2016

The major problem with Sicario, aside from the boardroom bureaucrat banter, is that the main character is completely ineffective from every angle. She doesn't cooperate and falls into easy trap after easy trap for being such aThe major problem with Sicario, aside from the boardroom bureaucrat banter, is that the main character is completely ineffective from every angle. She doesn't cooperate and falls into easy trap after easy trap for being such a best-of-the-best outsider. The second problem that drags this one down to the ground is the dialogue. Conversations are mere snippets of sentences trying to relay the point that the operation is a secret...along with everything else. The speaking parts just aren't very unique. It's kinda like something a video game developer would whip up to get to the heart of a bloody video game about, oh, lets say Mexican drug cartels. By the time it reaches action, it hardly feels justified. It barely touches the variety and vision of Traffic for being so often compared to it.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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3

DreamcastUserOct 9, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I didn't like it at all. Emily Blunt's character was mostly useless to the overall plot. All she basically did was stand in the background and whine. When she tried to do something important she was stopped EASILY. Alejandro was an interesting character and was in my opinion the true protagonist of this movie as he actually contributed to its plot. The end parts felt like they had some switched out scenes that didn't make any sense after being retaped. The Night Vision filters were extremely unnecessary. The acting wasn't that good for some of the minor characters either. Some of them were supposed to be going through a hard time like (SPOILER) a kid's father died at the hands of Alejandro, and they didn't sell any emotion at all. I feel like this is building up to a much better sequel but this 1st movie was nothing to write home about. The ending was very unsatisfying and proves to me this one was only a set up for a sequel. 1 more note: I felt the plot was very hard to follow and wasn't very interesting.… Expand

7 of 16 users found this helpful79

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3

kotyonokOct 15, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is Heart of Darkness without much heart or darkness. It's the kind of movie that tries to shock you into feeling something by dangling statistics in front of your nose and proudly announcing "Hey, you hear that gunfire? Those aren't firecrackers! Aren't you scared now?"

It's anchored around Brolin's smug but ultimately uninteresting mystery man, Blunt's "experienced" FBI agent (who spends most of the movie with the same frightened-Bambi look on her face, occasionally adding a few tears), and Del Toro doing his best to add intensity to his cookie-cutter killer character (oh, of course you weren't supposed to guess who he was working for, even though someone told you in the first half-hour of the movie! oh, of course he has a token dead family thrown in when we're explaining his motives- how else could he feel sorry for our sobby FBI agent? etc.).

It's humorless. charmless, and banal. The people behind this movie don't even manage to capture the horrifying thrill you might get out of the fact that, for the people who live and work around these cartels, this violence is normal- they undercut that by having the male characters swagger, monologue, and lecture us about these terrible things like little boys trying to gross out their sisters. There is absolutely nothing of interest to be had in these two hours, and I don't know why so many people are giving it positive reviews.… Expand

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

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3

YorkManJan 11, 2016

I didn't like this film. I understood what the director/screenplay was attempting to achieve, the acting was good all round, the cinematography was brilliant and the score was incredibly fear-inducing at all the right points.
However,I didn't like this film. I understood what the director/screenplay was attempting to achieve, the acting was good all round, the cinematography was brilliant and the score was incredibly fear-inducing at all the right points.
However, knowing what was being attempted, does not hide the fact that said screenplay and said direction was (in my opinion) very sub-par.
The story starts off well, introducing the (strangely/weirdly) attractive Emily Blunt as a fast rising member/leader of a DEA task force. Discovering a stash of bodies in a building targeted as a likely location for Mexican cartel hostages, she then loses two agents to an improvised explosive device.
She's then asked to join up with a dedicated anti-cartel group, which she is told is attached to the DEA and operating within the boundaries of National and International law.
The head of the group is played by Josh Brolin (in a scene stealing performance), whilst there is a South American man in the group whose motives and tasks aren't revealed until near the end of the film.

Ultimately there is a decided conflict of interests, as the DEA agent cannot reconcile the (incredibly illegal and violent/shoot to kill) methods used by the anti-cartel group. Resulting in an ending which doesn't really make any sense.

The film lacks an emotional core, the only view of the 'other side' we get is that of a Mexican police officer who (like the rest of the local police, the film would have you believe) is working for the cartel(s), using his patrol car to move drugs around. We get to see his wife, and his son, who serve to show he's merely a family man doing what he needs to, in order to provide for his family.
The problem is that it feels so forced. Like at some point the screenwriter saw there was a policeman in the script in the build up to the finale, and just decided (in post-production) to film a few extra 'family' scenes to try and offer some balance. But it fails....

The whole movie feels like a campaign trailer a far right-wing politician (from Texas, or Arizona) would come up with to justify additional spending on drug enforcement, and as a rationale if it were needed for the actions of those on the front line. It's so pro-America that you almost expect every scene where there are some US soldiers (and there are many!) to end with them all hollering 'U-S-A! U-S-A!' at the end.

Perhaps that is a reason why the film doesn't carry as much resonance. As an Englishman I probably view movies like this with the same kind of 'outsider' mentality an American does when they watch a gritty London-based 'Mockney' crime drama. I view such things as more of a fantasy exploration of a romanticised idea of what actually happens.
It would be nice to think Americans watching this understand it's only a story, and not based on actual events, and not a well written story at that! As I said, it would be nice!

But judging by a lot of the '10 out of 10' reviews, there does seem to be a concensus this movie is a masterpiece of modern cinema, which it just isn't!… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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3

shemp2004Jan 8, 2016

This review had me laughing because I agree with everything you are saying. This movie was just bad. There was no depth to the characters. They have a great cast but all the characters are weak. The story was weak. Emily Blunt had noThis review had me laughing because I agree with everything you are saying. This movie was just bad. There was no depth to the characters. They have a great cast but all the characters are weak. The story was weak. Emily Blunt had no point in the story if they were to delete her character the movie would immediately be better. All she did was complain and make trouble and delay the main story arc. Josh Brolin had no depth either he plays the typical "I'm cool as **** CIA operative. The action in the movie was boring because we really didn't care about. The 3 points I give it were for a couple cool scenes and Benecio del Toro thats it.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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3

ColbertSep 5, 2016

Overrated movie. Decent acting from everybody but Emily Blunt spends most of the movie smoking cigarettes while looking confused and worried at the same time. Her character would never have been chosen for the mission if anybody had checkedOverrated movie. Decent acting from everybody but Emily Blunt spends most of the movie smoking cigarettes while looking confused and worried at the same time. Her character would never have been chosen for the mission if anybody had checked her psych profile. Why her buddy tags along doesn't make sense.
This is not a movie about drug trafficking. Its a government sanctioned revenge story which flippantly looks through the window at a major problem but uses it only as a backdrop for Blunts dilemma.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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2

jhepNov 10, 2015

Sicario…..ultimately falls between two stools ….and succumbs Big Time to the lure of a certain cinematic grandstanding in which off-the-charts “machismo” - the film is marinated in it- totally wins the day and we enter a magical 007/CharlesSicario…..ultimately falls between two stools ….and succumbs Big Time to the lure of a certain cinematic grandstanding in which off-the-charts “machismo” - the film is marinated in it- totally wins the day and we enter a magical 007/Charles Bronson/Spaghetti Western Universe (think Clint Eastwood‘s The-Man-With-No-Name) where Adult Supervision has been left far behind (poor Emily Blunt gets saddled with the Adult Supervision stuff)……In a sense all this is really too bad because director Denis Villeneuve is an amazingly gifted film maker who can build suspense out of almost nothing and from having someone sneeze or make a cup of coffee using the wrong spoon....his use of music is truly phenomenal…..But sadly what held so much promise rapidly moves from art to something like Goofy Hyper-caffeinated Journalism……..We enter A MAN’S WORLD here folks where poor, bumbling Emily Blunt will be given no quarter because quite frankly, and there’s no nice way of saying this, she’s just a Dumb Girl ….

The final .007 half hour of the film disintegrates into something out of a “Twilight Zone” episode mixed with flashes from old “Zorro” movies, with Benicio del Toro shooting Bad Guys like they props in some extremely violent (some would say nifty) video game and even shooting the luckless Emily Blunt character at one point (“Don’t ever point a gun at me” he rebukes her caddishly after firing a couple of bullets into her)..…Do you get the picture ?….….clearly both script writer Taylor Sheridan and director Denis Villeneuve have opted to throw caution to the winds by this point....and the disquieting result is that the Benicio del Toro character is suddenly channeling for- that's right - good old Charles Bronson (and I`m talking The Real Deal Charles here: the Bronson of “Death Wish”, “Death Wish 2” and “Death Wish 3” …none of your candy-assed, squeamish liberal stuff !) …..and in the very next scene, by way of a Macho Man encore, del Toro threatens to blow silly `do-gooder` Emily Blunt`s brains out if she doesn’t put her John Hancock to that paper saying that all these carrying-on have been done strictly ``by the book”; "You’d be committing voluntary suicide” del Toro assures Blunt as he presses his revolver more firmly into her neck…..Emily weeps momentarily but happily opts to sign (getting shot once in a movie is enough for even your most hardened Do-Gooder ; there's no point pressing your luck !!...….Sadly the silliness of all this seems to have been lost on many of the critics who - like director Villeneuve- apparently still hanker for old-fashioned, hokey, macho man action yarns about REAL MEN living in a REAL MAN‘S WORLD…..Sorry kids...time to put your comic books away and grow up.… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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2

GreatMartinOct 9, 2015

“A thriller set in the world of drug trafficking evokes the high stakes and high risks of the drug trade”--a synopsis of the new movie “Sicario”? Actually this is the first line of the 2000 movie “Traffic” but describes both movies.

I had“A thriller set in the world of drug trafficking evokes the high stakes and high risks of the drug trade”--a synopsis of the new movie “Sicario”? Actually this is the first line of the 2000 movie “Traffic” but describes both movies.

I had heard good word of mouth about “Sicario” and with 7 new movies opening today I put a question as which one to see on the film buffs facebook page and the vote was overwhelmingly for this movie. All I have to ask is, “why?” Yes, Benicio Del Toro gives a mesmerizing performance, as a former Columbian who was a prosecutor and has good reason to hate drug dealers. It is explained that sicario is slang for a hitman and he defines the term. One of the many things I didn’t like about the movie is that you will know the reason why before it is spelled out. Josh Brolin, a favorite of mine, as head of a task force but for who unknown, gives a solid performance. I have heard much about Emily Blunt’s performance but I found her to be way out of her depth as an equal FBI agent in the playing field of macho acting men.

Anyone who has even seen a movie about drug cartels know it is a rough, tough no holds barred, world of killing and “Sicario” shows that from the opening with a house invasion exposing dozens of rotting bodies in plastic, followed by naked bodies hanging upside down in the Mexican streets. Shortly after there is a scene of the ‘good’ guys slaughtering 8-10 guys in a traffic tie-up at the border. Later there is torturing with water, beatings, forcibly poking of a finger in someone’s ear and, yes, the scene of a lone man shooting, killing 7 men. While the point of violence is necessary to show there are quite a few gratuitous scenes.

There is a strong supporting cast from Jon Bernthal as a pickup in a bar to Bernardo Saracino as a major cartel boss and Julio Cesar Cedillo as a minor one along with Daniel Kaluuya, as Blunt’s partner, who requires a suspension of belief to accept his character and Victor Garber as one of the many bosses of the American team along with others.

While direction by Denis Villkeneuve is very professional neither he nor the screenwriter Taylor Sheridan bring anything new to the drug trafficking movie including that it is violent and bad guys on both sides of the fence. The opening music was, to me, a blasting wall of sound and at times during the film very intrusive while at times thye camera work of Roger Deakins was really first rate.

Now I need to know what the film buffs who recommended the film saw in “Sicario” that I didn’t.… Expand

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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2

tupungatoJan 17, 2016

Lazy writing and brilliantFBI agent Kate (Emily Blunt) is talked into assisting with CIA operation against Cartel led by Matt (Josh Brolin) in cooperation with foreign consultant (Benicio Del Toro).

After promising opening scene "Sicario"Lazy writing and brilliantFBI agent Kate (Emily Blunt) is talked into assisting with CIA operation against Cartel led by Matt (Josh Brolin) in cooperation with foreign consultant (Benicio Del Toro).

After promising opening scene "Sicario" becomes a dull moral ambiguity story with very good performance by Del Toro and marvelous cinematography by Roger Deakins who never fails to amaze me.

I was expecting a "brilliant action thriller" and I agree there are some thrilling action sequences (SUV escort, operation in the tunnel), but unfortunately, the story is far from brilliant. The main plot device is "it's better not to ask questions" and "you'll understand it later". Kate asks some questions, but usually they go unanswered without sensible reasons. The CIA specialist Matt jeopardizes his own operations by not providing ANY background on what the team is about to do, whether there will be firefights, what are the risks and what are the objectives.

Despite brilliant camerawork and good cast, film's lazy writing and unreasonably slow pace outside action scenes makes watching "Sicario" tedious.

Direction: 4/10, Screenplay: 2/10, Cinematography: 10/10, Acting: 7/10, Music: 6/10

Overall: 3/10camerawork in war on drugs… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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Sicario

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