Sicario is tense, and not for the faint of heart. This is a movie that has a point in mind and knows how to tell it; this is a movie thats hungry for award attention. Does it deserve it? Well...read on.
Sicario 'stars' Emily Blunt as a CIA agent Kate Macy, who is recruited by government advisor Matt, played by Josh Brolin, into a force thats trying to strike directly at the cartels. Of course seeing as how Matt works outside the law Kate tends to disagree with many of the task forces operations which causes a rift between her and Matt's associate, Alejandro, played Benico del Toro. As the film develops the relationship that Kate shares with Matt and Alejandro start to shape her opinions on whats going on and whether its right or wrong.
I say the movie stars Emily Blunt in my summery but the truth is the movie doesn't really star anybody outside Blunt and de Toro (kind of). It more or less puts these character under a microscope and subjectively asks us to judge their practices and determine for ourselves right from wrong. While the first half prominently follows Blunt and her experiences the second half follows del Toro; the two have significantly different stories to tell.
Sicario engraves a brutal world that is terrorized by violence in attempt for control, but also features very little action. Sicario's strengths lie within its set ups and the tension they build. Every action scene in Sicairo ends up being a summation of all the tension up to that point. When the action does hit (and what little of it there is...seriously Southpaw had more action) it hits hard and the release is all the sweeter. It encourages my beliefs that great action isn't restrained by a special effects budget, but by the directors choices up to that point. Its a scientific blend of tension and release that builds the audience to a thrilling high.
What does hold Sicario back is its sear brutal nature. This is a good movie: its expertly directed, very well acted, well shot and well written. However because of the subject matter the story is covering it certainly doesn't call for much enjoyment. The world is harsh and the choices the director makes are all in favor of reinforcing the point of his story. Then when there is no buildup or action going on its very noticeable and it feels like the film grinds to a halt.
Overall Sicaro is a great film but only a good experience. Its very serious and I discourage anybody outside the hardcore away from this film. If you like great drama and don't mind violent imagery or themes this film will satisfy, and though I enjoyed this film I can't say I'll be going back for more.
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