Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro and Emily Blunt
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have made films that are as iconic as Josh Brolin. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1980’s, Brolin has become a fantastic icon. Whether it’s space scavengers, strong police officers or political leaders, Brolin has portrayed several compelling characters. Arguably, Brolin’s best strength as an actor is his commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has often had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Through his capabilities to portray characters that are compelling, Brolin has built a legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for his iconic role as Thanos in the MCU, Brolin has proven that he can succeed in every genre. An actor with powerful presence, Brolin has made many memorable movies that have earned a huge audience. Throughout his enduring career, Brolin has made many great movies which are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I am a huge fan of Brolin and adore all movies he has made in his career. However, “Sicario” is absolutely my favourite. Released in 2015, Denis Villeneuve’s movie offered a powerful portrait of drug cartels. Packed with stunning production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest films ever made about drug trafficking. At a centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Josh Brolin, who embodies an FBI officer that seeks to prevent drug trafficking. Ultimately, what makes “Sicario” a masterpiece is strong appeal. Unlike most films about drug cartels, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing crime masterpiece, there are many strong reasons why “Sicario” is worth seeing.
Set in war-torn Mexico, “Sicario” tells the story of an idealistic FBI agent that seeks to prevent drug cartels causing sorrow. Emily Blunt plays Kate Macer, a righteous FBI agent with strong drive to prevent drug trafficking which causes disaster. Kate has always had strong passion for resolving drug trafficking causing tensions. However, Kate’s life forever changes when she is recruited by a government agent to prevent drug trafficking across the border. Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) is a powerful government agent that assigns Kate a dangerous mission which causes resentment. As all the odds are soon stacked against her favour, Kate is forced to wonder whether it’s possible to resolve drugs trafficking causing a disaster. Facing sorrow, Kate wonders whether it’s possible to resolve drug trafficking in Mexico.
Denis Villeneuve is fascinated with the themes of crime. A fantastic filmmaker, Villeneuve has often made engaging movies about drugs that cause disaster. With “Sicario”, however, Denis Villeneuve made his first crime drama. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to capture the lives of Mexican drug cartels causing catastrophe but he succeeded tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Villeneuve captures the life of an FBI agent embarking on a mission causing a catastrophe. Villeneuve effectively employs handheld camerawork to capture the tensions that drug cartels are facing. For instance, the handheld camerawork enhances the invasion scene. During this unforgettable scene, Kate is forced to confront the consequences of drugs investigating a house. Using handheld camera, Villeneuve creates a portrait of drug trafficking that’s compelling. Handheld camerawork is a tricky technique to use in movies. As the Coen Brothers’ “No Country for Old Men” suggested, handheld camera elevates westerns. However, it works immensely in this film. Using stunning visuals, Villeneuve captures tensions that FBI agents are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Sicario” which merits appreciation is the production design. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well-made. Throughout the movie, Villenueve effectively uses locations across Mexico to capture drug cartels experiencing sorrow. For instance, the real-life locations enhance the drug discoveries scene. During this unforgettable scene, Kate uncovers grim evidence of drug trafficking causing tensions. Through employing real-life Mexican locations, Villeneuve creates a portrait of drug trafficking that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Johan Johansson music score is key to success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing a heavy burden that drug traffickers bear. Through captivating production-design, Villeneuve illustrated drug cartels that decline.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Sicario” is a crime film that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully employs foreshadowing to capture tensions that drug cartels are facing. Villeneuve’s screenwriting strength is his abilities to capture the tension that drug traffickers are facing through using foreshadowing. For instance, foreshadowing enhances the drug selling scene. During this unforgettable scene, Kate witnessed her first sight of drug dealing hinting at dangers which are to come. Through stunning foreshadowing, Villeneuve constructs a portrait of drug cartels audiences can easily relate to. Foreshadowing is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Gus Van Sant’s “Milk” suggested, foreshadowing elevates political films. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using a strong screenplay, Villeneuve captures drug trafficking coming with a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Josh Brolin delivers one of his greatest career performances as Matt Graver. Brolin earned appreciation for playing criminals in westerns. With “Sicario”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray an FBI agent seeking to resolve crimes in his doomed city but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Brolin has often excelled at playing emotional heroes that are under pressure, and “Sicario” showcased his strengths as an actor. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most commemorated actors which is working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Josh Brolin, the supporting cast is equally amazing and deserving of appreciation. Emily Blunt is excellent, capturing the authority of an FBI agent seeking to solve crime in a doomed city. Benecio Del Toro is brilliant, capturing the sorrow of an FBI agent which seeks to resolve crimes in Mexico. Finally, Daniel Kaluuya merits appreciation. As an FBI agent, he brings strong emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Sicario” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing drug cartels facing sorrow. Unlike most movies about drugs, the movie tackles strong themes that will resonate with everyone. The movie discusses profound themes including identity, mental health and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the lives of drug cartels to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma that will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Sicario” is one of those rare films about drug cartels that everyone will adore.
Fans of Josh Brolin would definitely appreciate “Sicario” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating crime classic, it honours an actor that has created a legacy that’s iconic.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking crime film about drug cartels that face sorrow in Mexico, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has earned a huge following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies giving audiences massive dreams to follow.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 