Very good film. Watch it!

Rating: 9/10 (5 November 2015)

I have to say I was very impressed with this film. So much garbage out there, then along comes a gem like this. It gives an authentic feeling look at the contemporary situation along the US/ Mexico border that is both unpleasant and riveting at the same time. Benicio Del Toro is superb as the enigmatic "Alejandro", Josh Brolin also commands the viewers attention as the slightly unpleasant "Matt Graver". I had the feeling that the Matt Graver character was one of life's necessities nevertheless. Like a toilet brush, not nice, but without them.....
As for Emily Blunt's "Kate Macer" character, she was of course the audience transplanted into the film, someone to whom things were explained (so that the audience would understand what was going on). As a Law enforcement Officer however, I felt she was too weak a character. Shocked by dead bodies, seriously? Shocked that at the cutting edge of the war on the Mexican cartels rules might sometimes be bent or broken? Really? Perhaps without her the film would be too dark for some people?
That aside, this is a truly awesome film. The cinematography and soundtrack are also excellent. This film may have to enter the hallowed realm of my personal 'Library'.