A Hit.........man!

Rating: 9/10 (25 September 2015)

I was looking forward to this film. When I first saw the unusual title leap out at me, I knew that curiosity would get the better of my inquisitive mind. A brief research into 'Sicario' revealed the true meaning of the word, a smile grew across my face and the date of its release would be forever etched into my brain. In Mexico 'Sicario' is the name given to a hit-man but the true origins of the word go back two thousand years when the Roman's occupied Israel. Sicario was a term given to the hunters that tracked down Roman soldiers as their prey, and with this knowledge my excitement was only fueled at the anticipation of what this film would have install.
I was not disappointed, as from the very first scene, the violent world of drug cartels, FBI agents, death and destruction graced the screen leaving my eyes hooked onto the thrilling story that was unraveling before my eyes. Denis Villeneuve has reintroduced me to a genre that always grabs my attention and he has done it in a way that gives the audience an authentic depiction of life where drug cartels are the only reality for many people living in the border communities of Mexico. As the film simmers through the early scenes, building up tension, you begin to realise that nobody is who they say they are and not everything is what it seems to be. For those that remember Steven Soderberg's 'Traffic', this is very much in the same mould, but, whereas 'Traffic' looked at the drug trade on a larger scale, this story is much more personal when dealing with the narrative and its characters.
The audience is immediately thrust into an FBI operation lead by the tough but idealistic Kate Macer (Emily Blunt). After a brief but intense shootout, the agents realise that they have stumbled upon something much larger than they can handle. With the grim discovery still burning through her veins, Kate is introduced to Matt (Josh Brolin), a man that seems to work by a code that she does not fully understand. On the promise that real justice will be done Kate agrees to join Matt in a Task Force that sees them cross the border into Mexico. Accompanying them is a mysterious character going by the name of Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro), who says very little about his involvement but delivers big when needed to. Kate's suspicions grow as the Task Force goes deeper into dangerous territory but she finds herself compelled to find out the truth even if it costs her life.
Villeneuve has recruited the very best talent to drive Taylor Sheridan's story with Emily Blunt holding her own in a world full of men that believe her presence is not in the best interests of the operation. She gives the story the opposition it needs. Her idealistic, righteous stance provides outstanding drama against the secretive and questionable constitution that Matt lives by. Josh Brolin adds the grit that the film strives for but Del Toro's performance is what gives the movie its thrilling underworld edge. He won the Oscar for his role in 'Traffic' and could get a nomination here as we watch the focus of the story move towards his characters clouded background. We are also treated to a memorably eerie score that compliments the essence of the film, keeping the audience suspended on the edge of their seats, knowing that something brilliant is about to happen.
I want to give 'Sicario' full marks but I was left a little deflated by its conclusion as if it didn't really have a purpose but perhaps this is what Villeneuve is trying to bring out in his film.