One of the very best, if also most brutal, movies of the year

Rating: 9/10 (6 October 2015)

"Sicario" (2015 release; 112 min.) brings the story of the fight against a (fictional) Mexican drug cartel. As the movie opens, we are informed about the origin of the word sicario (zealots of Jerusalem) and that it is the Mexican term for hit man. Then we are immediately dropped into the action, as we see Kate and the rest of her FBI Special Weapons and Tactic Team overpower the tenants of a house in suburban Phoenix, only to make a gruesome discovery. It's not long before Kate, who wants to bring justice to whoever did that, is recruited to a joint task force with DOD to track down a drug lord in Mexico. To tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: first, this is the latest movie from Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, who previously brought us the outstanding (and Oscar-nominated) film "Incendies" a few years ago. Here Villeneuve examines the battle(s) between the Mexican cartels and the US government. Second, as the movie started playing out, when things are quite complex to grasp all that is going on, we find ourselves in good company, as it turns out that the Kate character is equally confused herself. It all becomes clear later on. Third, this is one of the most tense movies I have seen in a long, long time. From the opening scenes, you are clammed up as you're watching what is unfolding, and the amazing thing is that the movie simply DOESN'T LET UP. There are some unbelievable scenes that will have your jaw drop to the floor (no worries, I won't spoil). Fourth, it also must be stated that this movie is unrelenting in its violence and brutality. If that is a potential issue for you (and you know yourself better than anyone), please do not tempt fate. This movie is simply not for the faint of heart, and then some. Fifth, kudos to some outstanding performances, including Emily Blunt (as Kate). Watch her face when she expresses doubts about the legality of what is happening, and her superior tells her "If you fear you're out of bounds, you're not. The boundary has been moved", wow. Benicio del Toro is equally top notch as the mysterious adviser to the joint task force. Last but not least, there is a fantastic orchestral score, courtesy of Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson ( who previously gave us the equally delightful score for "The Theory of Everything"). Bottom line: "Sicario" is one of the best movies I have seen this year, and that is saying something, as I see a LOT of movies.
"Sicario" opened nationwide today and I couldn't wait to go see it. The evening screening where I saw this at in Cincinnati was PACKED, much to my surprise. Guess there still is demand for a top-notch quality movie that doesn't involve comic action heroes. If you can stand the violence and the unrelenting tension, do yourself a favor and go check this out, be it in the theater, or VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray. "Sicario" is HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!