This movie shook me in a very real way.

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2016)

I went into this movie after watching only 1 trailer. I was prompted to see it by all the reviews people gave it. I noticed that the reviews are very polarized. People were either moved by it or repulsed. I had to see why. From the very first scene, I was drawn in. Having a peripheral involvement in law enforcement myself, I had more than a passing interest in this movie. I was not disappointed!!! Unlike many, I see the necessity of unconventional methods to stem the flow of drugs and to halt the violence created by it. This movie very graphically portrayed the nightmare that is Juarez, Mexico and its effect on the US. The acting of Del Toro, Brolin, Blunt and Kaluuya brought it all home in a very real way but I honestly think the first star of this movie was the cinematography. These images brought home by the type of photography used was pulse pounding and seemed as real as life itself. I was riveted to this movie from scene one not wanting to miss a moment. The soundtrack, subdued and VERY dark, fit the movie perfectly. I've rarely seen a movie this good! I highly recommend it!!!!!