A marvelous cinematic journey into a corrupt and very real world...

Rating: 9/10 (2 November 2015)

"Sicario" (2015) was a film that I walked into knowing only the basic plot. The film follows an FBI agent (Emily Blunt) who joins a special U.S. task force to aid against the war on drugs near the border in Mexico. From the plot description, I figured this film could either succeed by being an intense, suspenseful character driven film, or it could be predictable and boring take on an issue we (as US citizens) know little about.
Thankfully, "Sicario" proves to be a film driven by intriguing characters, claustrophobic scenarios, and a very relevant and modern view of the war on drugs.
The acting and character development in "Sicario" delivers Oscar winning performances. Emily Blunt proves, yet again, that she is more than just a pretty face who can deliver a line. Her characters mannerisms, accent, and mental changes are portrayed in such a way that it is hard to believe she is acting.
Josh Brolin takes a unique turn portraying a character who is so casual and relaxed, that it's hard to believe he was the opposite in "No Country for Old Men" (2007). Benicio Del Toro also captures an emotional and subtle take on his character Alejandro. He doesn't ever overact in this film.
The acting isn't the only thing to brag about in "Sicario," however. Most of the credit, in my opinion, should go the screenwriter, Taylor Sheridan. The writing in this film does a outstanding job of blurring the lines between the corrupt and not corrupt. "Sicario" is never black and white with this war, and it really causes the viewer to actually be interested in this issue. Very few films take on a political issue like this, leaving the viewer questioning if the US is always in the right with their methods.
Despite this, "Sicario" doesn't try to be a "high and mighty" film that totally bashes our government. It shows that both sides are in the wrong and the war on drugs is never going to be a simple issue to solve. The final scene of this film captures every emotion the audience is feeling throughout this film... frustration, fear, and hope that we can one day stop this terror.
"Sicario" is not a film that you should watch for mindless entertainment. It causes the viewer to become emotionally invested and frustrated all at the same time. The violence on innocents can be very grotesque and realistic, which may turn some viewers off.
As for this film being an Oscar contender, it does have the possibility to win something (especially the screenplay). I fear that it may be over looked towards the end of the year, however.
If you are in the mood to watch a great film that is relevant to issues of today, I highly recommend "Sicario."
My movie recommendations:
If you like it:
"No Country for Old Men" (2007), "The Departed" (2009), "American Beauty" (1999)
If you don't like it:
"Jurassic World" (2015), "The Martian" (2015), "Interstellar" (2014)