One of my favorite films of 2015

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2015)

I didn't know much about this movie, just that it will involve a group of agents going after the Mexican drug cartel. So I at least knew it was going to be violent, messy, gritty and gruesome. Because, well it's revolves around the Mexican drug cartel and they have no limits when it comes to what they are capable of. Like they have zero conscious when it comes to guilt. And the fact that it's directed by a talented director who knows how to bring out certain amount of realism, especially when it comes to the cinematography made me feel nervous and felt like I had some adrenaline pumping into my veins. Now the story isn't something that really stands out or anything like that but good enough and the directing is really well done, especially with the spot on cinematography, it really brings the film to life. As for the cast, let's just say that there was no miscast. Emily Blunt plays this agent that is feminine and yet capable of doing her job. I am glad that they didn't make her character into this tough cookie that is a complete badass and proficient at what she does. But is a character that has certain levels of vulnerability, which added to the tension during serious scenes. She looked confused half the time and yet knew what she was doing at the same time while being persistent. Again great acting from Emily Blunt, she seems to really nail this military type or roles. Anyways her character is sort of like the view point of the audiences, where what she is thinking is what the audiences are thinking when watching this for the first time. The last film I saw Benicio del Toro in was in "Savages" where he plays this ruthless villain who is part of the drug cartel. So I found it interesting how he plays this badass with experience that knows what he is doing and is also a mystery man. And Josh Brolin as this laid back CIA agent and adviser, that doesn't dress professionally and you don't know what his exact motives are. Overall this film does have believable and well developed characters and the plot although not anything spectacular isn't all that predictable. And it feeds the audiences bit by bit on what is going on in a impactful fashion. Watching this movie was sort of like watching a live action "Ghost in the Shell" movie. Except instead of echnobabbles it leans more towards jurisdictions and boundaries. While bringing out the instinctual and emotional human behaviors. This is a highly impactful thriller that I would highly recommend.
9.3/10