Brilliant Movie-Making

Rating: 10/10 (8 October 2018)

This isn't a film for wimps. Though I've no first-hand knowledge, I imagine this film brings the viewer about as close to futility, brutality, frustration, and pure adrenaline rush that's felt by law enforcement every day as they continue waging our War on Drugs. It also weaves in storylines of smaller-time players that inevitably get caught up in this multi-billion dollar "business" of narcotics, terror, and murder.
As good as Traffic was in its day, Sicario narrows the focus somewhat, following Natalie Blunt's character throughout most of the film with only rare (but memorable) shifts to Del Toro's anti-hero. It's also less preachy than Traffic, allowing the audience to draw some of its own conclusions.
The violence is measured, at times, but shocking at others. Definitely not for the feint of heart.