SICARIO Explained | Everything YOU Missed!

[@wordman757]

The premise is stated in the last meeting between Alejandro and Kate; "this is the land of wolves now." The Sicarii were not legal entities, but were fighting a just war. There are no "illegal moves" in a street fight when your life is on the line. The same is true when facing an enemy who knows no rules. You either die fighting by the rules, or you overcome and survive.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Yeah, and then the question becomes: Are Matt and the agency actually fighting a just war? In this case, if it’s avenging Alejandro’s family, the answer is a probable “yes” (even though he murders women and children, which is going too far into an “eye for an eye”). BUT, if we’re talking about the agency taking down one cartel only to reinstate the Medellin Cartel… that gets a little dicier. Excellent point!

[@wordman757]

@@HowStoriesWork Good point... But as Matt says, "...until somebody finds a way to convince 20% of the population to stop snorting and smoking that shit, order's the best we can hope for." The US has not the political will to go to war with Mexico or those citizens who are the cause of the market. In the face of that, "order's the best we can hope for," and, to the majority of both American and Mexicans, order, instead of the chaos and death they currently face, is probably about as just a goal as can be hoped for.

[@HowStoriesWork]

100%. That’s what makes the film so powerful. The concept of how the individual perspective (Kate’s) can’t accept the need for this gray area, whereas the overall system must do something and the gray area is the “best” solution that can currently be found. Really great stuff!

[@asyrafsyahla7868]

But still didn't answer why you kept in dark

[@ryanmalouff2523]

I finally watched this movie last night. First, thank you for your explanation. Definitely cleared a lot of things up. Second, on the ending on the soccer field, I feel like that last scene (and this really bummed me out) signified that fact that even after they “destroyed” the cartel, it didn’t change a thing. No justice was served and no stability was actually put in place. Amazing film 10/10.

[@HowStoriesWork]

I totally agree. Nothing really will change. Another Cartel will just take over. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@BeDangerousGroup]

I heard another theory that Kate was actually considered the villian. Not on purpose, but she represents the 'by the book' approach to fighting crime which really does nothing to stop crime. The heroes are those who circumvent the rules and 'save everyone' despite the bureaucracy that consistently tries to stop them. I guess this film is true art and can be interpreted in many different ways.

[@HowStoriesWork]

That’s true. I would argue that the film’s intent is that Kate is not the villain, because she’s not in it for “global politics” (Matt) or a “personal vendetta” (Alejandro). She’s in it for justice (convicting the people who caused the incident in Act 1 in the home). Granted, the argument others might have is: “You have to be like Matt or America is at risk.” And that is an argument to be made, but I don’t think the film is suggesting that it’s the right conclusion. One thing I love about the film is it just presents the situation without forcing a narrative. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Donofaquarius]

I saw that as well but I don't really buy it. It was laid out well but I wasn't convinced. I think Kate represents the idealism of beaurocracy and the belief that if you have a higher sense of reasoning and civility then you will prevail. Which of course is naive and proves harmful to pragmatism as her "red tape" thinking only gums up the gears of progress.

[@AlphonseWeebay]

@@HowStoriesWorkdoes Kate know who wrote the book she’s so obsessed with

[@UrbanMediaReview]

I agree. In a way Kate is the villain. If it was up to her , the HEROES that are trying to restore the original order , would be slowed up or stopped completely. I love the lack of music/score in this film. Kate was NEVER the main character in Sicario. The main character is Alejandro.. the cartel is more of a main character than Kate honestly. She just got more screen time.

[@BeDangerousGroup]

@@UrbanMediaReview Agreed. While Kate does have an antagonistic role, she is the vehicle in which we get to watch the story unfold. Sort of like an NPC.

[@magnushougaard4037]

10/10 explanation

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment!

[@phalanx2117]

the movie was so well done. from casting to writing, cinematography to soundtrack. the whole thing is so engrossing. I've watched it multiple times and have never been bored once. del Toro and Brolin nail their roles. Blunt disappears into the character so well, i forget it's her half the time. complete masterpiece from front to back.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Could not agree more. It's fantastic! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@KoolKilla300]

Please do Sicario 2!! This was a 10/10 breakdown. Looking forward to more

[@richardhasler6718]

Thanks for your review and assessment of this film. As the film's story is written primarily from Kate's perspective, i think it's reasonable to say the main premise of the film is Kate's initial assumption that she is working within the law to deal with drug smuggling and decides to join Matt's team, to work more effectively by widening her knowledge, contacts and skills. She then realises that Matt does not follow the legal process, which troubles her but this is countered by his effectiveness and his insight into the corruption in the legal system in Mexico. Later she realises that cops in the US may also be corrupt, forcing her to question her trust in US law enforcement and undermining her belief in the system she has always worked in. When she realises the tunnel plot becomes the assassination of Gustavo, she tries to stop it but Alejandro shoots her, not to kill but to finish is mission. When she signs the legal certificate at the end, she has lost her naivety about the legal process but does not kill Alejandro, perhaps she respects him but also remembers that he chose not to kill her and that she has become embroiled in a war where there is no black and white, only shades of grey. Perhaps this is what the director wants the audience to realise as well.

[@jothriggs]

Love this!

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thanks, Joth! I enjoy doing these because it gives me a chance to really study the film in depth. Thanks for watching!

[@tygil1]

I hope you make a part two merging both movies. That would be awesome. Great video!!

[@beksinski]

The switch in perspective is, I think a necessary one. Alejandros mission is the plot resolution. It's the reason Kate was invited. Its the answer to all of her questions up until then. Even though she tried to stop him she is ultimately the vehicle that allowed him to move forward with his plan.

[@bananess_]

great video! thank you. Also your No Vacancy trailer looks great

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thank you so much for the comment! Can’t wait to release the entire film. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know!

[@chuco915C]

It’ll be in theatres?

[@rockchalk966]

I loved this and thoroughly enjoyed this . Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤

[@brentloy131]

I like when just after the sitrep comms say thyre going dark due to Gillinck going inside, they say 6 left. Dispatching one guard, 5. The maid makes 4 and the target and his family are the rest

[@danicherian6029]

This was soo good. Thank you for explaining.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Of course! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rachelbarnett2271]

I love you for this. Thank you.

[@canadadelendaest8687]

The plane didn't fly to Juarez, it flew to Fort Bliss in El Paso where the DEA intelligence center is located...where they hold the briefing

[@thebanditsgospel6461]

The fact that alejandro was a prosecutor wasnt lost on me. Layers on layers.

[@jcee2768]

Awesome breakdown!

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thank you! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@misterbritt3336]

Re: Your concern about the twist at the end of the movie when Alejandro takes the script from Kate: Consider Kate an unwitting mule for Alejandro, and the revelation that it was Alejandro's mission all along comes into focus. The final (superficially incongruous) twist in development reveals Alejandro metaphorically emerging from the tunnel as the true Sicario. Everyone else on the US team was along for the ride. In conclusion, Kate's narrative arch was abandoned at the side of the road (hotel room) because her purpose had expired. Kate's expiration date matches the date on the contract Alejandro forced her to sign at the end. That was Kate handing Alejandro the baton. Her narrative arch was tamped out like her final cigarette on the hotel room balcony. It was always meant to be his victory. Only Matt and Alejandro knew the real purpose of the mission.

[@eduardo1670]

Very nice video

[@JMang101]

Solid video. Explained things I missed like the rubber band.

[@Christian-el2bz]

Great analysis of my favorite movie! 😃 I actually never caught that Guillermo Diaz was nothing but "a gift" to Alejandro from his friend - and that Matt never cared about his "potential intel" because they already had enough to go on and verify said intel - later. BUT that killing/torturing/imprisoning Guillermo Diaz -> Was PART of shaking Manuel Diaz's tree. = Like a "buy 2, get 1 free" special deal 😅😂 And I think Matt Graver would actually call it just that in his completely casual mood. - However I did THINK I caught you in a mistake as well: 12:45 - you call Fausto Alarcon the TOP DOG which it's said that he is not. Back at the first inter Agency meeting, they called him the number 3. guy (or believed to be) and in the second Sicario movie, the girl Reyes knew of "The grieving lawyer" from her father who was ranked higher than Alarcon. = I think I'm right on that one, but it IS a bit hard to remember everything exactly as it was said (or written) so I may still be wrong 😃

[@HowStoriesWork]

That makes sense. I feel like Matt calls him something like that in the meeting… but it’s been a while since I studied the film. Even knowing how the real cartels work, in that the guys at the top are SUPER undercover, it would make sense that Alarcon isn’t the apex. But maybe Matt and the inter-agency team are referring to him that way as he’s the target? I’d have to go back and verify that, though. Thanks for watching and commenting! I’ve been asked to do a video on Day of the Soldado, so stay tuned for that one!

[@Christian-el2bz]

@@HowStoriesWork No it was the guy looked like Bart Simpson had grown up who called him the 3rd guy 🙂 Irrelevant detail though. Uhh I'd love to see you do Day of the Soldado! So looking forward to it 😁

[@williamkim9566]

Great video sir!

[@HowStoriesWork]

Thanks, William! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@sole__doubt]

Really good movie until the tension building unwinds at the border crossing shoot out scene. Its like the movie turns into a standard action movie at that point which is fine but really is a let down because that first half is brilliantly done.

[@Dheal]

Your complaint is one of the things that I liked the most about the movie. That was genius!

[@HowStoriesWork]

LOL! I’m glad it worked for you!

[@haroldstricklin7805]

I unfortunately couldnt fully pay attention to the movie so this analysis was SOOO helpful and makes me want to rewatch it

[@HowStoriesWork]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@Donofaquarius]

I enjoyed your video greatly. I consider the entire group of protagonists as yhe "sicario". In the film, we never actually see the cartels kill anyone. It is most definitely implied and we also see the victims but when it comes to the act of killing, only the US operatives and Alejandro kill anyone. (Not counting the shed bomb since it was actually the cops who activated the bomb by irresponsibly prying open a trap door). I feel that the 3 main characters represent emotions we all feel but at different times. Alejandro is vengeance. Matt is patience/logic and Kate is our sense of morality. The conflict lies in combing all 3 to accomplish a goal where really using only one is most effective and less chaotic. These are intense emotions and when we feel them, we often are blinded to what is happening around us and thats why I believe they have such a large amount of collateral damage without much concern.

[@LilDew]

5:16 that's what I love and appreciate about the first sicario.

[@LilDew]

I'm glad Emily Blunt's character wasn't in sicario day of the soldado

[@MrCardinalzboy]

Can you do the 2nd film ?

[@christopherrainwater991]

At first i thought you were talking about no vacacy the 2012 movie. I was about to say damn bro why you doing this. I would like to watch yours though please update us

[@thebanditsgospel6461]

Yup. Thats an instant follow from me.

[@NotSoBryt]

The movie changes to Alejandro’s perspective because of the revelation that he is the real protagonist of the movie. We were mislead once again.

[@thomasthomas2729]

“We have to play it by the book.” Said by every loser of any conflict in history.

[@HowStoriesWork]

This is an excellent point. And a sad, but true one. Which is so wild. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@SuperChrisDub]

Thanks for coming to the same conclusion as me as regards the message of the movie. A lot of commentators say the film leaves it up in the air about whether the means justify the ends, which I always thought missed the bigger picture concerning what the ends actually are. Matt's team are not really stopping drugs coming into the States but rather choosing who brings them in so that they feel they have some semblance of control, which is insane because I don't remember the dominance of the Medellin cartel ever being something the US was happy about at the time. In fact, they were the boogeyman. It's definitely about the US wanting the feeling that they are in control despite it not being true, at all. It's a very human reaction. We all kid ourselves all the time that we are in control of things we are not, it's just reduces anxiety, whether it's true or not.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Yeah, I think a lot of folks also try and take their own ideology and try to warp the film to fit that. But we’re definitely supposed to see all this through Kate’s eyes. And she is basically like: “I was in this for justice, but this isn’t justice.”

[@jasonhuttermusic424]

Your analysis is the same one i came away with after watching this stunning movie, and the gunfire in the ending scene underscores this. As long as there is a drug demand, there will be boogeymen willing to profit and no way to control it. I remember the Medellin days of Escobar and they werent particularly better, just a little further away in Columbia rather than next door in Mexico, which may be the best we can hope for in the US.

[@ClavinZKL]

Can u do a day of soldado video just like this?

[@HowStoriesWork]

Yes! I need to. Another viewer also asked for one. I have two other ones coming out before then, but I’m definitely interested in doing one on Day of the Soldado!

[@ClavinZKL]

@HowStoriesWork Ok, thanks!!

[@gar5685]

In a 26 minute video why are we only seeing you?

[@grisharotov9735]

The Medellin Cartel was the organisation created by none other than Pablo Escobar, considered to be the original cartel that everyone else that has come after(like Sinaloa) wants to emulate. Just a little info that helps viewers understand the weight behind the word "Medellin".

[@HowStoriesWork]

Facts. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheJwwinter]

You keep saying Kate breaks the law, but she never wants to, she is pretty much helpless. Even her boss (Andrews guy from Titanic) convinces her that the mission is okayed from higher authority.

[@HowStoriesWork]

I definitely agree that she doesn’t want to, but she still has agency and does choose to break the law. She joins the team despite her reservations. She goes along with the mission to Mexico despite her knowing it’s out of her jurisdiction. She even chooses not to kill Alejandro at the end. In fact, the film is very much about Kate realizing that law enforcement’s emphasis on justice doesn’t work in the context of how the American agencies work abroad.

[@alexkolokolov]

What would Alejandro has been doing, had there been no Mexican police car at the other end of the tunnel? I mean it was pure luck for him it was there, wasn't it? So, what was the original plan?

[@Visimay]

shikari is hunter in Hindi

[@C-Note_Staxs]

Do the new one please thanks

[@HowStoriesWork]

I definitely need to revisit that one! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@edmundomouet]

That wasn't a spoiler, that's a given. A mercenary is a sicario.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Well, if you haven’t seen the film, you’re not aware that he’s a mercenary (spoiler #1), and usually you’d describe a mercenary as “a person hired to fight for you.” For example, a soldier who’s paid to be a soldier is not a mercenary (a conscripted person.). But, an individual who is not under the employ of an entity, but is hired as a freelancer IS a mercenary. Hence, calling him a mercenary (or sicario) that early in the video would also reveal that, which is also a spoiler. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jonah7254]

I know it's a movie, but do you know this is extremely close to how this actually works? Seriously -- this is how it works pretty much.

[@angogablogian2168]

How what works?

[@Graystaff]

You left out the part where the Collector & Thanos torture Frank Castle for information.

[@HowStoriesWork]

🤣🤣🤣

[@espada9]

"By the book" = NOT get the job done.

[@peterkirk6518]

No Army Rangers, only Texas Rangers.

[@Great_Sandwich]

Kate the "Badass": A total liability every step of the way. Nervous wreck. Hasn't got the stones to keep up with the men. Can't defend herself against assault by male. Throws a punch at fellow agent, and gets demolished. Completely useless character, necessary only for a signature.

[@above-us-only-sky]

totally agree. i think she’s in the film to be hated and create tension for the audience. i don’t know anyone that’s ever seen this movie and rooted for her.

[@Great_Sandwich]

@@above-us-only-sky Yup. Just didn't have what it took to hang in with the boys. She couldn't play their game.

[@josedorsaith5261]

Yeh, her character never had an arc. She was the same nervous & judgemental person from start - finish.

[@ThaSpeedsterZ]

Lol No amount of likes will ever make up for the women who've rejected you 🤣🤣

[@Great_Sandwich]

@@ThaSpeedsterZ Wow. That doesn't sound practiced, or lifted from another comment you saw on Reddit, at all!

[@Rockell479]

One plot hole that annoyed me was that Josh Brolin, the god of a black ops CIA agent hand picked FBI agent Kate to be on the interagency team.. this made no sense. If he’s that smart why wouldn’t he just pick an FBI agent who had looser morals and didn’t play by the book so much.. yes plenty of agents out there like that. Would have save him a lot of trouble. In other ways the movie felt like it tried a little too hard to be extra cool black ops feel… movie was okay but kinda meh in my opinion

[@HowStoriesWork]

I can totally see that take. My personal take would be that Matt (Brolin) handpicks Kate because he wants to be able to tell everyone that his mission was cleared by an agent who’s known to be above-board and by-the-book. If he chose an agent with loose morals, he would be questioned by everyone and the op would be shut down. But that’s just my take. I totally get yours. Thanks for watching/commenting!

[@Rockell479]

@ I can see that take but as someone who worked in SOF and government for a while, most of the top doesn’t care if it’s not by the book as long as it’s kept under wraps, the FBI headshed in the film seemed happy to go along with the plan that they prob knew wasn’t above board (so as long as they didn’t know details they’re hands are clean)… so from Matt’s perspective why not get FBI agents who also go along with the plan instead of inviting two agents who seem like whistleblowers from the start. I understand if they wanted that extra conflict to add to the plot but it just felt forced to me. Also I was annoyed with how Emily Blunt overplayed her role with the constant pouty brooding. I’m prob overly critical of these types of movies though as someone who’s worked in government/ military

[@angogablogian2168]

@@Rockell479sure buddy

[@Rockell479]

@@angogablogian2168 sure buddy? I know there are a lot of posers and liars out there, but you have to realize that there are many times when actual former sof dudes troll YT and comment on vids. You just “sure buddy’d” a retired seal jackass

[@TheMauf]

I’m no Gene Siskel but…….this didn’t “explain” anything I had not missed. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@olemartinjansson2242]

It’s about narcos, sicarios, special forces and government

[@slidefirst694]

I wouls have pointed out that Alejandro forced Kate to sign the statement at gunpoint. She's not a wolf.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Definitely not a wolf!

[@marvinacklin792]

Rubba slippahs they call them in Hawaii

[@kuramobay2445]

You can't wear white when you're fighting in the gutter. Of course, the problem with that is you're likely to end up with the same mindset as the bad guys. Fact is, there are a lot of beneficiaries in the US who want the war on drugs to continue in its present form rather than seeking practicable and realistic solutions. Just saying, it's not my job.

[@damagejacked]

Tell me anything I missed, you said. OK. But are you ready to read a book? US government has nothing to do with this. That’s an invention on your part. There are forces at work that will allow you to actualize if you submit to their direction. That’s the overarching authority that you’re calling the US government, but it’s not just the United States government. It doesn’t Kate go into Mexico? Same reason Llewellyn doesn’t appear in the end scenes of no country for old men. The films are very much in dialogue. Neither Kate in Sicario nor Llewellyn in no country business in the world in which the movies end. For Llewellyn, it’s no country for old men. For Kate, it’s a land of wolves. Focus on land of wolves. You could not be a more key statement in the film and that line which holds pride of place exactly where a screenplay should hold a pride of place line, at its conclusion, like forget it Jake, it’s Chinatown, which happens to be a third film in which the main character has no business being involved in the concluding theme of the film. Thonk in terms of thematic resolution, not character, not plot. There is a theme that can be supported at every stage of the film: theological versus consequential ethics. Run that over the film and see what attracts to each end, and things fall into place . Kate could not kill Alejandro at the end not because it did no good. That’s exactly something that Kate cannot think. That would be a consequence. Kate doing things by the book is deontological ethics. It’s very elementary, almost too elementary to be imagined, thriving in a film of sophistication-Kate cannot do the wrong thing in the moment, even if it leads to the right result.

[@punkmonstermoose]

“Whar-Ez”

[@Foxkitos2020]

“HUAREEZ”

[@KevinWood44]

Taylor is a bit of a SIMP. Kate's character almost ruined Sicario and Lioness (while a cool show bc of the gov and tactical aspects) the whole "Girl Power" thing is ABSURD!!! Ground Branch (CIA Special Forces) units are the best of the best from Delta and Devgru neither of which had EVEN ONE female operator. But this team is run by a 115lb 50yr old loud mouth disrespectful woman? And 4 other chicks. Get real Anyway.....Kate's character is nauseating!!!

[@blueyedmule]

This movie is in prophetic as this is the direction Trump wants to take with the cartels--war. Gloves off.

[@robcharette1915]

I love this movie but I can’t stand the Kate character

[@danielvitale7788]

This movie wasnt too hard to follow to be honest

[@timpeachey9394]

Do people really need this explained?

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

Suspension of disbelief is completely trashed when an otherwise okay film does something stupid like introducing a great actor (Jon Bernhal), in a key role (Ted), with absolutely no reason for the characters to cross paths other than plot convenience (he just happens to be friends with her coworker, happens to be in the bar, and she happens to let her guard down to a guy who happens to be exactly the guy they didn't know that we're looking for...). Bad writing.

[@HowStoriesWork]

Actually, that’s set up a lot better (though it’s not perfect) in the script. So, I don’t think it’s the writing as much as it’s maybe the editing.

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

@@HowStoriesWork of one must go back to read the script after watching the movie, there's a problem...

[@hgracan]

But it was not a coincidence. She meets Ted just after she got caught on camera in the bank. Why? Ted was specifically selected by the cartel to get close to Kate because he was a dirty cop on cartel payroll that was an acquaintance of her partner. He was at that bar at that time specifically to get close to her through her partner and to either find out what she knows or to eliminate her. She just got lucky by recognizing the rubber band.

[@zmanium]

Unfortunately another 20min video that doesn't really teach us anything we didn't already know, assuming you paid attention when watching the movie

[@rockchalk966]

Unfortunately another troll who has no life 🤡 sit TF down

[@paulbegansky5650]

Dude this is your opinion. A different opinion for anyone familiar with FBI and other Agencies. They don't like each other, and are each their own feifdom. Matt has different objectives and knows what works. Obviously you have no experience with military or agencies.

[@josedorsaith5261]

"anyone familiar with the FBI" People like Epstein, Maxwell & the ADL, you mean?

[@above-us-only-sky]

kate is one of my least favorite movie characters in film history lol. she’s so hate-able. even the way emily plays her with the slow belabored whisper talking the whole movie. she’s the worst lol.

[@paulbegansky5650]

How old is this film? 2015, your not giving any new information

[@joewood753]

You’re asking how a watch works. For now just focus on the time

[@WhereisBrad]

Such a great line

[@edwardr5084]

Thanks for the review but nothing you mentioned was "missed" 😉