The Wolf of Juarez | Alejandro Character Analysis (Sicario)

Alejandro of Sicario is one of the most compelling characters of the 21st century. Following the tradition of characters motivated by revenge, Alejandro bends his morality to achieve objectives that are rarely clean but understandable. In this analysis, I explore Alejandro's worldview and how he transforms into a man capable of gunning down women and children.
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#sicario #movies

[@01HondaS2kXD]

My favorite line of the entire movie: “You’re asking me how a watch works. For now we’ll just keep an eye on the time.”

[@Drew_Dittman]

I was going to comment that ^ he missed what I feel is his best, and ultimately most revealing quote, about a watch. That is an amazing piece of dialogue that is actually incredibly layered

[@wonka3209]

What does it mean? Please explain to me

[@01HondaS2kXD]

@@wonka3209 she’s trying to ask about in depth details (how a watch works) when at that point it’s best for her to just see what she sees and learn more practical information from it (keep an eye on the time).

[@SeriousPOV]

"Just lay back baby, let it happen"

[@chadford8500]

Later in the film, he tells her that he could answer her questions but "her American ears would not understand." So, basically with the watch statement, he is saying he would have to completely educate her from start to finish on the differences in the laws, culture between North America and Latin America. It would take way to long to explain all of it to her. Plus, he is the type of guy that just waits for the order and follows through. He doesn't over think it. He was setting in the meeting with all the other law enforcement before they went to Mexico to pick up the Cartel leaders brother and not even paying attention to the strategy they were discussing in the meeting. He was just looking at his phone. He was disinterested, he just wants an order to follow to get his part of the job done..

[@leilaharrison5069]

I would watch a prequel of Alejandro's life. Only if it was Benicio

[@LifeIsAStory]

Agreed. He’d need to be de aged a bit though haha

[@leilaharrison5069]

@@LifeIsAStory Sure, then I'll settle for a Sicario 3 with more dialogue with Alejandro. I hope they make 3

[@LifeIsAStory]

@@leilaharrison5069 It seemed like they set up the possibility, but we'll see if Taylor Sheridan wants to keep it going.

[@alexman378]

I don’t know… We already know who he was, we know what he’s been through, and we know he’s getting his revenge in the end. He had nothing to do with all this before, he was a DA if I remember correctly, he became what we see in Sicario because of what they did to him then, so we’d see all the set up of the character, but without a proper climax, since that happens in the end of this film.

[@paladino444]

@@LifeIsAStory LOL forget movies, I believe we will see real life drama on a scale never imagined within 20 more years as it's only a matter of time before the Cartels push the Mex Government into the river and try to take over the entire country. At that point the Cartels will meet GI Joe & his volunteer Navy, Air Force, Marine & SPECOPS buddies and it will be Game On Viva Mexico!

[@IssabekovR]

One thing that everybody misses about that scene, is the fact that Alejandro actually falls asleep in this scene. This shows the maturity difference between him and the Emily Blunt's character. Ask any law enforcement officer what they lack most, and they will tell you, that they lack sleep. While Emily Blunt's character is all intrigued about the mission, Alejandro knows, that it's a good opportunity to catch up on sleep.

[@seanfitzgerald5939]

Very good observation. There is a golden rule amongst combat military personnel. Sleep whenever you can, even if it only for a few minutes. In combat/mission situations the situation can change in the blink of an eye. Rest up whenever the opportunity presents itself.

[@Drew_Dittman]

The military gave me 1 superpower- the ability to fall asleep anytime, in any position, any setting. I was just a grunt Doc and honestly don’t know how it happened given I was the kid that hated nap time, like all the way through childhood…but then you just have that ability, any downtime, any time you don’t need to be turned ‘on’…if you’re somewhat safe physically, you rack out. That and the startled ness portrayed I found personally a great touch of authenticity to the character

[@Oakland510]

@@Drew_Dittman how did you learnt the ability

[@judeannethecandorchannel2153]

@@seanfitzgerald5939 Great observation

[@judeannethecandorchannel2153]

Rustam--excellent point

[@billledbetter7978]

I don’t understand why Benecio didn’t receive all kinds of accolades and awards for this role. This is, without doubt, the best movie I’ve seen in a long time. Del Toro absolutely SMOKED this role.

[@TheLightedSky2112]

Agreed. It may be that the subject is either too real or too close for comfort. Despite the masterpieces produced out of Hollywood studios, the city itself is based on lies and falsehoods.

[@funimax4236]

That's not how Hollyweird works.

[@larry2281]

It’s Hollywood. Definitely not a movie the big elites will fully support. They like to pretend this stuff doesn’t happen or is real. Based off the movies/actors in best supporting for 2015. Even though there are some good movies and good performances. I dont see how Sicario wasn’t even nominated or any of the actors nominated as well. Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin easily should have been nominated and Del Toro should have won Best Supporting.

[@santiagolopez3909]

Sure did.

[@abnoco]

He didn’t kill the kids and wife because they were in the way. He killed them because they were part of the revenge model he created. We know this because just before that he encountered the maid and he could have easily killed her but didn’t. No need, she was not part of the revenge model.

[@DmitryDaren]

and who built this model and why.?

[@strafer8764]

@@DmitryDaren he said “he” as in Alejandro.

[@iaespinosah76]

Narco wife is definitely not inocente.she bet her life and her childrens for bloody dirty money . Narco kids could seem to be inocent now, later would be a loose end or the next narco lord

[@leewood1332]

💯🙌🏻

[@tnkmch]

@Tony P Thank you!

[@AKFechtschule]

In the scene where Alejandro is dreaming, you can barely hear the sounds of screaming partially drowned out by the sound of the plane engines. Once he awakens and it cuts to Kate's reaction, its stops. Didn't notice it until I compare the background noise in the scene. Very effective 'Show, don't Tell'.

[@nicholasolsen3360]

When I noticed that for the first time, I thought it was amazing how they dubbed that in… Especially since I didn’t notice the first few viewings. Taylor Sheridan, Denis Villenueve, and Roger Deakins created absolute gold with this film. Alejandro is no doubt, one of my favorite characters of all time. …And there is SO many great film characters, but Alejandro’s IT factor is hard to touch.

[@gsyoung54]

I went back and listened and heard it for the first time... damn...

[@BostonsF1nest]

Yea and it actually starts even before he’s about to wake up. That whole scene when the camera is pinning around the plane, you can faintly hear the sounds of ppl screaming- his wife and daughter- blended in with the sound of the engine and it gets louder and louder until he suddenly wakes up

[@1960Sawman]

I didn't know about the screams till you mentioned it. Thanks for the input. That scene where he jumps in his seat is a very significant detail in the film. At the end of the film, we learn why Alejandro is suffering from trauma: his wife and daughter were killed by the cartel.

[@KevinPDunn]

Kate starts to hear the same screams when waiting for beers at the bar

[@jbliggidy123]

Throughout the whole movie I really felt sorry for this dude, he is deeply disturbed and has severe ptsd but he’s literally so driven by getting revenge and destroying the cartels that he swallows all of that and just pushes on

[@waedjradi]

Yeah, it's pretty sad how they kill kids, zero remorse. They killed his daughter, like it was nothing. Imagine if they were to prequel the 1st Sicario and reveal what he was like when his daughter was alive. Before he went cold.

[@strafer8764]

It’s the only thing he has to keep him going. He’s empty so he has nothing to lose. I like how they designed his character. Nothing motivates him outside of revenge which they completely ruined in the second movie.

[@plasticweapon]

sever GRIEF, not PTSD.

[@jbliggidy123]

@@plasticweapon lol definitely ptsd my guy lol

[@Doctordoompapito]

​@@jbliggidy123he is not your guy, friendo.

[@johnhulse4124]

Alejandro isn't really calm, he's deeply contained within the armor of his vengeance.

[@vantom6194]

Yes he reminds me Edmond Dantes of the Count of Monte Cristo Novel but much more sinister

[@alfonso2501]

'Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster -Nietzsche

[@evilgoodness1]

as said in the movie doubt. when fighting evil one moves away from the light..... so if you hunt monsters, i think you may be one by default.

[@1960Sawman]

You would enjoy reading HEART OF DARKNESS by Joseph Conrad.

[@alfonso2501]

@@1960Sawman Apocalypse Now! I read the book when I was a young man. And you're right, very comparable.

[@fredjones554]

Also Nietzsche: the wolf is neither good nor bad. It is a wolf.

[@1960Sawman]

Alejandro (Benecio del Toro) was one of the most fascinating characters I have seen in a long time. In the beginning of the film, he came across as a loner, a cowboy (the scene where he is standing outside the private jet, looking on into the distance). Kate sees Alejandro taking a nap and he jumps in his seat (flashback)-so now we see he is suffering from some serious PTSD-at the end of the film we discover why (his wife and daughter were killed by the cartel). In that meeting with the Marshals and the Deltas, before they pick up the prisoner: Alejandro looks like he is not even listening to the man speaking: he is distracted, thinking about something else. As we can see at the end of the film, Alejandro has one objective in mind: killing the cartel boss and his family. The intriguing thing about Alejandro is that he used to be a lawyer; he was trying to use the legal system in Mexico to prosecute the cartel. When his wife and daughter were killed, he changed tactics: he became a hired killer, a hitman, a sicario. Alejandro was lethal and efficient with his sidearm; his skill was surgical; he was emotionless, passionless-he had ice in his veins. Alejandro was brutal, blunt (especially to Emily Blunt) and decisive. He was a wolf in the land of wolves. Alejandro: “Nothing will make sense to your American ears. . . but in the end, you will understand.”

[@melvinch]

Alejandro deserves a Netflix series.

[@jherritagebrown]

Only if played by Benicio del Toro. No one else can ever be Alejandro.

[@harigovind6316]

@@jherritagebrown maybe Javier Bardem.

[@jherritagebrown]

@@harigovind6316 I like Javier Bardem - he's an awesome actor. BUT.... Benicio del Toro is not only an awesome actor, Benicio "OWNS" the 'Alejandro Gillick' character in Sicario / Soldado. No only is BdT an awesome actor, he has a finely-tuned sense of what it takes to make the character real. I read the original screenplay for 'Sicario' as written by Taylor Sheridan, and Sheridan wrote the 'Alejandro' character as if he were a "Chatty Cathy". Good grief! It was ridiculous. Thank God, Benicio del Toro had the good sense to delete so many of the lines - they were so corny and cliched, smh. BdT's Alejandro is powerful, smart, loyal, strong, and soooooooo sexy.

[@harigovind6316]

@@jherritagebrown yeah, that last thing 😂

[@nikolasavic9275]

Yes,PG 18 rated

[@anthonysteen56]

Alejandro’s jacket…he wears a white jacket until we find out that he’s willing to kill women and children, then his jacket is black. Alejandro is the main character, and protagonist because our perspective of him changes over the movie. Note he doesn’t actually change, more of a reveal about who is really is and what he is willing to do. All the rest of the characters stay the same. Emily is too by the book to kill a man that threatened her life 30 seconds ago, Matt gets shit done by any means necessary.

[@strafer8764]

He’s not going to go on a stealth mission wearing white.

[@johnanderson6946]

@@strafer8764 he wud if it was snow lol

[@shenanigansofmannanan]

It's a symbol of the duality of his persona... the dichotomy that is... Alejandro.....

[@makerstudios5456]

I want backstory how a mild mannered lawyer became a CIA specialist. That takes years of training and would be difficult for a middle aged man.

[@LifeIsAStory]

Yeah that is good question haha

[@txking6204]

I’ve wondered that too. Perhaps he was like a military lawyer in Mexico, like a JAG, so he had training. Then went on to be a prosecutor. Then his family was killed. It never said when. Maybe 10 years ago? Got turned by the CIA and was given years of training. And trained fanatically, motivated by revenge.

[@TaylorTrace90]

I got the impression that he wasn't a CIA specialist, but a "Sicario" for the Columbian cartel who used that role to eliminate the competition while simultaneously getting his revenge. I also believe that Matt is part of the CIA branch (I can't remember the initials) that doesn't officially exist and therefore has the power to "move the boundary" across international borders and use a member of an opposing but equally evil faction to eliminate the threat closer to home.

[@JoBlakeLisbon]

My guess is that perhaps he did military service. The actual skills that he has are mainly superb marksmanship and problem solving capacities.

[@biggb98]

He's not a CIA specialist ; he's legit a vigilante disguised as someone contracted by the CIA

[@Jared_Wignall]

The man and the family Alejandro kills at the end wasn’t the main boss who ordered his wife and daughter murdered. He was a smaller boss as they’re working their way towards the main boss, whose daughter was taken into witness protection at the end of second film. I have a feeling we’ll see a confrontation between the two in the third film, whenever that is made and released.

[@judeannethecandorchannel2153]

3:25 I like this observation that only Alejandro among the men in Matt's team takes an interest in preparing Kate for what's coming. I happened the catch the film last night on AMC and I missed the beginning. This is a nice, important detail to add to my understanding of the character. If he's still more sensitive and compassionate in some ways than those around him after what he's been through and what he's become--imagine what he was like before! I imagine a somewhat idealistic prosecutor, becoming more realistic in the job but still with a core of ideals, Courageous enough to become notorious for taking on the cartels, and still open hearted and unscathed to bring all that sensitivity and caring home to his wife and daughter. That's...quite a man. It's easy to admire what he may have Been, Before the cartels turned him into a killer, an Avenging Angel. If she was anything like me--his wife probably adored him...

[@raymuniz113]

Benicio is just a very gifted actor. As he has demonstrated in movies like “Traffic” (for which he won an Oscar), “21 Grams”, “Sin City”, “Che”, “Unusual Suspects” and many others. I’m a huge Benicio del Toro fan and many movie critics believed that he should had been nominated for “Sicario” as well.

[@cavemanzach9475]

I believe the reason that Alejandro acted the way he did towards Kate when compared to the rest of Delta was because Alejandro was a good man that turned bad. He saw good in Kate that, while it wouldn't survive in Juarez, shouldn't be seen as a bad thing. He respected her for being like he was before he was forced to come to terms with the horror that he unfortunately involved himself in. Now, obviously we know that he can turn that off and shoot her in the vest if need be, but he also didn't kill her after she signed the paper. He didn't want anything to happen to her, he wanted her to be stronger. Also, the best part of the shooting scene at the dinner table was the fact that Alejandro took three shots to three different seats at the table without missing once and without taking his eyes off of the boss. Alejandro is like the perfect mix of man and machine. Like when The Terminator shot the phone without looking in T1

[@TCadillacM]

The hand shaking and the subtle screams in the background. Once I scene that I knew the this was gonna be a great movie. This man has some demons.

[@howey935]

Once I saw that not seen and you used the wrong spelling seen you spelt it scene as in a scene of a movie. English spelling is weird if English isn’t your native tounge and I assume you’re Italian by your name Tony hope this helps a little.

[@TCadillacM]

@@howey935 whats your point grammar nazi? You got something against Italians?

[@TCadillacM]

Id tell you to get a life but this must be all you have if your on KZbin correcting people.

[@nicholassiple7838]

I like to think that Alejandro and Kate are two sides of the same coin This is such a incredible film

[@consortthantos3402]

You are wrong. It isn't sad, it is necessary. His calmness comes from his belief that he is already dead. It's a beautiful place to be, absolutely no fear of anything, knowing at some stage he will die as he deserves, full of bullets.

[@Maidez09]

Beautiful place? Guy was obviously in so much pain that the only way to continue living was to ascribe that pain to everything in the world (good or bad).

[@consortthantos3402]

@@Maidez09 I was walking my dog a few nights ago and had some freak screaming in my face. You have to know when not to pull your firearm, I wanted to. Maybe he realised my hand was under my shirt

[@edduardozamboga4082]

The more single minded you are the less you suffer because the minds inherent way of being is empty it's not meant to be running 24/7 the closest thing to empty is just have one line of thought I think that's what he means by the beauty of that state of mind.

[@italian1ist]

How does he deserve to die?

[@marklofthouse2205]

@@consortthantos3402 are you comparing yourself to this character?

[@nickbode5211]

Awesome, thoughtful analysis dude. I love Sheridan’s writing, always so tense and unpredictable!

[@LifeIsAStory]

Thanks! I’m excited for his new film, should be interesting. A little more "actiony" by the looks of it but hopefully we’ll get the same dark tone.

[@davidrhodes7655]

He bloody well should've got a Oscar for that role magnificent performance

[@teeeff5179]

wow! dude! again, amazingly good commentary on the film. gotta see this one again too. nice work.

[@LifeIsAStory]

Thanks!

[@anaid5387]

After watching this i was puzzled to why Sicario didn’t get nominated for best picture and BDT best supporting actor 😥 he didn’t say much in this movie but boy was he effective.

[@J_Braz_]

I just watched the first two movies. I gotta say. Alejandro is my favorite fictional character. Del Toro is a true bad ass.

[@RedSplinter36]

THE most realistic and accurate portrayal of the punisher ever put to film. Truly. Thats always been my thought on his character. This film and Benicio are absolutely brilliant!!! Hands down one of the best films ever made.

[@Senorgusanos]

Don’t know how many noticed but during that dinner scene, Alejandro doesn’t blink once. Adds such an intensity to the scene.

[@LilShrimp01]

He kills the wife so she doesn't have to see her children die. Then he kills the kids. Then he waits a moment. To see the expression on the man's face. To make him, for a moment, feel the same pain he felt when he lost his family. Then he tells him to eat. All those nights where he ate and drank, lonely, his family dead. His daughter, dead. It may have not been personal to the cartels, but it was to him. And so he tells him to eat. Every night he eats while his men kill families with his blessing. So why should tonight be any different? Then he ends him, no point keeping a wolf alive so it can bite you when you turn around.

[@tiffsaver]

Benicio Del Toro does more with his silence than Tom Cruise does in an entire action movie.

[@zsedcftglkjh]

Calm down, buddy.

[@1960Sawman]

That's a classic quote. Sometimes silence is more powerful than words. The Presence of God is more powerful than words.

[@tiffsaver]

@@zsedcftglkjh Smarten up, buddy.

[@tiffsaver]

Did you go to school to get stupid?

[@tiffsaver]

@@zsedcftglkjh Don't I SOUND calm??

[@danielnaranjo953]

the life and reality he had with all of its morals and principals has been shattered. now he's living a new reality; his old self is struggling to survive, but he chose to change into a wolf to get what he wants. the thing about this that gets to me is, you see these kinds of examples throughout history such as in war. many soldiers went into combat and were demoralized by the horrors of war; friends killed, mutilated bodies, war crimes like murder. the soldiers came from a civilized life into a life of war and horror, a different reality. for many the war and horror is still going even though the countries are at peace now. so, I'm curious as to how Alejandro will continue his life once he achieves what he's after.

[@fanman8102]

Interesting comment about Alejandro becoming a wolf and his revenge. Did you know that when a wolf gets in a sheep’s pen it will kill all the sheep. Killing one to eat should be good enough but no, he needs to kill them all. So he does.

[@soothsayer2406]

I wanted the director to reshoot the entire scene with two little cute daughters to reflect what was done to him... and also drive home the message that he really is a wolf driven completely to the dark side that may create conflicts in how one views him... hero or monster...or both..... that would have been courageous.

[@sancocho1718]

The concept of, "a land of wolves" in sicario. Reminds me, so much of the Jin-Roh anime.

[@CLRvision54]

Alejandro is the personification of the saying 'Never push a good man to do evil deeds, for he will show no mercy upon the people who pushed him.'

[@hooksNuprcuts]

You missed Alejandros entire character and the relation be between kate. Kate wants to do everything by the book and prosecute "Bad guys". Alejandro was the same in his previous life as a prosecutor. He fought the drug cartels hard legally but it did nothing and cost him his family.

[@strafer8764]

They also never say he is Colombian. She asks if he is because of the Medellin comment which Josh explains as a “time” obviously referring to the long defunct Medellin cartel. It wouldn’t make sense he’s some big time Medellin lawyer or whatever. That’s like being the CEO of Blockbuster where there is like one store in the world left

[@codykramer6382]

When he leans back in the chair and let’s out the long breath after killing the kids and wife, very hardcore.

[@saltedcaramel5976]

They let him torture not because he was skilled, they just didn’t want to dirty their hands…

[@hanscombe72]

I get his trauma and the horror of his life. But how do you go from a prosecutor at a desk and in court to a spec ops killing machine?

[@jadedpaladin6685]

Training

[@thelight3435]

I don't agree that Alejandro is primarily motivated by revenge. I think his main motive is the destruction of an entity that is responsible for much death and human misery. Killing the drug lord's family is to send the cartels a message. And, sadly, sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.

[@judeannethecandorchannel2153]

Wow! The first time I played this, there was no sound for some reason, I had to read the closed captions! At 0.5 speed or too fast. I saw the same "Kate is the Villian" (& Alejandro is the real protagonist) video. My thoughts: Beautiful analysis! Radical, but not unjustified. I'm less comfortable calling Kate a villian (intentions count and her intentions aren't evil, she just can't reconcile her naive ideals with reality). Her growth is from certitude to confusion and ambivalence. That's her arc. But positing Alejandro as the real protagonist, I love that. I don't take it literally but as a way of highlighting that his crusade is the only fully motivated one and motivated at such a deep level. He was a notoriously driven prosecutor. He took great risk to put the murderous cartels destroying his country and terrorizing it's people behind bars. Then his family was gruesomely murdered by the cartels to send him and all like him a message. But instead of drinking himself to death or some other ineffectual response--he combined his desire to bring criminals to justice with his new need for Revenge. This makes him a pretty unstoppable Avenging Angel. What gives us pause is what happens the the cartel leader's innocent children. The leader, and his wife--they chose their path. Those child were innocent bystanders. At least what Alejandro did was swift and in that way somewhat merciful. Not like the depraved way his family was murdered. Sicario is a Great Movie. I would say Kate is an unsympathetic protagonist because her goals are incoherent. She wants to make a difference And she wants to defend methods that make No difference. Again, her arc is from naive, self righteous certitude to profound confusion. That's not an inspiring place for her to end up but it is a much more adult place for her to be. She'll have to integrate what she's learned and reinvent herself. Alejandro is the hidden co protagonist. His pursuit of justice before and after the murder of he's family is the unexpected, originally unrevealed emotional core of the film. That's why the climax is all about him. His terrible ultimate victory, that will strain his soul forever because those children were the collateral damage... Profound, unanswerable, heart breaking. What other choice did he have??

[@jaimeguadian5558]

Another tremendous breakdown! Life is a Story! Wish you’d keep going! Last Samurai, The American, The Insider, Bourne Identity etc..

[@makokiller13]

Still one of best endings that left me in an argument with the angel and devil on my shoulder. This sort of character is very interesting and also parallel to many other both fictional and non-fictional; Punisher, Death Wish, Rambo, etc. Characters that did their best at being what the world wanted them to be and what they themselves chose in a life. To be a father, husband, friend, these are some of the hardest things for people to do, especially ex-military. It all boils down to; what is justified. What would someone be capable of if everything they loved and everything they would die to protect, was taken not just from them, but this world. Just snuffed out. This is how men like Alejandro or Frank Castle are truly born. The real ugly truth behind Alexandros motives is this: You won't know what to do, until it happens to you. This is also why I still today ponder whether what he does in the final scene is justified. Short answer, no. Justified would be hunting down every man or woman responsible, but with Alejandro, the brutal way his wife and daughter were killed, justice doesn't exist anymore. He wanted to see this Cartel leader broken before death. He wanted to see what he felt when his family was killed. This was a very dark truth that most people didn't see coming. While it's utterly shocking, from Alejandro's point of view its not justified; its DONE.

[@conorwellman8592]

We can't overlook 3:37 being that he was working with Master Ken he was probably trained in Ameridote which is the world's deadliest martial arts.

[@JimTempleman]

Alejandro comes across a maid working in the house of the cartel boss' house, and he does not kill her! So he's not entirely a cold blooded killer. The killing of the cartel boss' family in his presence fit into his sense of revenge. I doubt that he would have killed them if he came across them after having killed the cartel boss. Revenge is a very toxic motivation, really a no-win frame of mind. But that's not how your mind sees it once immersed in it. The mind is lost in revenge.

[@mjengel84]

There are many layers to understanding Sicario. Kate undergoes a loss of innocence even though she is an experienced FBI special agent. She struggles to accept her role on the team as the thin veneer of legal justification for going to war with the cartels. Alejandro makes the effort to mentor and protect Kate to prepare her for the coming conflict but he will not let her stand in his way of his personal war. His killing of the kingpin’s family was a very deliberate act of revenge in that Alejandro shot them first and lingered before executing the boss to allow the man to process that his family is dead because he gave the order to have Alejandro’s family tortured and killed (his literal last thought being ,“this man wouldn’t be here and my family dead if I hadn’t ordered his tortured and killed”). The final thought of the movie is that Total War is so grim some people are incapable of waging it (refusing to, even if they know the consequences of not waging it) and what the cost ultimately is… the loss of your humanity.

[@terratrodder]

Well said. I've thought of the conversation in Fausto's head after his family is killed many times. The horror on his face as he is confronted with true darkness, then the realization that he created it. Glad they didn't linger on the scene any longer, genius film making.

[@TCadillacM]

No country for old men, there will be blood, and sicario 1 and 2!!!! Awesome cinema

[@jug01]

damn! I didn't notice the audio cues in his nightmare scene. WOW. It's a perfect subliminal message. You KNOW what he's dreaming about but you DON'T KNOW HOW you know it. The sounds are perfectly masked by the airplane white noise and come to surface just the right ammount for ppl's subcounscious to notice. The whole sound layer STOPS when he wakes up. Villeneuve is a genius.

[@jamesmerone]

That time period between Alejandro being a DA, then a sicario deserves its own movie.

[@designern.builder852]

Alejandro aka Benicio is channeling that Kaiser Soze energy: bad guys violated both of their families and turned him into an absolute monster...

[@enjoyingmyvodka1013]

He became a wolf because he knew he had to. Kate still had a choice, she went through a lot and saw a whole new world she wasn’t made for. Alejandro was pushed into it even forced. Yes he was a lawyer but he lost his family and became a wolf. They awakes the wolf when they killed his family. Great character! Great video

[@safwanmuhammed1000]

Alejandro is my favorite character. Benicio is such a amazing actor.

[@liongordel9088]

The best movie I ever saw from Hollywood.

[@brycebergheim5830]

He was the secret protagonist of the film

[@Reznor_Meeks]

I think the screams are from his daughter and wife, giving what happened to them when they were murdered

[@Wade-1]

He's not completely gone. He's a, "shadow" of his former self. A rough approximation.

[@bluecollarnobodysitaras6503]

I would much rather be Aleandro in case simply for the fact his moral compass is still intact he still knows right from wrong he’s just going to go to extreme brutal measures to get the results of Justice but he seems so needed an immediate Kate on the other hand is defenseless not very self-reliant not company in her abilities and emotions

[@Cavsallday86]

Alejandro is like John Wick in these two movies

[@Amadeus_2061]

First, the analogy of the wolf - the wolf is not a vengeful, purposeless killer; it’s a territorial and loyal animal that protects its own. It’s no coincidence that early humans domesticated the wolf into man’s best friend. In this film the wolf represents an animal that is ruthless when necessary for a greater good. Kate never was and never will be the wolf; but Alejandro is. Alejandro is not out for vengeance; he’s out for justice. When he was a prosecutor trying to get justice, he got injustice, which the legal system never rectified. So he went to achieve justice on his own. He would not have killed 10 little girls for vengeance. Otherwise, he would not have let the maid live, even though she posed a risk to his “vengeance.” Everyone he killed deserved to die. The reason he killed the wife and kids is because serpents lay serpent eggs - it was the only way to destroy that cartel completely, and thus get justice (killing the wife and husband) and prevent further harm (killing the kids who surely would have taken over their father's business). Kate may not be the villain, but she remains a pawn. She’s more loyal to man-made rules than to universal justice. Unlike Alejandro, she has no principles to guide her towards justice, and so she remains an obstacle for those who have more clarity and backbone. She thinks she can fight evil men with rules that they will never respect; Alejandro knows that the only way to protect the world is to get rid of those evil men. It’s men like Alejandro that have always been the barrier between civilization and anarchy. If every operation was allowed to be run how Alejandro ran it, the cartel problem would actually get solved.

[@okay8165]

I don’t know if this was Intentional but in the ending scene when Alejandro is trying to get Kate I think her name is to sign the paper and you can see Alejandro is in the dark and she is in the light I think it’s kind of symbolism of what’s happening and inside of them or what’s already happened

[@LifeIsAStory]

It’s definitely intentional. No doubt.

[@Roatanmicky]

It seems to me that Alejandro's conscience regarding his mission is misunderstood. In addition to his own, his revenge, Alejandro is the perfect machine that understands what the exact response is required to break the vicious circle of evil, which in this case is represented by the head of the mafia cartel. He has no doubts or regrets. His goal must be achieved ruthlessly, whatever the cost and at the expense of whoever stands in his way. However, his diligence and precision is enough to shoot Kate without harming her, but also to ruthlessly eliminate the entire criminal family. Alejandro understands that the nature of crime is much more complex than making discriminations between good and evil when the decision has been made to eradicate it. Nature itself gives us lessons in behavior that are absolutely incomprehensible to our humanity. Justice, which is beyond the laws attached to the Penal Code, is in the quantum physics of the SELF and not a sentimental, moral or ethical reasoning. Alejandro is the great hero who rescues us from what Kate is unable to fully understand or control and much less eradicate.

[@minutebooks3245]

If Alejandro is not the protagonist, who is? What is their arc? Protagonist doesn't mean "good guy". It means the person whom the story is about. This movie is Alejandro's story.

[@haydenggallen]

Must say, I love the “sit back and grab a..” line, it’s exactly what I did. Got cozy.

[@Devastate909]

I wouldnt say Alejandro is the good or bad guy...more an Anti hero,He used to be a good man and changed after he lost his family,even tho we as viewers know what he is doing is wrong,we kind of root for him because we all kind of have that natural instinct to want our loved one to be safe,and what boundries we would cross to ensure that.

[@alviwajahat]

Both movies very unique . Top of the line

[@scottgregory6129]

I've owned this movie for years and have watched it many times. Not long ago I came to the conclusion that Kate is a horrible officer and a danger to all those who surround her. Her "ethics" are simply a delusion of some utopian ideal. Her resentment for being used as a legal pawn is no excuse for resistance to the operation. No way I would trust her! Awesome movie, cool video!

[@j.k24]

Benicio is freaking awesome

[@TitusFFM]

When you lose what you love when you lose what one's was yours when you lose your place you go into a free fall mode. It's not important how long you are falling that you can't grab anything to hold you that no one hears your screaming for help. What is important is the simple fact that when you reach rock bottom you are on your four's the decision that you gonna make how you gonna stand up matters the most. He understood that there is no happy life anymore that whatever he would do his sorrow his anger his soul would never be the same and there would be no compensation for all he lost and suffered. The only thing that he still was feeling was bitterness, hate and this is the most important thing no fear anymore he died already inside. And this made him the most dangerous man in the world. He knows that he will be never the same again so fuck that shit there is nothing and no fear of death. That's why he is going.

[@begonasoto8929]

👍exacto

[@SeriousPOV]

Wolves are part of the kingdom. The kingdom is where all exist;. Within the kingdom, there exist many viewpoints...

[@Delicatamente]

6:06 I think he was ready to die there. His entire set was about it. I mean completly worthless him to live - he knew that his future life would be only the darkness. And he was ready to be killed by her because the whole film she was a reminder of his daughter and he wanted to reunion to her there.

[@kamalscorner2862]

The director said the cartel boss didn't know that the 2 kids and the wife was going to die so that was his actual reaction when it happened.

[@OneMindAnyWeapon]

The problem with conclusions, especially when not the creator is its subjective opinion. One can't say because one is an observer. Even as a creator we have no control once we release the thing we create. That doesn't change that it's opinion.. what others belive of it.. its done to them but its not a universal truth

[@judeannethecandorchannel2153]

Excellent‼️ Not too long at all. Great observations and love for the character and the performance. 😇😌

[@keithgordon3823]

Awesome breakdown! This film is AMAZING!!!! 🕶️

[@movieexpert18]

Talk about use headphones. Only now on this video did I notice the jet engines are meant to sound like screams he hears in his dreams.

[@massive_headwound_harry]

The still shot at 6:57 is weird. A strange way to sight down a gun. Is he right-handed and left eye-dominant? Was he aiming with his left eye throughout the movie or did the director choose the pose so we could see his face better or for dramatic effect?

[@lazywill3991]

Alejandro reminds me of Magua from The Last of the Mohicans.

[@experienceprecision5406]

I'll never forget this movie. It had been out for a while and when I saw it I remember asking myself why isnt Hollywood raveing about this movie. Oh, well at I know it was one of the best I've ever saw if not the best.

[@MrMannyfresh78]

I’d like to believe Alejandro had prior experience with the cartel before his wife and daughter were murdered. His value as a U.S. asset isn’t just based on his thirst for revenge…

[@mariosotomayer622]

I´ll say it the more simply I could, as I´m no native English speaker: This movie breaks the conventionalism in the way mainstream movies are made, the protagonist is good, and the antagonist is bad. The moral of the story is: whatever side you choose in the story, you´re completely fucked up, JUST ENJOY THE MOVIE, because the truth is, that all the topics both sides are representing, outside, in the real world, are still fighting.

[@ibone5028]

In the scene where he's sleeping you can hear slight screams of a woman and what seems to be a young girl as well.

[@QaediSham]

I came early enough despite a year late. This vid yet to come through the Algo i think. Just watched Day of Soldado and I realized I want to know more about Alejandro like more another movie kind. Pulling a Wick here with Benicio in another movie would be good for Alejandro fans.

[@cinemaghost3149]

Great job man this was a good video and reminded me why I love Alejandro so much! Just subbed and keep going

[@b.g.3073]

Also, you might want to edit your last few minutes after the second movie. He definitely still has some humanity left.

[@dbabakh8911]

Nope he lost it when he killed those kids.

[@b.g.3073]

@@dbabakh8911 Risking and willing to give his life to his (biggest) rival's daughter says different.

[@jamesasterwolf584]

@@b.g.3073 nah, he’s just as much of a monster

[@jciii3334]

Excellent video, very polished!

[@ibone5028]

Telling the drug lord to eat his dinner after he killed his family was cold af

[@VideoClam]

When the fuck was it implied in anyway that Alejandro would be willing to murder ten little girls if they got in his way for revenge? He goes out of his way NOT to kill Kate, a woman trained in lethal force when SHE got in his way. What a completely asinine take. It completely ruined the preceding analysis.

[@frobbit30]

Normal people are like Kate, but the recent past and the near term future will require becoming like Alejandro out of sheer necessity. Good luck to us all.

[@LifeIsAStory]

Hopefully not lol.

[@Aaronaku]

@@LifeIsAStory youre naive. Look around dude.

[@baldyslapnut.]

@The Comment Critic adoptiing the motivation of your channel name, I think your last sentence needs punctuation within it or a question mark. Notwithstanding you're guilty of the presumption you criticise...

[@baldyslapnut.]

@The Comment Criticjust like yours then? Although my comments can convey the message without profanity.

[@joeyformasano5499]

What people don't understand is that alot of this is only made by listening and stories other people who have been through this tell alot of this happens everyday everyday

[@Zfrm203]

im with Alejandro on this one sometimes you have to be a wolf to catch one

[@rickyibarra]

Killing the children und wife of criminals is not barbaric, is Justice.

[@LifeIsAStory]

I doubt you actually believe that.

[@markmccormack1796]

Her decision not to kill Alejandro from the balcony is as much cultural as anything else. She grew up in the US, laws matter. She is top tier law enforcement . Alejandro comes from Columbia (ground zero for narco terrorists), where laws are more open to "interpretation".

[@markmccormack1796]

I thought he came from Mexico originally. He lives in Columbia now, but born, raised and was lawyer in Mexico.

[@Alma.Gotica]

Me dá um alô Benício! 🙋🏻‍♀️🇧🇷❤️❤️❤️❤️🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@blacjackdaniels200]

I disagree that Alejandro smoking those kids takes away from him being the protagonist of makes Him a villain..He didn’t kill the kids because they were in the way of His goal or target. He did that so that the guy that offed his daughter had to go through the same pain of watching his kids die before Him. It was comPLETELY justified. Those kids were just going to grow up to be like their asshole dad anyway. Fuck em all. Best and most justified revenge scene EVER!

[@nicholasolsen3360]

I remember the first time I saw these movies and just how hypnotic it was. Some of my favorite movies of all time, they are 💯 my cup of tea, and so beautifully done. I love how, (and I don’t know if this is just my own interpretation), but when Kate’s holding the gun at Alejandro, he’s still black like a dark wolf, but you see the beautiful heavenly clouds in the background. He’s still caring for her in that scene in my opinion. He doesn’t walk away, he gives her a chance to make her decision to see if she wants to become a wolf or stay moral. We know he turns into a wolf, but… I think the heavenly light shines in the background because even though we now know he’s pretty barbaric, he’s PREVENTING her from becoming him. So he’s like a dark angel protecting her from becoming that tortured soul. And it kinda seems like as she stops pointing the gun at him, when he turns back and walks away, he relishes in joy and kinda smiles because she decided NOT to become like him. Alejandro was an Angel of darkness in this movie. He’s the only member of Matt’s crew who showed compassion to her and Reggie, and had a genuine care for her, but he wasn’t willing to let her get in the way of his revenge slaughtering. …What I take from these films is this: the government is corrupt (as if we didn’t know this) and obviously, this is just more reason to dislike them because of how Kate and Reggie were a pawn. Alejandro is a government agent, BUT he’s NOT from Matt’s world. He has more compassion than the government and soldiers alike. It just makes Alejandro more beloved because he’s respected by these agents/soldiers, but he ISN’T THEM. They’re really POS people, too, just like the cartels in the movie! You understand him, some people might not agree with how he decided to grow claws. This movie is very complex, dark, deep, and philosophical--really intricate cinema. I can’t praise this film enough, I really can’t, I LOVE this trilogy

[@mletrout7942]

Since when does the protagonist have to be good? It’s Alejandro’s story, Blount is our window because she’s the outsider looking in and passing judgement, unfair or otherwise, with the innocent morality of the audience. We’re all hoping for a redemption arc and even expecting Blount to save him; the possibility is there like a faint light at the end of a long, dark tunnel, but it’s an illusion, like the notion that good must always triumph over evil.

[@rnkmode1876]

Yes a prequel about Alejandro would be awesome maybe for a beginning portion of the movie use a young actor that looks alot like Benicio and more importantly acts like him, I'm talking a dedicated character actor like with (Val Kilmer) dedication to the roll. Some may not understand what I mean by that but that's ok some will. Then the movie can catch up with Benicio in current times. Not sure who they could use for younger Alejandro 🤔 maybe Diogo Morgado he's only 14 years younger then Benicio but maybe it could work 🤷‍♂️

[@DemonaterTheAce]

I choose neither side a little bit of both would be perfect but she could’ve turned him in

[@stephenschwager9412]

Well done, very well done!

[@amaljones8641]

Alejandro feels like the punisher a man that loses his family by murder and comes back a monster is sad and frightening at the same time .

[@Nico42048]

And then he interrogates the Punisher