The deaf scene in the movie was Benicio Del Toro's idea. There is a video called anatomy of a scene where Stefano Sollima, the director, talked about this. I just thought it was pretty cool that he came up with it. Same thing when he pitched the idea to reduce Alejandro's lines in the first movie to keep the mysteriousness of his character. The reveal in the end really paid off.

The first movie introduced us to Steve Forsing, the glasses wearing wheel guy. What a great character.

Not only did Miguel NOT choose a different part...apparently by how he was carrying himself he FULLY embraced the cartel life.

I love both of these films but Sicario 2 is the only one that brings me to tears. The entire sequence from when they meet Angel the deaf man is flipping magic. The subtleties are amazing.

Another interesting note is that Steve and Matt are on the same page, line for line at the beginning of the movie. There's a moment when the SECDEF asks Matt a question, Steve answers, the SECDEF tells him off and Matt answers with the exact same phrase Steve used. The movie is telling you right then and there that at the beginning of the film, they are essentially two halves of the same mold. But by the end, they're noticeably out of sync as Matt starts re-discovering his conscience. When they find the girl, the helicopters land and they all jump out shooting. Steve helps shoot everyone in the back of the pickup truck. All of the other military guys walk away, but then Steve leans over the back of the truck very coldly puts a few more rounds into everyone to make 100% sure they are dead. Steve is clearly disappointed that they didn't murder the girl and end the mission. He's pissed off that he's going to get in trouble with their superiors for letting her live, but Matt who has changed, is more angry at himself that he would even consider killing her to begin with. At the end, nobody in the back of that helicopter will look at each other, but all for different reasons.

I'm glad that you gave this a second viewing, I loved this film from the first time I saw it

That scene where they just use sign language was one of my best scenes of the movie not entirely sure why but it is

It totally wasn't obvious me at all that Alejandro survived after being shot in the head. I honestly thought they killed him off and loudly cried "NO" when that happened... and then "NO FUCKING WAY" when they finally cut back to him and he started to move. Even though the movie had been great up this point, I really thought that _this_ was where they could genuinely fuck up the story and all that had been developed. It was such a tight line where they could have easily written some cheesy way for him to survive and really ruined his character, and thus the entire story as he's really the main character in part 2. Instead they pulled off that tight rope walk _perfectly_ and not only did the movie _not_ go down hill from there, it soared to new heights of awesomeness.

I wonder if this will prompt the return of Kate somehow. Be interesting to see the relationship between the person she's become and Alejandro now. There's so many layers in Sicario, 3 can't come soon enough.

Certainly looking forward to seeing a third instalment of Sicario :what I like about both movies, is there isn't any "bullshit", what you see is what you get - none of that romanticism/rose tinted view on life, along with the fact that another story (not carried from the original) is told from a different angle and "raises the game" : this is where Hollywood has got it seriously wrong!.

Left Foot Media is criminally undersubscribed. I love it!

I feel the comment "glad we didn't have to do that" was more in line of this characters deep grey morality. He never seemed to relish anything. It was just a job. A messy job. I really never thought he wanted to kill Alejandro but he was ready and willing to do it if that's what he had to do. So I felt he was glad that he didn't have to dirty his hands this one time.

Regarding Sheridan and the modern Western, I highly recommend Yellowstone. You won't regret it. I will re-watch Sicario 2 again as I didn't care for it the first time. But that could have been because I saw it in the theater. LOL.

This is one of the best rundowns of a film I've ever seen. Great job! Looking forward to more in the future.

Comparing the 1st and 2nd movie is like comparing apples and oranges. The first was more of a procedural and the second is a character study. Both are excellent. Taylor Sheridan is one of the great story and script writers going today. Thanks for the analysis.

I preferred the second one, that scene with the deaf couple was fantastic.

Kate Mercer could be reprised as a US Attorney. It’s not uncommon for law grads with an eye for public service to serve in the FBI before moving on to other positions in the Justice Department. Her presence could provide as a final facing of conscience for Alejandro with Mercer operating as either an ally or adversary. It would require an amazing screenwriter to develop the script in a way that’s compelling, though, but it has potential.

I LOVE this dissection of the movie that you did here. I re-watched Soldado last night (for the fifth time, probably). Now the first Sicario, I’ve watched about twenty times. These are some very complex, gritty, amazing thrillers. This modern Western trilogy is my favorite series of movies of all time I think, and I cannot wait for Sicario: Capos to come out. Like I said, I watched Soldado again via Hulu last night, and the more times I watch it, the more I appreciate how good of a film it actually is. The first one is still my favorite, though. With Alejandro as a complete ghost right now, Matt still might not know he’s alive. I don’t think Alejandro has gone straight, I don’t think he had it in his heart to kill Isabella Reyes… However, Alejandro is still not going to give up the hunt for Carlos Reyes, I just can’t see him not trying to finish Carlos Reyes. There is still A LOT of unanswered questions, and as long as Taylor Sheridan remains the writer for the series… I’m very interested in what’s going to happen, and what’s happened in that year since Alejandro’s “death.” I also believe that these films show how the government itself is a huge villain in this series--just like the cartels! Just like Fausto told Alejandro in the first film, “Do you think the people who sent you here are any different? Where do you think we learned it from?”

The meandering plot of Sicario 2 left me with the impression of the futility of the war on drugs and how it is spiralling out of control and become a lot more than just drugs. A brutal, frustrating mess. It's a good film and I'll have to watch it again to see if its more coherent.

Another example of symbolism and foreshadowing is in the scene where Miguel is almost ran over. Since his innocence depicts him as a child the fact that the men had stopped just in time before they ran him over indicates how Alejandro and Matt do not end up killing Isabel later on. However it was steve who was driving and had used the brakes which could indicate that the choice was thrown at them and that they are merely passengers in this cycle of violence

It’s almost 2021, which means,... the next and final instalment of Sicario,..

I loved that you watched it again. I prefer the first film due to the soundtrack and the surprise element of the hitman. However, the second is also spectacular.

From what I’ve heard for the first Sicario film they had two scripts So they made both

Matt is reminded of Alejandro's story by Isabel. We all know that Alejandro became an assassin because he wants revenge of what the cartel did to his wife and daughter. Now that very same thing is happening to Isabel, she just saw Alejandro killed, the man who is for her is like a real father, someone she is starting to connect with and then got taken away RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER. I just hoped they don't make Matt train Isabel to be like Alejandro and use it to fight against Alejandro and his new found apprentice.

A really well thought out and interesting reading of a brilliant movie. I watched both movies again recently and particularly Soldado blew me away. I initially thought the first movie was way better but not any more and this review really helped me see a few other things. Great job = subscribed!

Miguel is offered the opportunity in the end of the film to become a real 'Sicario' in the mold of Alejandro. Alejandro is fulfilling the classic 'independent' knight pursuing his own goals seeking justice within a very dangerous culture.

Great breakdown, I enjoyed this movie this first time I saw it, but understanding the deeper themes in the movie make it that much more enjoyable.

You absolutely hit it out the park with these analysis! Thank you!

something resonated with me with both these films, thank you for putting words to some of what I was feeling about these movies

I haven't seen you in my algorithms in a really long time - love your stuff. Please keep going

How the heck did both movies only bring in 80 mill each?? that makes it really hard for a 3rd film now.

Very well done, Sir. Your breakdown and analysis was spot on. Reminds me of Joe Campbell's "Hero's Journey".

The score/ sound effect when the choppers are on the move is haunting and foreboding. It gives you the feeling of the pending doom

Fantastic analysis!!!! The Sicario films are AMAZING! I've seen both numerous times and every viewing reveals something new and has a way of creating questions that you hadn't thought of before. The second film is so incredibly nuanced that it's best enjoyed after numerous viewings. Benicio is at his all time BEST as Alejandro. The way he presents one of the most sophisticated characters in film with very little dialog is just incredible!!

I agree with your conclusions to your analysis. Powerful, Thanks

Isabela Moner takes the Spotlight along side Benicio and Thanos 🏆🏆🏆

@ 5:00 in when you’re discussing the scene where the kid first encounters “Medellin” it reminds me of something Andrew Bustamante and John Karakou have said on their pods. When you look into someone’s eyes you have a better chance of recognizing that person again, I think agents are trained to not draw that attention to themselves for that particular reason.

Once again Fantastic!!! Agree with everything and saw things I hadn't before. (Plus I did not know about part 3. Best news of the day) Personally, I also taught this part 2 was not on the same level as the the first. But at the second viewing it became my favourite of the two.

Hi what is the music playing the back ground of this video. The guitar I stuck in my head. Is this from the score? Please I need to know !

Well said! This was (surprisingly) one of the most artistically successful sequels ever made - to my knowledge.

U have to watch 1883 even if u haven’t watch Yellowstone. My husband cried for the 1st time in any movie or show. The writing is impeccable. When u can convey strong messages and emotions with minimal words on top of the story as a whole- u have one of the best shows. When my husband asked who made this- I was shocked to learn some of my fav movies were created by this talented western writer.

Fascinating review, these movies always gripped me

Dude, you are the very best critic ever! As you speak I'm replaying the movie in my head and you are spot on brother. This film showed the connectivity between the writer and director. Unreal.

Thank you. I revisited the movie for the second time after watching your review and I understand it much better now and appreciate it more.

Dude you’re from Nz!!! Awesome man same here . Great video, instant subscribe mate !

SICARIO the first one is one of the must underrated films from the last decade. It has great reviews but it always seems to go unnoticed when talking about great films from the past ten or fifteen years.

I hope there will be a part 3.

Awesome video man. I liked the way this movie was broken down and the symbolism explained the way it was. About Steve's comment "I'm glad we didn't have to do that" I caught the selfishness in it as well, but I think he could also been speaking from a tactical standpoint as well. Ole Alejandro was maybe not a tactical superior opponent of that team as a whole, but he could have definitely done a severe amount of damage if they had engaged him and he was able to level the playing field. Who knows. Again Awesome video bud.

Thanks for making this video!

Great review. Really enjoyed it

Loved the both of them and can watch each one over and over Benico and Josh are totally awesome actors in this Film!!!!

Great analysis, enjoyed it very much

Good point, thanks for the break down. The clothing was a real turning point for me

I actually thought the set up scene in the car park was weak, because it creates a significant plot point that relies on coincidence, which I tend to dislike.

After watching this and hearing your breakdown I have to watch it again and to appreciate it more cause the first watch it just felt like a Hollywood sequel but you just seemed to prove that wrong. Good breakdown!

Great review and interesting perception. This video encouraged me to seek more symbolism in the story and I came up with two more possibilities. 1) The vehicles after “killing” Alejandro represent wolves or a pack of wolves (see reference to wolves in first movie) and this turns the card of the wolves theory back on to Alejandro. 2) Matt (Matthew) represents an apostle that is the story teller of this ‘myth.’ We don’t know Matthew’s background in this trilogy bc that is such a separate arc.

Great vid, you made some great points. I will rewatch Sicario 2 again.

yo weird quesrion but what is the background music??? so haunting and beautiful.

Fantastic analysis. Subbed.

Haven't seen Sicario 2, but a very deep and interesting commentary/perspective. Makes me want to see it even more. Seemed a little long-winded, at first, but a very deep analysis. Well done!

Gonna have to rewatch this one. Great review. I feel like you just took us to church.

Great analysis! I had similar feelings: thought it was good but not as good as the first but on second viewing I saw to judge on its own merits. And I agree it's a great movie. Subbed!

Great analysis thanks

I love that you called out "Wipe it clean". I agree. It felt very symbolic as in cleaning your weapons before you put them away or like ancient Asian culture with swords. Matt needed to wipe his conscience before getting could go forward. So saving Isabel was necessary for him to do so otherwise he'd be haunted hampering his ability to continue serving. Spot on with the "Radicalism" discussion. Consider "The Kingdom" as a spectacular representation of how this plays out. Thank you for the thought provoking breakdown. Keep up the great channel.

I just watched this movie for the first time. I went in blind after seeing part 1 so I didn’t know what to expect? It was a great movie! But I was so angry at the end. I wasn’t expecting the movie to continue, again 😝

That first encounter by Miguel at the car, they flash their blue lights and bump their siren... THAT's what burns it in to Miguel's memory... he KNOWS they're cops! You missed that in your review, left foot! He KNOWS they are cops!

Thank you for the analysis, God bless !

Your analysis was really thought provoking. Something I acknowledged only at a subconscious level. Which begs the question on how these two films will culminate in the upcoming film Sicario: Capos.

Soundtrack isn't as strong or directing, however this one I think Josh Brolin gets to be more of the main protagonist and does a better job

The deaf man scene is so.human.....because it makes one feel for the deaf guy , living in the middle of nowhere.. and shows the jesus like humanity of Alexandro as he can actually do sign language.

10:48 Great interpretation. I would add that the fact of Angel's family being deaf represents Alejandro's silenced family by the Cartel, thus masterfully adding another layer of symbolism to this great film. Otherwise, what purpose does it serve the fact that this family is deaf? If this point wasn't important to make, the whole plot could've advanced with people that were just regular good-hearted peasants helping a man holding a big ass submachine gun. So what other choice Angel had? He looks like he couldn't kill a fly, deaf or no deaf. Thanks man. Loved this film and your analysis.

Great review and analysis! Maybe I’ll have to give the second film another chance

Excellent analysis! very thought provoking commentary on one of the best film series ever made.

I think you and I had the same response to Sicario 2 on first viewing, for the same reasons. I'll give it another watch.

Please do a video on Steve Forsing. 🙏🙏🙏

I have to watch Sicario 2 again. I felt the same way you did the first time. I didn't think it lived up to Sicario.

Surprised you did not make any mention of the parallel between Alejandro burying his gear and “buying the hatchet”.

Astonishing good film.. I like your analysis. You make some great points.

Great review. But do you mean ‘Conflicted’?

while i have enjoyed your vids about this and the first sicario movie, I disagree with you on one point. you repeatedly suggest that Alejandro has taken on the view that the ends justify the means. I tend to think that this is a view that misses the truth of his viewpoint - that being that he isn't interested in justification at all. He has shifted, not only from the sort of soft morality that kate espouses, but also from the more gray morality that people reference, into a very personal morality that shifts moment to moment - often dipping almost into pure amorality in service of his goals. Perhaps a very similar morality to that of the people who destroyed the life he had.

The amount of Judea-Christian references in daily life never ceases to amaze me. Great analysis. Even from a secular point of view, I think you will have a much greater understanding of the world if you understand the scriptures.

The disection and analogy of the movie is absolutely brilliant!! I've watched both movies numerous times and this analogy made me see both movies in a whole different light. I love how you drew the analogy between the movie and religion. I'm beyond belief that both movies didn't win any awards!!?? I think the reason is because both movies are so factually correct and hard hitting that Hollywood didn't want to award them and shed light on drug cartels and human smuggling!!! The tear jerking moment for me was when Isabella cried out as Alejandro was shot knowing her savior, protector and friend was just killed. I think that in Sicario 3, Mat Craver will take Isabella to Kate Mercer to hide her and keep her safe. That is the only way I see Kate Mercer coming back for Sicario 3. So looking forward to the 3rd movie and I can see this franchise continuing on to Sicario 4. I look forward to seeing Isabella and Alejandro reunited! ❤️❤️❤️

Good stuff mate. I love both movies simply because Taylor Sheridan is such a good screenwriter and, of course, Johann Johannson's brilliant, perfect score, reprised in the 2nd movie. I did miss the tension of the first movie but, as you say. it needs more than one viewing to get the full impact of the dialogue and the story. I agree with you. Studio producers know shit (hence so many lousy, repetitive scripts,) and care about nothing except the bottom line, the profit - quantity verses quality. I hope they leave Taylor alone and let him realise what is a great and deep story in his own unique way. Over time, I think that these two movies (hopefully trio) will become classics in the vein of No Country For Old Men. By the way, you are wearing the same shirt as me. Good taste. ;)

Just one question, what is a "Cah?"

He remembered Alejandro because of the police horn

When I originally watched this movie, I theorized that Miguel was Silvio's (The Mexican cop/drug mule from the first film) son grown up. Would have been an interesting angle to approach.

Both SICARIO films are very powerful Perfect casting, direction, and execution. It doesn't get much better than these films.

Fantastic breakdown.

I thought the movie had so many loose ends not explained. When the CIA head let Brolin go rogue to complete the mission but yet he still brought the girl back, that was hard to believe. The partnership to get resources such as a loaded UAV and team members for the escort mission but then suddenly when shtf they were on their own and wandering the desert. If anything the scene where the kid almost gets run down by the agents but then points him out later was pretty cheesy. I'd have liked to see the sciarios get intel feeds of the agent and a photo for identification to spot him in that way rather than how it was portrayed, especially given each sides' budgets for operations. It just seemed so trivial where it could've explored all these elements in a more cohesive way. Sicario 1 had this element of all agencies working to try and stop something whereas Sicario 2 felt like Brolin threw a tantrum and hooked up with the arms dealer from John Wick to get gear.

I love both movies. I love it even more (part 2), after the way you explained the movie. I am sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for part 3. Oh happy Juneteenth.

The best movies always examine and reveal evil.

This sequel had no right to be this good. It missed couple of the main characters, director and composer. Its predecessor was top 3 best movie of 2010s. And still it was this good.

Thanks for the awesome analysis but I respectfully have to disagree with the title...I love Taylor's scripts too but this was obviously touched by the studio as well. I don't like to use the language of BvS haters :D but the execution here was bad. The casting choice especially for kids and then the focus on them was terrible. I didn't buy one moment of these kids and that pulled me out of the experience a lot. The lack of realism comparing to Sicario felt awkward because they placed unnecessary characters and unrealistic situations into the plot just to make it look "bigger" and sometimes even "woker" ?! Like the Cynthia character that totally undermined Alejandro's and Matt's previous set up of people who don't need any permission for their actions. While in this movie, they were made very inferior to her and it felt very forced, like she was placed there as a "woman of strength" just to have a check. Kate's character never felt forced and was very realistic. Then, the beginning with the suicidal muslim guys felt pretty much out of place. And tons of other things...overall the whole movie felt just brutal for no reason, while the first felt rather very cold and gritty but in a good way - that was actually what kept you in front of the screen. In this, I never had a feeling of shock. And the funny thing is, I never analysed it like this before but I think actually quite lot of people understood these metaphors but the problem was, that it didn't feel natural like the first. And the biggest problem was probably the director choice. That's actually an issue when you are trying to build a "franchise" with the first movie being a masterpiece and then you change the director. I truly believe that Taylor's script was meant to be awesome but as it was directed, it just didn't felt that way even after watching it 4 times. I wish Taylor himself would've directed it - Wind River was awesome ! This movie, while had good ideas and I agree with your analysis, wasn't executed well and unfortunately it may mean that we won't see the 3rd part because it didn't make that much money as the studio wanted while quite a lot of people were looking forward for it. I still hope they will make the 3rd part but also hope they will find some really great director. Maybe David Mackenzie ? his and Sheridan's Hell or High Water was also awesome. Anyway, thanks a lot for the video !

Thank you for this analysis. I had purchased the first movie. Just bought Sicario 2. Benicio Del Toro is such a powerful actor.

I saw sicario 2, i remember i liked it but i forgot about the story told. Whereas i still vividly remember the first sicario, not a single scene i can’t recall, including some delivered lines by the actors. Sicario 1 is the great movie

I quite agreed with Your initial impression. Interesting that You went back and took a longer look at the writing. Plausible pitch for a trilogy, to push the 'consequentalism' further into the next generation - as a sidenote 'consequentalism' isn't 'ends justify means', but *_'what fruits a tree may bear_* ' - and that could imply acts of cruelty if committed with an outcome in mind that doesn't follow _mechanically_ and will likely have to be bought with one's soul. Another plot could be that Kate Mercer _does_ return from the _'small town where there's still a rule of law'_ into the _'land of the wolves'_ , in order *to act out ouf a repentant consciousness* , possibly reforming the old team - not by formal social hierarchy and chain of command - but _informally_ - as responsible individuals, *resisting the corruption and militarization that erodes their institutions* instead of being 'good men that do nothing'. The plot could be something as simple as that *a reformed and fully matured generation looks after - and being the model for - of the younger, orphaned, directionless generation* - trying to capture an imagination of that act without being pretentious, pandering 'brand activism' , but genuine (maybe reminiscent of or resonant with *'Andrei Rublev'* ?).

very stimulating conversation

When is Sicario 3?

My feeling is that you need to watch Marlon Brando monologue from Apocalypse Now on "Terror"...Terror has been around a long time, it's legs are sturdy.

What if the Reyes girl is staring at Graver because she recognizes him from the initial ambush the same way Miguel recognized Alejandro from the parking lot incident? Not really much to go off of but just a thought