As someone who actually lives in Mexico, and has a 12-men strong Policias Federales group parked just outside my office with machine guns and a freaking tank (yes, a small tank with 2 50mm turrets), and my fair amount of dead bodies seen around in Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon and Sonora, many kidnapped (and lost forever) friends, this movie is one of the best I've ever seen about the War On Drugs. The third act is too constrained, but understandable as this is a movie made for an American audience. I wonder if you guys can tell the difference between Mexico City (where most of the Mexican scenes were shot) and Ciudad Juarez or Nogales, because you can't film there at all. The situation here is worst than anybody can imagine, and I just have to look outside my window. I'm looking forward for the next movie with Del Toro's character.

Until the script loses its cojones and the third act turns it into just another revenge thriller, this is a tense, visually stunning, action flick that also has something serious to say about the ambiguity and futility of the War on Drugs.

A bit too slow and not enough action for my taste. Honestly, when I really think about it, not a whole lot happened? Solid performances from the cast and great cinematography though.

**The Good**: + Inherently stylish, violently sharp and expertly surprising; **Denis Villeneuve** scores yet another hit with this realistic crime film. + Contains those quiet moments Villeneuve is so good at, mixed with the sudden bursts of violence. + The realism of the all, the dialogue and the acting help nail the slow pace of the film. + Seamless shifts between material filmed with different kinds of cameras. + **Emily Blunt** a surprising choice to lead, but handles her part well. **Josh Brolin** and **Benicio Del Toro** are great as well. + Villeneuve creates tension in the quiet moments with well-timed music, editing and dialogue. + Elegant and sharp action. + Grey line between the heroes and the villains of the piece - several characters could be both. + The characters are left at a distance and just opened up enough for us to care about them. + The final operation is a unique sequence. + The thin story manages to surprise. + Probably one of the most stylish crime films ever made. **The Bad**: - **Daniel Kaluuya** hangs around with nothing to do. - The story has very little flesh to it, putting more pressure on the direction and acting to deliver. - In parts, it becomes almost too slow and could benefit from a more evened out tempo. **Verdict**: It is a stylish, realistic and altogether professional crime film.