Parents' Guide to

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Solid drug war sequel has intense violence, language.

Movie R 2018 122 minutes
Sicario: Day of the Soldado Poster Image

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age 15+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Austin B.
Austin B. Adult
June 29, 2018
age 17+

Soldado

This movie is excellently written, well directed, and well acted. However, the scale of violence in this sequel is a step up from the first and rather disturbing. I saw people leave the theater in the first 10 minutes. Not to mention the atmosphere is quite dark and gritty, and the whole movie is tense. The clever script never lets you down and leaves every scene almost unpredictable, and features some great action scenes that will leave you wanting more!

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
vxctor_
vxctor_ Adult
April 29, 2019
age 13+

Another Excellent Film, Darker Topics

The films concept is very well written and performed. This sequel is definitely way more dark then the first film. The two main characters from the first film are the same but in this film it’s definitely seen more sides of emotion then just business. Alejandro is an excellent role model and definitely treats the cartel leaders daughter as one of his own. His father figure side is demonstrated amazingly being that his child is gone, and is also a widow. So to see him being less heartless is very inspirational, even if he does dirty business. He also accomplished many tasks with odds stacked against him by overcoming. Matt is also a great example, he is a hard working agent and although he has more of a darker side of humor his dedication to his country and means of overcoming any obstacle that comes his way is definitely inspiring. The violence acts of terrorism are graphic but it’s the harsh reality we live in and can’t deny. The drug running, human trafficking, and attacks of terror. Are definitely a great topic to discuss with teens. I highly recommend for an interesting, violent, and harsh reality check to show how actions have consequence for your teens.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much swearing
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO, the drug wars continue. The Mexican criminal underworld has started smuggling Sicarios (contract killers) across the border; the U.S. government declares this an act of terrorism, and thus all bets are off. Enter the CIA's Matt Graver (Josh Brolin), who comes up with a dark, desperate plan. His team will kidnap one Mexican drug lord's young daughter, Isabela Reyes (Isabela Moner), and make it look as if a rival cartel is responsible. Graver calls in his old colleague, Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro), to help. The operation goes smoothly, and the Americans successfully "rescue" Isabela. But then the Mexican government discovers the ruse and attacks the Americans en route. Isabela escapes, and Gillick goes after her. Then Graver finds himself placed in a terrible position.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (4 ):

This sequel to Sicario is solid enough in its storytelling, with some inspired elements (as well as some lazy ones). But the special touches that made the original great are glaringly absent. Sicario starred Emily Blunt as Kate Macer, who gave viewers a relatable entry point into the movie's strange, dangerous, unsettling world; she came into each scene knowing nothing, just as we did. Moreover, the great cinematographer Roger Deakins and the excellent director Denis Villeneuve crafted each scene in Sicario to heighten this sense of discomfort and the unknown.

In Sicario: Day of the Soldado, all of that is gone. What remains is a strong, seasoned screenplay by Taylor Sheridan, who understands the world of men balancing on the edge of injustice, and returning actors del Toro and Brolin. (The sequel's director is Stefano Sollima, from Italy.) Del Toro, who was flat-out amazing in the original, is still great here; his Gillick is quite touching as he forms a bond with Isabela and seeks refuge with a deaf man living in the middle of the desert. Brolin, meanwhile, is very good at being both hard and conflicted about his job. The story uses at least one wild stretch of logic to tie the story threads together, which may jolt viewers out of the story. Nevertheless, Sicario: Day of the Soldado is still a sturdy entertainment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Sicario: Day of the Soldado's violence. Which parts were gruesome, and which were exciting? How did the movie achieve these effects? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • How are drinking, smoking, and drugs depicted? Are they glamorized? Does the movie make the drug business look alluring?

  • What does the movie have to say about law versus justice? What's the difference between the two? Does the end justify the means?

  • How did you feel about the scenes with the deaf man? How do they fit in with, or contrast with, the rest of the movie?

  • How does this movie compare to the original? What's missing? What's been added, if anything?

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