Sicario Parents Guide: Is It Appropriate for Your Teen?

Sicario is a 2015 American crime thriller film directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan. The film stars Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin. The film follows Kate Macer (Blunt), an idealistic FBI agent who is recruited by a government task force to fight the drug war in Mexico. The task force is led by Alejandro Gillick (del Toro), a mysterious and ruthless mercenary, and Matt Graver (Brolin), a CIA agent.

Sicario is a violent and suspenseful film that explores the dark side of the drug war. The film contains graphic violence, drug use, and strong language. It is rated R for strong violence, drug content, and language throughout. Parents should be aware of the film's content before allowing their children to watch it.

In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the film's content, including its violence, language, and drug use. We will also discuss the film's themes and messages, and provide tips for parents on how to talk to their children about the film.

sicario parents guide

Sicario is a violent and suspenseful film that explores the dark side of the drug war.

• Rated R for strong violence
• Graphic violence and gore
• Drug use and trafficking
• Strong language and profanity
• Themes of morality and corruption
• Complex and morally ambiguous characters
• Not suitable for children
• Parents should discuss film with teens

Sicario is a powerful and thought-provoking film, but it is not appropriate for all audiences. Parents should carefully consider the film's content before allowing their children to watch it.

Rated R for strong violence

Sicario is rated R for strong violence. The film contains graphic and disturbing scenes of violence, including shootings, torture, and other brutal acts. The violence is often depicted in a realistic and unflinching manner, which can be very intense and upsetting for some viewers.

For example, in one scene, a character is shot in the head point-blank, and the camera lingers on the aftermath of the gunshot wound. In another scene, a character is tortured with a cattle prod, and the audience is shown the graphic details of the torture.

The violence in Sicario is not gratuitous, however. It is used to depict the harsh realities of the drug war and to explore the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. However, parents should be aware of the film's graphic content before allowing their children to watch it.

Overall, Sicario is a powerful and thought-provoking film, but it is not appropriate for all audiences. Parents should carefully consider the film's content before allowing their children to watch it.

Graphic violence and gore

Sicario contains graphic violence and gore. The film depicts violence in a realistic and unflinching manner, which can be very intense and upsetting for some viewers.

• Shootings: The film contains numerous scenes of shootings, both close-up and long-range. The violence is often graphic and bloody, with characters being shot in the head, chest, and other vital areas.
• Torture: There are also several scenes of torture in the film. In one scene, a character is tortured with a cattle prod, and the audience is shown the graphic details of the torture.
• Explosions: The film also contains several scenes of explosions, which can be very loud and startling. In one scene, a car is blown up, and the audience sees the aftermath of the explosion, including the charred remains of the car and its occupants.
• Dead bodies: The film also contains several scenes of dead bodies, both human and animal. The bodies are often shown in graphic detail, and some of them are dismembered or mutilated.

The graphic violence and gore in Sicario is not gratuitous, however. It is used to depict the harsh realities of the drug war and to explore the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. However, parents should be aware of the film's graphic content before allowing their children to watch it.

Drug use and trafficking

Sicario depicts the drug war in a realistic and unflinching manner, and this includes scenes of drug use and trafficking. The film shows the devastating impact that drugs can have on individuals and communities, and it also explores the complex and often contradictory policies that are used to combat the drug trade.

In one scene, the main character, Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), is shown a video of a drug cartel torturing and killing a rival gang member. The video is graphic and disturbing, and it highlights the brutality of the drug trade.

In another scene, Macer visits a drug rehabilitation center and meets with recovering addicts. She learns about the struggles that addicts face, and she sees firsthand the damage that drugs can do to people's lives.

The film also shows the role that corruption plays in the drug trade. In one scene, Macer discovers that a high-ranking government official is involved in drug trafficking. This revelation highlights the fact that the drug trade is not just a problem for Mexico, but it is also a problem for the United States.

Overall, Sicario is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complex and often contradictory issues surrounding the drug war. The film contains scenes of drug use and trafficking, but these scenes are not gratuitous. They are used to depict the harsh realities of the drug trade and to explore the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Strong language and profanity

Sicario contains frequent use of strong language and profanity. The characters in the film use swear words and other offensive language in a casual and conversational manner.

• F-word: The F-word is used frequently throughout the film, both by the main characters and by the supporting characters.
• Other swear words: Other swear words that are used in the film include "shit," "damn," "ass," and "bitch."
• Racial and ethnic slurs: There are also a few instances of racial and ethnic slurs being used in the film. For example, one character uses the N-word in a derogatory manner.
• Offensive language: The film also contains other offensive language, such as homophobic slurs and insults directed at women.

The strong language and profanity in Sicario is not gratuitous. It is used to reflect the harsh and violent world that the characters inhabit. However, parents should be aware of the film's strong language before allowing their children to watch it.

Themes of morality and corruption

Sicario explores the complex themes of morality and corruption. The film shows how the drug war has corrupted both the Mexican and American governments, and it raises questions about the limits of what is acceptable in the pursuit of justice.

• Moral ambiguity: The film's characters are all morally ambiguous. They are all flawed and capable of both good and evil. This moral ambiguity makes it difficult for the audience to decide who to root for and who to condemn.
• Corruption: Corruption is a major theme in the film. The Mexican government is shown to be corrupt from top to bottom, and the American government is also implicated in corruption. The film shows how corruption can undermine the rule of law and lead to violence and injustice.
• The ends justify the means: The film also explores the question of whether the ends justify the means. The characters in the film are often forced to make difficult choices, and they must decide whether or not they are willing to compromise their morals in order to achieve their goals.
• The cost of justice: The film also shows the high cost of justice. The characters in the film are all damaged by their experiences, and they must all pay a price for their actions.

Overall, Sicario is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complex themes of morality and corruption. The film raises important questions about the limits of what is acceptable in the pursuit of justice, and it challenges the audience to think about the moral implications of their own actions.

Complex and morally ambiguous characters

Sicario features a cast of complex and morally ambiguous characters. The film shows that there are no easy answers in the drug war, and that even the best intentions can lead to unintended consequences.

• Kate Macer (Emily Blunt): Kate is an idealistic FBI agent who is recruited to work on a government task force fighting the drug war in Mexico. She is initially shocked by the violence and corruption that she sees, but she gradually becomes more hardened and ruthless. Kate is a complex character who is both sympathetic and flawed.
• Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro): Alejandro is a mysterious and ruthless mercenary who is hired by the government task force to lead the fight against the drug cartels. He is a complex character who is both capable of great violence and great compassion. Alejandro is a symbol of the moral ambiguity of the drug war.
• Matt Graver (Josh Brolin): Matt is a CIA agent who is in charge of the government task force. He is a hard-nosed and pragmatic man who is willing to do whatever it takes to win the drug war. Matt is a complex character who is both effective and morally compromised.
• Fausto Alarcón (Reynaldo Gallegos): Fausto is a Mexican police officer who is recruited by the government task force to help them fight the drug cartels. He is a good man who is caught in a difficult situation. Fausto is a symbol of the innocent people who are caught in the crossfire of the drug war.

The complex and morally ambiguous characters in Sicario make the film a thought-provoking and challenging watch. The film forces the audience to question their own moral values and to consider the difficult choices that people are forced to make in the drug war.

Not suitable for children

Sicario is not suitable for children. The film contains graphic violence, strong language, and drug use. The film's themes are also complex and difficult for children to understand.

• Graphic violence: The film contains graphic scenes of violence, including shootings, torture, and explosions. The violence is often realistic and disturbing.
• Strong language: The film contains frequent use of strong language, including the F-word and other swear words.
• Drug use: The film depicts drug use and trafficking in a realistic and unflinching manner.
• Complex themes: The film explores complex themes such as morality, corruption, and the limits of justice. These themes are difficult for children to understand.

Overall, Sicario is a powerful and thought-provoking film, but it is not appropriate for children. The film's graphic violence, strong language, and complex themes make it unsuitable for young viewers.

Parents should discuss film with teens

If you decide that Sicario is appropriate for your teen to watch, it is important to discuss the film with them afterwards. The film's graphic violence, strong language, and complex themes can be difficult for teens to process on their own.

Here are some questions you can ask your teen after they have watched the film:

• What did you think of the film?
• What were your favorite and least favorite parts of the film?
• What did you think of the violence in the film? Was it too graphic or necessary to tell the story?
• What did you think of the film's ending?
• What do you think the film is trying to say about the drug war?
• Do you think the film is realistic? Why or why not?
• How did the film make you feel?

It is also important to talk to your teen about the film's themes of morality and corruption. Ask them what they think about the choices that the characters make and whether or not they think the characters are justified in their actions.

Talking to your teen about Sicario can help them to process the film's content and to develop their own critical thinking skills. It is also an opportunity for you to bond with your teen and to learn more about their thoughts and feelings.

FAQ

The following are some frequently asked questions that parents may have about Sicario:

Question 1: Is Sicario appropriate for my teen to watch?

Answer: Sicario is rated R for strong violence, language, and drug content. The film contains graphic scenes of violence, including shootings, torture, and explosions. The film also contains frequent use of strong language and depicts drug use and trafficking in a realistic and unflinching manner. Parents should carefully consider the film's content before allowing their children to watch it.

Question 2: What are some of the film's themes?

Answer: Sicario explores complex themes such as morality, corruption, and the limits of justice. The film shows how the drug war has corrupted both the Mexican and American governments, and it raises questions about the limits of what is acceptable in the pursuit of justice.

Question 3: What is the film's message?

Answer: Sicario does not have a simple or easy message. The film is a complex and challenging look at the drug war, and it raises more questions than it answers. However, the film does suggest that there are no easy solutions to the drug war and that it is a problem that will continue to claim lives for years to come.

Question 4: Is the film based on a true story?

Answer: Sicario is not based on a true story. However, the film is inspired by real events and characters. The film's screenwriter, Taylor Sheridan, spent time with members of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Mexican military in order to research the film.

Question 5: Who are the main characters in the film?

Answer: The main characters in Sicario are Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro), and Matt Graver (Josh Brolin). Kate is an idealistic FBI agent who is recruited to work on a government task force fighting the drug war in Mexico. Alejandro is a mysterious and ruthless mercenary who is hired by the government task force to lead the fight against the drug cartels. Matt is a CIA agent who is in charge of the government task force.

Question 6: What are some of the critical reactions to the film?

Answer: Sicario received critical acclaim upon its release. The film was praised for its strong performances, its suspenseful plot, and its unflinching look at the drug war. However, some critics found the film to be too violent and disturbing.

Overall, Sicario is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complex and often contradictory issues surrounding the drug war. The film is not for the faint of heart, but it is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the drug war or in the work of Denis Villeneuve.

In addition to the FAQ section above, here are some tips for parents who are considering allowing their teens to watch Sicario:

Tips

Here are some tips for parents who are considering allowing their teens to watch Sicario:

Tip 1: Watch the film yourself first.

This is the best way to determine if the film is appropriate for your teen. Pay attention to the film's violence, language, and drug use. Consider how your teen might react to these elements.

Tip 2: Talk to your teen about the film before they watch it.

Let your teen know what to expect in terms of violence, language, and drug use. Explain to them that the film is a work of fiction and that it does not represent reality.

Tip 3: Watch the film with your teen.

This is a great way to start a conversation about the film's themes and messages. You can also pause the film to discuss specific scenes or moments.

Tip 4: Be prepared to answer your teen's questions.

Your teen may have questions about the film's violence, language, or drug use. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and openly.

By following these tips, you can help your teen to have a safe and positive experience watching Sicario.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow your teen to watch Sicario is up to you. Consider your teen's maturity level and their ability to handle the film's content. If you have any concerns, it is always best to err on the side of caution.

Conclusion

Sicario is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complex and often contradictory issues surrounding the drug war. The film is not for the faint of heart, but it is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the drug war or in the work of Denis Villeneuve.

Parents should be aware that Sicario is rated R for strong violence, language, and drug content. The film contains graphic scenes of violence, including shootings, torture, and explosions. The film also contains frequent use of strong language and depicts drug use and trafficking in a realistic and unflinching manner.

Parents should carefully consider the film's content before allowing their children to watch it. However, if you decide that Sicario is appropriate for your teen, it is important to talk to them about the film before and after they watch it. This will help them to process the film's content and to develop their own critical thinking skills.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow your teen to watch Sicario is up to you. Consider your teen's maturity level and their ability to handle the film's content. If you have any concerns, it is always best to err on the side of caution.