Over the February mini-break, my teammates and I had some free time and watched a movie called Sicario. Watching the film led me to investigate how accurately movies portray real-world topics. The story focuses on law enforcement efforts and border activity, which are also connected to real government agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I also watched the sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, which includes scenes involving border crossings from Mexico into the United States. This made me think of modern-day topics such as ICE and border control controversies.
As I watched the films, I noticed how the cartel system and law enforcement operations were portrayed. The movies showed how different groups interact and how organized these operations appear to be. Because the films are presented in a realistic style, they raise questions about how closely movie portrayals match real-world situations.
A scene from “Sicario: Day of the Soldado.” Black Label Media and Thunder Road Pictures.
Movies often include real locations, agencies, and scenarios, which can make them seem accurate. At the same time, films are produced to tell a story, and certain elements may be simplified or emphasized for storytelling purposes. Comparing movie portrayals with real information can help provide a clearer understanding of the topic.
Watching Sicario made me realize that movies can help people become interested in real-world issues, but they should not be the only source of information. While films can reflect parts of reality, it is important to do research and learn from reliable sources to fully understand what is happening in the world. It is definitely eye-opening to see how bad things can get.
