Contraataque - Movie Review

Contraataque is the story of five friends at the USMexico border who get confronted by sicario hitmen. These are actually the so called ‘Murciélagos,’ the special forces of Mexico who have been tracking the kidnappers in the hideout unbeknownst to the audience. It is worth noting that in this vivid action-packed exchange new chapters are filled with many unexpected moments.

This film greatly emphasizes the motifs of justice, power, and struggle for existence in a world of narcos. It is highly tense and rather nervous, and while the pacing of the film can slow down at moments, the tension does not let go of the viewer. It is about the ambiguity of human nature and the balance between the strong and weak carrying the theme of trust and treason. Its portrayal of comradeship and tension among the characters feel real and that is why it is quite affecting that they have to fight off the hitmen. Their chemistry enhances the movie, whether it is an emotional scene of fighting or a contemplative one.

Chava Cartas’ directing gives a great attention to suspense and pacing. His skillful approach of transforming an action film to the one where characters are very much alive and driving the story is something I was impressed by. Cartas’s direction maintains this tension constant and does not let go of the tension even for sake of the film.

The music suite complements the overall cultural motifs of the film and is a blend of classical and contemporary sounds that enrich the overall atmosphere. The music enhances emotional moments and action sequences that actually are vital in the film’s intensity.

The visuals depict the desert scenery and the violence in the territory significantly. Every scene with the building constructions and car chases was shot at a wide-angle and tight close-up, and this makes the audience be in the middle of the action.

The environment of this film is setting in the United States and Mexico border and every aspect of the production design is well captured in its aesthetic and political values of the two nations. They enhance the plot as setting becomes a character that intensifies the story’s storyline.

Special effects in Contraataque are well done to support the action scenes. Action scenes such as explosion and shooting are done in such a very realistic manner, and this adds an extra flavor on the part of danger on the whole picture.

The cuts are quite sharp and well timed, and this makes sure that the movie does not drag at any one point. The shift from intense fighting scenes to those of minimal action and relaxation keeps the viewers on edge all through. It also allows to maintain viewers’ attention throughout the film, as the unbroken flow is maintained.

Ideas in the picture are conveyed through compact dialogues since the characters are faced with very important matters. The relationships between the characters are depicted in quite a tense manner, and no dialogue is needed to describe them also The film is full of action and suspense but this is extremely cliché for many spectators of the genre. However, it is also important to note that some of the characters needed more development to add value within the story. Its depiction of soldiers’ heroism against the narco enemies at the frontier can captivate the theme Popular audience, entertain, and let them be engaged. The film has a strong action and thriller appeal.