El Sicario, Room 164 2010
Gianfranco Rosi's gripping documentary *El Sicario, Room 164* (2010) pulls back the curtain on the harrowing world of a former cartel hitman in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
Director: Gianfranco Rosi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Sicario, Room 164 (2010) about?
This documentary follows an anonymous former cartel hitman as he recounts his brutal experiences working for Mexico's drug cartels in Ciudad Juárez. Through candid interviews, the film exposes the inner workings of cartel violence and its devastating human consequences.
Who directed El Sicario, Room 164?
The film was directed by Gianfranco Rosi, an acclaimed Italian filmmaker known for his immersive, documentary-style storytelling.
Who stars in El Sicario, Room 164?
The documentary features an anonymous former cartel hitman as the central figure, with no other named cast members listed.
Is El Sicario, Room 164 (2010) worth watching?
Absolutely—this is a raw, unflinching look at the drug war's human cost, making it essential viewing for documentary enthusiasts. Its intensity and lack of sensationalism set it apart from typical crime narratives, offering a rare glimpse into a hidden world.
How long is El Sicario, Room 164?
The film runs for 80 minutes.
About El Sicario, Room 164 (2010) — A gripping cartel-confession documentary you won't forget
Gianfranco Rosi's gripping documentary *El Sicario, Room 164* (2010) pulls back the curtain on the harrowing world of a former cartel hitman in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Shot in an intimate, confessional style, the film strips away the glamour of crime dramas to reveal the raw, unflinching reality of life inside the drug war's bloodiest frontlines. Through a series of chilling interviews conducted in a stark motel room, the anonymous protagonist recounts his descent into violence, the brutal mechanisms of cartel operations, and the psychological toll of a life built on fear and bloodshed. The documentary's claustrophobic setting and relentless honesty create an atmosphere thick with tension, forcing viewers to confront the human cost behind the headlines.
Delving into themes of moral ambiguity, survival, and the cyclical nature of violence, *El Sicario, Room 164* transcends traditional crime narratives by focusing on the untold stories of those who perpetuate—and are destroyed by—the system. Rosi's masterful direction ensures that the film is as much a character study as it is a documentary, leaving audiences with lingering questions about complicity, redemption, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. Whether you're a fan of documentary films or a seeker of intense, thought-provoking cinema, this 80-minute exploration is a must-watch.