British actress Emily Blunt has made a name for herself in Hollywood by consistently surprising audiences with her unpredictable choices- wildly talented, she’s able to make any role her own – whether it’s a sharp tongued fashionista, a fiercely determined Special Forces fighter, or anything in between.
To celebrate the release of the thrilling, brilliant SICARIO (on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms from February 1st, 2016, courtesy of Lionsgate Home Entertainment), we’re taking a look at some of her best work to date…
Sicario (2015)
Blunt stars opposite Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro in this searing, unflinching journey into the deadly, volatile and morally murky world of Mexican drug cartels from visionary director Denis Villeneuve. When FBI agent Kate Macer (Blunt) uncovers a Mexican cartel’s house of death, her shocking find causes shockwaves on a personal and global level. Kate is recruited to join a covert black ops mission headed by a mysterious Colombian operative known only as Alejandro (Del Toro) along with shadowy agent Matt Graver (Brolin). Even as Kate tries to convince herself she’s on a hunt for justice, she is thrust into the dark heart of a secret battleground that has swept up ruthless cartels, kill-crazy assassins, clandestine American spies and thousands of innocents.
Into the Woods (2014)
This humorous, brilliant musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy), intertwining them with an original tale of the Baker and his Wife (James Corden and Blunt), whose only wish is to have a child, and the Witch (Meryl Streep), who has cursed their family. Blunt once again proves her talent for comedy, whilst also boasting an impressive singing voice.
Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Blunt surprised her fans with an unexpected foray into action movies- a move that paid off in this thoroughly engrossing adventure also starring Tom Cruise. It follows the unrelenting war against an alien race, which seems unwinnable- until Major William Cage (Cruise), an officer who has never seen a day of combat, is unceremoniously dropped into what seems a suicide mission. He is killed within minutes- but then finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop, forcing him to live out the same combat over and over, with each fight culminating in his death. But with each battle, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt), their skills grow, and they get closer and closer to finally defeating the enemy.
The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
In San Francisco, after a year’s relationship, Tom (Jason Segal) proposes to Violet (Blunt), and she accepts. She’s an experimental psychologist, hoping for a post-doc at Cal, and he’s a sous chef with ambitions of owning his own restaurant. When a new opportunity arises for Violet, Tom agrees to support her by moving to Michigan- a move which requires postponing the wedding. In Michigan, Violet is in her element, but Tom, increasingly frustrated, eventually finds his stoicism waning- and when two years becomes four, on the eve of yet another wedding date, they are forced to make a difficult choice…
Looper (2012)
Combining sci-fi, time travel, and good old fashioned action adventure, this surprise hit features Blunt alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis. Set in the not-too-distant future, it follows the ramifications in a world where time travel exists- but is illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they send their target 30 years into the past, where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe (Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good… until the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Willis) for assassination…
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Blunt stars opposite Matt Damon in this romantic thriller with a twist. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, politician David Norris (Damon) meets beautiful ballet dancer Elise (Blunt). However, just as he realises he’s falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep them apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself – the Adjustment Bureau – who will do everything in their power to stop David and Elise’s blossoming relationship. Faced with overwhelming odds, they are forced to make the choice between accepting a predetermined future, or defying Fate and risking everything to be together…
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)
Based on Paul Torday’s novel, this charming, offbeat romantic drama stars Blunt alongside Ewan McGregor and Kristin Scott Thomas. When Britain’s leading fisheries expert (McGregor) is approached by a consultant (Blunt) to help realise a sheikh’s vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert, he dismisses the project as nonsensical and unachievable. But when the Prime Minister’s overzealous press secretary latches on to it as a “good will” story, he is forced to put his reputation on the line and embark on an upstream journey to prove everyone wrong.
The Young Victoria (2009)
Blunt shines in this brilliantly crafted, hopelessly romantic account of Queen Victoria’s early years on the throne, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. Tackling the tempestuous relationship with her mother and the constitutional crises she faced as a young monarch, Blunt is ably supported by Rupert Friend as Prince Albert, the suitor who charmed her, and eventually won her heart while helping her navigate a country in the midst of huge upheaval.
The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)
This charming romantic comedy charts the exploits and complicated love lives of six Californians- who start a club to discuss the works of Jane Austen. However, it’s not long before their relationships — both old and new — begin to closely resemble 21st century versions of her novels. Blunt takes the role of shy, non-confrontational Prudie, who finds herself contemplating an affair after her marriage hits the rocks… and ultimately has to decide whether to give up, or fight for her relationship.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Arguably the role that really put her on the map, this brilliantly caustic comedy set in the world of a high-end fashion magazine was adapted from Lauren Weisberger’s novel, widely believed to be based on her experiences working at the offices of US Vogue. Blunt stars as the bitter, hilariously sarcastic assistant Emily, and steals every scene she’s in with her biting put downs and perfect comedic timing (no mean feat when her co-stars are none other than Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep).
SICARIO is out on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms from February 1st, 2016, courtesy of Lionsgate Home Entertainment
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