A character that can take over the online conversation is a great one for any film or television show to have. And with One Battle After Another, there are plenty to talk about. One in particular though has consumed us all.
The latest Paul Thomas Anderson film tells the story of the French 75 and their rebellion against men like Lockjaw (Sean Penn). When the film does a time jump of roughly 15 years, we get to see Willa (Chase Infiniti) training in karate with Sensei Sergio (Benicio del Toro) and the rest is history.
Sensei becomes an important part of the story through Bob’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) desperation. He’s trying to find his daughter Willa but he cannot remember the passwords that the French 75 made him memorize over a decade ago. It means that as he frantically searches for somewhere safe to hide, he ends up at Sensei’s dojo.
What is great about Sensei as a character is that, in a lot of ways, he’s a fanboy. We learn through brief moments that he appreciates what Bob did when he was Pat and was working as their explosions guy. It leads to both Bob and Sensei working together to try to get Bob to where they’re hiding Willa and it is truly the funniest part of the movie.
But the love of Sensei Sergio has grown into people laughing at his lowkey energy, love of Modelos, and ability to be where Bob needs him.
The love for Sensei Sergio is real, it is deep, and it all makes sense. Frankly, I’m happy that this is happening for Benicio del Toro. He’s one of the best working actors and he’s been in two of the best movies of the year. So why not allow the love for Sensei Sergio to grow?
Look, who would not want to be friends with him? He is cool as can be and has an underground railroad to protect people from ICE raids. He rules!
So this one goes out to Sensei Sergio: He is the best guy around and we love him.
(featured image: Warner Bros.)
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