Desperado is an action film that perfectly blends brutality with surreal style. Robert Rodriguez takes us back to the world of El Mariachi, a mysterious musician who uses a guitar as a lethal weapon. This sequel scales up the action while retaining the indie charm that no one can imitate.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story follows El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), a young man who lost his lover to a drug lord. He sets out on a revenge journey with a guitar case full of weapons. Arriving in a small border town overrun with criminals, he meets Carolina (Salma Hayek), a beautiful bookstore owner, and learns his target is Bucho (Joaquim de Almeida), the ruthless crime boss controlling the town. The film unfolds with spectacular gunfights and sharp dialogue, requiring no complex plot—just let the action carry you.
Acting and Characters
Antonio Banderas shines as El Mariachi, exuding charm and a look of both pain and determination. He makes the character more than a killer—a man with a broken heart. Salma Hayek makes a stunning Hollywood debut as Carolina, who is beautiful, smart, and resourceful, not just a pretty face. Steve Buscemi and Cheech Marin add color and humor, while Joaquim de Almeida plays Bucho with a menacing presence fitting a villain.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Robert Rodriguez showcases his unique directorial style with sharp camera work, fast editing, and vibrant Mexican colors. The gunfights are not realistic but fun and surreal, like something out of a cartoon. The score, composed by Rodriguez himself and Los Lobos, enhances every scene, especially when El Mariachi walks into a bar with a beautiful guitar melody.
Editorial Analysis
Our editorial team sees Desperado as a film that dared to be different in the '90s, an era full of serious action movies. Rodriguez chose to create a world unbound by reality, turning gunfights into art. The film retains its indie spirit despite a higher budget. A minor drawback is the simplistic plot, but it doesn't diminish the fun. This film became a template for many later stylized action films.
Verdict
Desperado is an action film full of style and mindless fun, perfect for fans of surreal action and Rodriguez enthusiasts. If you want something intense and uncomplicated, this film is the answer.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Exciting and creative action scenes, unique in style
- +Chemistry between Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek
- +Cool soundtrack that fits the atmosphere
- +Rodriguez's distinctive directorial style
👎 Cons
- −Plot is rather simple and straightforward
- −Some characters are a bit flat, like the main villain
Top Cast
FAQ
It is a sequel to El Mariachi (1992), Robert Rodriguez's low-budget film. Desperado is the second installment in the Mexico Trilogy.
Several scenes, such as El Mariachi walking into a bar with his guitar case, the bar shootout, and the guitar that hides a machine gun.
The score was composed by Robert Rodriguez along with the band Los Lobos, and also features music by Carlos Santana.
Yes, the sequel is Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), which concludes the trilogy.
