Pretty good flick that's chock full of over-the-top gun violence. However, the movie has a certain charisma to it that is hard to shake. The cinematography is quite appealing, Banderas and Salma Hayek are great together, and the ever-present strains of Latino-sounding music playing in the background, not to mention the guitar-playing sub-theme, are mind blowing. (The title track, "Cancion del Mariachi" by Los Lobos really makes you want to get up and dance.)
I also like how the two characters played by Banderas and Hayek see the moral ambiguities of their surroundings. One quote by Banderas sums it up: "It's strange how pulling a trigger is easier than playing the guitar. Easier to destroy, than to create." Banderas even says a prayer that I swear I myself have uttered into the mirror: "Give me the strength to be what I was, and forgive me for what I am."
In spite of the themes of violence and revenge, the movie never lets the violence take itself too seriously. It's hard not to notice the numerous uses of comedic relief in the movie. Which makes it all the more enjoyable.
I also like how the two characters played by Banderas and Hayek see the moral ambiguities of their surroundings. One quote by Banderas sums it up: "It's strange how pulling a trigger is easier than playing the guitar. Easier to destroy, than to create." Banderas even says a prayer that I swear I myself have uttered into the mirror: "Give me the strength to be what I was, and forgive me for what I am."
In spite of the themes of violence and revenge, the movie never lets the violence take itself too seriously. It's hard not to notice the numerous uses of comedic relief in the movie. Which makes it all the more enjoyable.