So much this. Wasn't much of anything ACTUALLY funny in this movie, but the some of the slapstick physicality and, as you said, the delivery, is spot on.
Don Diego: "Do you know how to use that thing?" Alejandro: "Yes. The pointy end goes into the other man." Don Diego: (sighs) "This is going to take a lot of work." Pure diologue gold.
The scene where he jumps from the roof and the horse just fucks off out of the way is one of the most hilarious pieces of physical humour i've ever seen. This is indeed a movie with everything in the right proportion.
He actually broke his foot on that shot. I spoke with him while filming another movie and he told me about it. The leg injury was getting in the way of shooting some action scenes
Almost every scene was beautifully shot and iconic even. Even the opening intro was a wall of text/exposition dump, which I usually HATE, and THAT was beautiful as well!.
There's a great interview with Catherine Zeta-Jones where she was asked if this movie should be cancelled due to the scene where Zorro kisses her without permission and cuts her dress off at the end of the flirt/fight. To which she responded: "I hope not. I think we'll look back at this time like 'remember that time when women lost their minds'?" It's a great interview and I love her and the movie even more than I already did!
@@christiankrueger2330 Portland is fine, they only go after far-right lgbt asians who write unfavorable stories about them, and that's a good thing. Stop with all the fear-mongering.
Hey she's talking sense, a few years from now we'll probably look back on all this cancel culture nonsense and collectively ask what the fuck were people on.
Maybe it's just me. But despite all the flak the Victorian(?) Era gets, you put a hot, busty woman in a corset? They get dialed up from a 9 to an 11! I mean, to be fair, 100% of the point of the corset is to emphasize the feminine form!
Antonio even pulled off an analog special effect when he draws his sword for the final duel with Capt. Love, he angles the blade just so, and directs the sunlight into the camera for a very satisfying lens flare that is just right. So cool.
@@subarnosinha4260 Three! That's all? I seem to recall hearing that he was warned he would not get another attempt because of time. The last one did it, I guess. Very cool just the same.
“Mixed with a little bit of Bruce Wayne” It’s funny because Mask of Zorro was one of the inspirations for Batman. Damn even in the theater where his parents die he was watching Mask of Zorro
Another fun facts it that the relationships that Don Diego and Alejandro has, it similar to the relationship that Bruce Wayne and Terry McGinnis has in Batman beyond
@@ghosturiel Maybe in the animated series, it's the Grey Ghost. But in the Frank Miller comics, it's Zorro. (While in "Batman Begins", its "Die Fledermaus".) It's all good.
The scene where she is walking down the city street while people are making barrels, loading carts, saddling horses and whatever is pure fantasy. In that day and age, as now, a woman like that would bring all male activity to a standstill.
the scene where elena and don deigo meet in the stable and she talks about her mother, he his daughter... hopkins' facial expressions just reacting to zeta jones - such a magnificent actor, absolute legend.
I'm so very tempted to tie a DVD of this movie to a rock, attach a note saying 'you don't need to humilate the mentor to make the student look good by comparison' and chuck it through Rian Johnson's window.
An amazing moment: At the bar, Zorro (Hopkins) asks the angry brother (Banderas) his name. "Alejandro" he answers. "Alejandro" sighs Hopkins, while looking inside his head for memories of old: Don Alejandro de la Vega was his father's name. Killer script, killer delivery.
Could not agree more! Even if there was nothing else going on in the film, watching the growing feud between Edmond and Fernand is enthralling enough. But everything in that one is solid.
They always did before wokeness. After all, it's Sarah Connors who destroys the 1st Terminator in the end, not Kyle Reese. Nowadays, well, we know what became of Sarah Connors nowadays... 😢
@@mariadocarmosobreira8323 yeah despite the sorry state were in now, well always have the Sarah Connors, Ellen Ripleys and Beatrix Kiddos to fall back on 😊
@@michellelewalski Hehe, poor Trinity...always forgotten on these lists. There were a lot of 90s movies that had well written female characters that were all distinctly different from each other
Interesting where this film came about in time. In an era where the film market was steadily beginning to see the use of computer graphics as the next big thing and set pieces were slowly being consumed by it, Zoro came about and helped remind audiences the greatness of seeing practicality and stunt work take center stage again. I appreciate it for that.
@@cortedemico There was digital compositing throughout the film but it was in service of the story rather than about being flashy, like it was for most 90's movies.
Definitely. I saw a couple of low rated movies from the 90s and they were actually quite enjoyable. Today even the low rated movies are overrated compared to the older ones.
Some of the flops of the 80s are some of the most amazing movies I have seen, Year of the Dragon, Manhunter, To Live and To Die in LA, Angel Heart and At Close Range are all excellent all of them were box office failures and all of them would beat most of the crap that gets made nowadays.
The scene when he cuts Catherine Zeta-Jones' dress. He cuts it off without cutting her hair. Wow. They won't let you do that anymore! Nor the tango sequence!
@@minarchist1776 Beyond Hollywood magic, with only the very tip of the rapier being sharp and her hair being only attached at one end versus the double ended of her clothing straps, you could say the blade pushed her hair aside while cutting the straps. But we know the truth.
Horner is not just a superlative composer, but also has an incredible range of emotions. His music spans everything from the coldest, most boyish action themes, to (in this case) the mushiest, girliest romantic tunes!
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. To rehash what Drinker said, *everything* works beautifully. The aging mentor and the young protogee have clear motivations, the training montage leads to a well-earned reward, the theme of crossing circles to reach the center pays off, and of course, the classic Hero’s Journey of a protagonist reborn as the best version of himself. I also appreciate how well the story flows. “Zorro” doesn't have silly lines interrupting intense moments, as Marvel has done too often. This film does have whimsical dialogue but it knows to avoid it during sinister moments, such as Captain Love revealing the picked head or Alejandro witnessing the slave mining camp. His eyes are opened to the distress of others and it motivates him to take up the mask for more than revenge. I’d also like to add that if Catherine Zeta-Jones is what brought in the fan boys, Antonio Banderas excited my inner fangirl. At my first viewing, Alejandro looked so scruffy and ignorant that I doubted he could become Zorro. But then I watched how he’d pick himself up off the ground and admired his pluck. By the time he cleans himself up (physically and mentally) and dons the black mask, his Zorro radiates heat, charisma, and energy.
Dunno for other fanboys, but i was there for Zorro. Though, I was an odd millenial that grew up in a christian country household with nothing but old vhs tapes to watch, so Zorro was one of my all-time favorite series to watch as a kid. I didn't even realize when I finally saw this movie that they COULD have screwed it up.
I liked the line (after Antonio smiths a Viking longsword down to the Arab scimitar he's trained for), "Can I give that to my daughter after you're dead?".
Alejandro and Elena's fight is one of my favorite sword fights ever. They're both competent fighters, both have moments of both being in control and on the defensive, the choreography was great, the flirty banter was adorable and sensual. Seeing a fight between a man and a woman where both are shown to be strong without demeaning the other? Where they both score hits on the other and control the fight? Where they come across as equals not because of contrivance, but because they just are?! Wow, this movie IS old.
Age is relative though. This is a newer movie when you compare it to an old classic such as The Maltese Falcon. As we age, you will find that the older stuff, no matter the subject, is usually better.
He was obviously holding back though, they weren't really equals, he was flirting the whole time. If they made it today, she would be better than him and humiliate him. He'd try to flirt and she'd beat him down to send a strong message: "flirting is NOT okay, men and women should NOT be romantic with each other EVER. Romance is creepy and disgusting!"
@@sup9542 He’s a gentleman. He does not deny her challenge but he won’t harm her either. When you see the glowing look on her face, you realize it was a love scene of sorts, not unlike Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers roller skating dance sequence where he offers her a cigarette at the end.
I think the reason it holds up really well is because, like Raiders of the Lost Ark, it feels like a throwback and homage to the movie serials of yesteryear. There are scenes where it's obvious they're using a stunt double but you don't care because you're invested in the movie, in the characters. I love the stunt-work in this movie and the use of practical effects. It's such a fun movie to watch and you'd think that they'd make it into a proper series but the problem was they waited seven years between this and the sequel. Oh and is it any wonder that Alex Kurtzman co-wrote the screenplay for "Legend of Zorro"?
Fun fact about Zoro, the real life bandit who was the inspiration for this character was Joaquin Murrieta. He and his band would often rob pay masters from the local ranches in what is now San Benito county CA, primarily around the town of Hollister. One small town outside of Hollister is called Tres Pinos, a small place of less than 500 people and with an old bar called The 19th Hole. According to family legend, my great great grandfather had a drink with the famous bandit one day after helping him evade authorities, and The 19th Hole is still open today btw. Great BBQ if you’re in the area
@@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869 no. sorry. i play this game where you sit around the campfire and someone tells a story and then the next person has to build on it.i guess it is better in person
Not forgotten by me, fantastic film. (Best scene: leaves a pistol for one of his enemies to give him an easy way out, only for the weapon to be unloaded......”You didn’t think I’d make it that easy did you?”)
Another element I love is the friction between Montero and Love. Montero is a villain, but he has his own principles and morals, like when he threatens Elena for an advantage but then admits it was a bluff ("You think I would kill my own child?"). Love, on the other hand, is a monster who simply enjoys abusing his power (whether official or physical) over others, and we see Montero's distaste at working with a barely-chained mad dog.
Everyone found that scene charming and fun when it came out and it didn't turn anyone into a rapist. It's unfortunate there are so many people who think stuff like this subconsciously makes men disrespect women. That's the same logic as saying video games make people violent.
"Forgive me father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession." "Three days?? How many sins could you have committed in three days?! Come back when you have more time!" Was wondering when you'd get to this one. It's one of the only iTunes purchases I have never regretted.
You know, it’s a damn shame when I get so caught up in enjoying the Drinker’s monologue that I completely forget to smash the like button. So gratifying to hear him speak glowingly about one of my favorite little gems from the 90’s.
Martin Campbell is a criminally underrated director who knows how to get out of the material’s way and let it shine without having to prove what a great director he is. The thing I love most about this movie is how every little thing that any character does - whether it’s dance or sword fight or just tearing a poster off a wall - is done with a dramatic flourish that had to have been fun as heck for the actors to do. You’re right, this movie is best summarized as “Fun!”
THIS movie gets Spanish/Latin culture in ways that no other movie since has really captured at all. -This- is the culture of the Dons and the caballeros, and where “macho” really meant being romantic as hell and -proving- it. It’s a Romance Tale in the old school. Dashing heroes, cruel lords, fiery maidens (you’re goddamn right I’d conquer a continent for a Catherine Zeta-Jones) and no apologizing, simpering, supine spinelessness, or awkward dialogue from the men. Gawd, it’s just so good.
It was the first movie seen by me in India. Zorro was amongst my first inspirations in life. My grandpa used yell at me for wearing his towel around my shoulder as a 5 year old in Sirsi during the early 2000s as I ran around the house with a stick and my eyes covered by a mask. The Mask of Zorro was just a sublime experience whether I watch it today as an adult or my memories as a kid.
"I have to teach you one more thing" "Let's go then! What is it?" "Charm" "That is going to take a lot of work!" I love this film for the quick light hearted lines.
Re-watched The Mask of Zorro a few years back and man does it still stand up. Martin Campbell was the key - Goldeneye and this were two magnificent fun action movie of the 90s but with genuinely great writing, structure and morality in them too. Goldeneye in fact dealt with the sexist, archaic views of James Bond FAR better than any of the Daniel Cragface efforts. Goldeneye did it properly, tastefully and while keeping faithful to the character.
I love this flick! It’s a lot like Raiders of the Lost Ark in that it’s a well paced summer blockbuster that builds up its action but has an old school vibe.
If you liked this revenge film give "The Count of Monte Cristo" (2002) a watch. With a strong cast including Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris and a baby faced Henry Cavill, it's a film that I can always find time to enjoy.
My favorite adaptation of one of my favorite stories but still disappointing because towards the end it wimped out-- ALL of them, the girl included, betrayed him and in the first hint of the SJW storm to come they rewrote it to make her the victim. Alexandre Dumas was a Frenchman and his women were just as treacherous as the men- they should have respected that.
There was also "The Man in the Iron Mask" (1998), which I think I remember enjoying but I was young at the time - so it might actually be shite if I watch it again now. Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, and John Malkovich (and a load of french actors). Hugh Laurie is also in it.
I wa a big Zorro fan growing up because they used to replay the 50's TV show on the weekends. My family watched this shortly after it came out and everyone loved it. Then it kind of faded from my mind. With the current drought of good movies I rediscovered this and watched it again with my wife and son and it was such a fun ride. I miss movies like this. Thank you drinker.
Love this film, it's in my top 3 most enjoyable rewatches Especially love Elena's character, she's fantastically written and unlike a lot of lazily written women in media she's not a mary sue nor is she a straight up damsel in distress either she's nuanced and complicated as human beings are. Her and Alejandro's fun flirty fight was a perfect encapsulation of the male and female dynamic, not to mention that as far as technical skill prowess she was clearly the better sword fighter but lacked the tools to think outside the box because of her strict noble upbringing where as Alejandro grew up on the streets and was used to improvising. Everything makes sense and feels earned in this movie.
I remember watching as a kid, and thinking Catharine was the most gorgeous, beautiful woman I had ever seen. But also more than just a damsel in distress. I totally agree on it as the classic adventure story, such good themes
Being an Argentinian, I can tell you that the original show "El Zorro" Is iconic. It was aired until a few years ago at around noon. Every one knows who El Zorro Is and what he does. It is obvious that a movie made from such a successful show would be good.
Anthony Hopkins is so awesome in this movie, it's rare you get to see him legit kick ass physically as well as mentally and naturally he brings as much effort to the role as one can expect. I'm just imagining the casting director being like Director: "Okay, we need to cast an older Zorro to play the mentor, who do we have." Crewman: "Well sir, Anthony Hopkins expressed some interest..." Director: "Wait seriously, fuck, hire the man right now." Crewman: "But sir Anthony Hopkins isn't Spanish." Director: "Who gives a shit, he's Anthony fucking Hopkins."
I loved the everloving shit out of this movie when I was a wee lad in the 90s, and it never went away. I still find myself quoting it regularly. One of the formative movies of my young and impressionable years - thank fuck. Glad to see it get some well-earned recognition
My tip of the hat goes for you, my good fellow. Not that many people pick on the fact that, indeed, Anthony and Antonio are the English and Spanish version of the same name. Meaning that Hopkins and Banderas are actually namesakes.
Agreed whole wholeheartedly, Drinker. I impressed by how well the film makers captured the essence of classic Zorro (eg: Tyrone Power) and even improved on the story telling.
Ever since this movie came out it's been one of my favorite movies of all time. Action, drama, comedy, romance, story, all done in a perfect balance. Even the cinematography, music, and sound effects (especially the sword clashing) is phenomenal. Damn near perfect. I'm glad it's starting to get the respect it deserves
My all time favorite movie, I still remember going to the theatre to watch it when I was only 4 years old, I got the VHS for Christmas and watched it over and over and over again, the soundtrack is phenomenal RIP James Horner 😢 I know this movie by heart and every time I watch it again as an adult I feel like a lil kid watching it for the first time with a big smile on my face. It was even cooler when I found out Zorro was an inspiration for my favorite superhero Batman.
@@maisuchan6209 Walt's Zorro was in the late 1950s. His Zorro would become the dad on Lost in Space. Walt loved American history and put it in his movies all over his theme parks. The Disney Co is destroying the man's name and legacy with their treatment of history and even ruining their own products new and old now. No dream lasts forever I guess.
@@TheRadioAteMyTV I heard about a lot of adaptations, but never that one, thanks for the info👍🏼 there's a pretty good TV show from the 90 about Zorro, you should check it out if you have the chance. Yeah, Disney is a complete joke. But times have changed and nothing will bring back it's former glory
The actor who plays Captain Love, also played Eobard Thorne/Reverse Flash in the first couple The Flash seasons and he's really great as a villain in there too.
The actor who plays Captain Love, also played Eobard Thorne/Reverse Flash in the first couple The Flash seasons and he's really great as a villain in there too.
@@spenser9908 He even solves the identity of Zorro, but he doesn’t get the whole story, so his reservations and actions are perfectly acceptable for the course of the story. This movie may be some cheese at points, but its a masterclass in many ways on characterization & motivations.
This is one of my faves. Great performances, snappy and witty dialog, marvelous action set-pieces (the horseback chase??), bad guys you love to hate....this movie has it all. So much pure unadulterated FUN from start to finish.
I watched this on cinema when I was 10. It was one of the best cinematic experiences of my life. It's still is one of my all time favorites. I'm a sucker for legacy hero stories.
Yep. Great cast of actors (and Zeta-Jones is stunning) amazing score and cinematography, and that mine explosion at the climax - with the camera shaking and the animal noises mixed into the audio - pure action movie class 👌
I haven't watched Mask of Zorro in ages. It's a great movie. Antonio Banderas was the perfect actor to play Zorro. He had charisma and he really looked the part. Antonio Banderas had good chemistry with Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Anthony Hopkins is truly one of the best actors in the world and I cannot believe this was 13 years before he played Odin in Thor and he does a good job playing the original Zorro Don De La Vega. Catherine Zeta-Jones. Man! I know she's a Welsh actress, but she was so convincing playing a Mexican woman and her accent is good. Martin Campbell did a good job directing the movie. The movie was fun. It had good action sequences. Good humour. Mask of Zorro was an enjoyable action adventure comedy. The end credits song "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You" performed by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena was a beautiful epic song and it was a good song to end the movie on. The sequel Legend of Zorro was good. But, it wasn't great like Mask of Zorro. A shame we never got a 3rd instalment which could had seen Alejandro Murrieta train his son Joquain as the next Zorro. The Mask of Zorro is a fun and enjoyable action adventure comedy. If you enjoyed The Mummy and Pirates of the Caribbean, The Mask of Zorro is for you. That's all I have to say. Go away now!
I love how much work the actors put into the swordplay. This feels like something Douglas Fairbanks might've made. Just a ton of hard work and physicality resulting in a wonderfully enjoyable film.
I would also recommend predecessor of this movie The Mark of Zorro from 1940. Tyrone Power as Don Diego/Zorro with beautiful Linda Darnell, and always awesome Basil Rathbone as dastardly Captain Esteban. The Mark of Zorro was also the last movie that certain Wayne Family saw in that one fateful night.
I put it in another reply but seek out an Italian adaption of Zorro starring Alain Delon and Stanley Baker-- fight choreography by the legendary William Hobbs who did, among others, The Three and Four musketeers and Captain Kronos, Vampire hunter. The swordfight at the conclusion is epic.
@@mikavirtanen7029 Was wondering if someone would mention this classic. A tip of my hat in thanks for your stepping up and doing so. This version also featured the frog-voiced Eugene Pallette as Friar Felipe, who portrayed Friar Tuck in the 1938 production of The Adventures of Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland and Basil Rathbone as well as the savagely funny My Man Godfrey with William Powell of The Thin Man series fame and Carol Lombard. The Adventures of Robin Hood is a swashbuckling classic and My Man Godfrey is the definition of a screwball comedy. A couple of highly enjoyable films I can't recommend highly enough if one haven't seen them.
Fun fact zorro is based of a real man the did the same thing there is fair bit if evidence that he existed around the same time. Also zorro in spanish means fox
This movie is fantastic and a real personal favourite. A proper old fashioned adventure with a focus on fun and excitement. I really miss this kind of movie sometimes. The characters are charming and witty, and yet despite the film having elements of comedy, it's still sincere and has the characters respond to in universe stakes with an appropriate level of concern, rather than the constant, unflappable quipping that Marvel movies have popularised. Who knows if we'll ever break away from gritty realism and 'subverted expectations' and return to these more traditional, but GENUINE stories.
Ah yes, when the protagonist actually had to learn how to fight to be the hero. I miss those days. Alejandro: I've never lost a fight. Diego: Except to a crippled old man just now.
@@jp3813 It's still different, because the characters he plays aren't self taught badasses who were just born that way. He's was almost always playing a character who had been training with a school since childhood that the other students look up to. To that point further, his movies were not pretending to be what they were not. They were movies to show off martial arts choreography and stunt work, and sometimes titties. They weren't trying to be Star Wars. No hostility here, as I am sure you are aware of this, and were just being funny. And I actually think you bring up a good point, We don't have to actually see the character acquire their skills, so long as there is a good explanation for it. Like Rey being powerful because she got retconned as a Palpatine makes sense for her to have power, it's more about her prowess in fighting, and the actual control of said power that was the issue. They tried to back pedal on that in TRoS, but it was just too little, too late.
@@JKurayami So is martial arts a chicken vs egg situation then? Because somebody had to create it on their own first. It's funny though b/c I remember 80s & 90s movies w/ Jackie Chan where he plays a lawyer or chef and it's never addressed why he's a badass fighter at the same time. When you brought up a fantasy franchise (though the video showed Captain Marvel), it reminded me of Harry Potter showing off a natural talent for quidditch despite never having ridden a broom before in his life. Then immediately makes the winning play of his first game.
@@jp3813 For the entire history of Martial arts, yes. But the people first inventing it were probably not good at it either. They were probably proficient brawlers, but poor conductors of turning it into art, I am sure it took a few generations to get the math, and pressure points, and weak parts of the human body nailed down. As for martial arts movies where real people are doing real choreography and stunts, that's really the bigger point of those movies, to display the talent. The story is something there to get us from scene to scene. And at times we are treated to stories that are just as good as the action. Like a 80's B action movie, like Comando. Dumb as hell in premise and plot, awesome in explosions, muscles, and bullets. I also don't really like the first two HP movies that much. And overall I find the series to just be ok. I think the world building is fantastic though, and that part is what keeps me interested, despite only watching the movies once, and never reading past the third book.
I actually watched this movie for the first time as an adult last year and I was BLOWN AWAY! It had been a while since a movie was just good fun, exciting action, interesting dialogue, hilarious lines/actions, a good story and characters with just enough depth and realism to bring it all together
I have the impression that it's a movie no one took seriously back then. It was light hearted, and as you point out, a bit formulaic. It's very interesting to see that with time, whereas that was your run of the mill action movie back then, since it aged so well, it might become a cult classic
Once again another top nostalgic take, Drinker! And you gotta love the holy triumvirate of Banderas films: _Zorro,_ _Desparado_ and, yes, _Puss in Boots._
