The Mask of Zorro's Fabulous Flirty Fight 

She was in no danger because, as we all know, a sword cannot penetrate a corset.

"Flirting with beautiful ladies who are unexpectedly good fencers" ahh a recurring dream if ever Iv heard one.

"So how did you two get together?" "We tried stabbing each other. It's was so hot!"

"Mask of Zorro" is so underapreciated, seriously. By the way, small fun fact: Antonio Banderas trained with the Spanish Olimpic Fencing Team for 6 months to prepare for this movie, and apparently he still practices from time to time to this day. As a Spaniard myself, you can believe me: he's considered a national treasure. And of course, this movie was a huge hit in Spain thanks to him.

I love this fight and I love how her biological father sees the two of them flirting and being QUITE INAPPROPRIATE and he loves it. You can tell he's thinking about his past and her mom, lol

I like to think the writer/director approached this fight like: “what if we had the Goldfinger stable fight, but not creepy?”.

Can I just say, as a corset enthusiast, how much I LOVE her corset in this scene? I can’t see the exact details of it, but from what I can see, it is a very good historically accurate corset. Corsets were meant to be lived in, they can be moved around and bent, and there were a great many farmers, manual laborers, and athletes who wore corsets. It just adds so much to this scene for me that they didn’t make it into a ridiculous "can’t move, can’t breath" disadvantage for her.

"He draws his sword." Are we not going to talk about HOW he draws it sword and it pops up into the frame?

"He draws his sword-" Notice that his sword pops up into frame from somewhere around his waist before he draws it. ...You can't convince me this isn't a deliberate visual innuendo.

"you're quite the adrenaline junkie" YES thank you! I swear half of this fight scene I'm thinking. Umm if they get together is this how they spend their Saturday nights?

-Lesson number 1: Never attack on anger -Lesson number 2: Take a bath ever now and then. Make sure that the biggest ammount of time between your baths "now" and "then" is a day and no more than that, please. -Lesson number 3: To get to lesson number 4 -Lesson number 4: Develop charm (And dancing skills, this will help you later.) -Lesson number 5: If you end up in a flirty fight scene with the stolen-as-a-baby daughter of your master, remember to be chairming and vigorous. Very vigorous. (Quick observation: I mean very vigorous during the literal fight, please avoid mutual ways of winning until the epilogue). -Lesson number 6: In the case one of you ends up tearing off the clothes of the other during the fight, go back to the quick observation of lesson number 5 and try your best to keep your focus on the mission. If you reached this point being the one without some of your clothes, avoid the next action sequence until you get new ones. If that is not possible and one of your ripped clothes was your pants, avoid riding horses without saddles. -Lesson number 7: If you were able to survive until now, you are near the climax of the movie. Follow the next logical steps of the Hero's Journey and you will be fine. -Lesson number 8 (And the most important of them all): Avoid making sequels. Specially the ones that start with "The legend of (...)" or something like it.

The Fighting Pride of Wales and Spain, both at their career and attractiveness peaks, in a great feel good movie, wonderful soundtrack and Anthony Hopkins not even bothering to disguise his accent. Lovely childhood memories, thanks. I've got to watch this with my kids and make a whole new generation fall in love with CZJ 😍

This is one of my favorite movies ever. The villain's plan was actually brilliant, but it's overshadowed by the real premise of the movie: Get the two most beautiful people in the world to dance and sword fight each other, and also get them to stare at each other.

I've always liked the clear difference in the degree of investment in the fight between the two characters. Elena while not quite willing to kill Alejandro should she gain the upper hand, clearly would have no scruples about perhaps dealing a flesh wound or two. It seems to me that Alejandro on the other hand while by no means intent on losing the fight wouldn't dream of hurting her, rogue and mildly rehabilitated criminal though he was.

"That Bed is Full of Glass. Idiots." Love this line. One can never underestimate the sharpness of glass. This is also why I extremely oppose the Idea of "Glass-Bending" in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I always loved this fight. It shows she is actually better, more skilled with a sword. And the only real way he won was getting under her skin.

“No jokes, please.” With this fight, that might be an insurmountable challenge.

I love the end when her dad comes in and she's just GLOWING. "He was young and vigorous!" 😂

I remember in kindergraten when boys talked about heroes, everyone mentioned Hulk, Spiderman, Batman etc... whenever I said 'my fave is Zorro' - they would laugh at me, or they didn't even know who he is. He relies on his own brain, strength, and swordsmanship - he doesn't have ultra powers or extra blazers whatever - he is very realistic & the best hero of them all

Oh god, they are both just so damn beautiful!

The first the he does after testing her is circle her, putting her line of sight directly into the light coming through the window. This should have been a disadvantage for her, squinting to see this man in black lit from behind, but she adapts and scores a point on him. This is what really makes him start taking her seriously.

Okay I have to make this very horrible joke. Elena: Zorro is that a rapier near your belt or are you just happy to see me? Zorro: A rapier *draws sword* Elena: Right answer! *draws sword* You're such a romantic

Catherine Zeta-Jones is a really good actress

thumbnail: "Not bad" me: oh good looks like Jill thought it was okay. Thank goodness because I love this fight. brain (way to much later): it's a reference to Zeta-Jones line in the fight you watched dozens of times and claim to love me: ohhhhhhhhh

I could happily talk about Bob Anderson for hourss. I'm very happy that I found this channel!!

2:07, this why any time you ask a real sword wielder which in a ridiculous sword match-up who would win (samurai v. ninja, pirate v. viking, man v. woman, claymore v. Odachi) they will probably give the really boring answer of "whomever's trained more."

"mutual winning" - so that's what the kids are calling it these days, Eh?

That was one of my favorite lines in the movie: "... he was very vigorous, father.: 😂

The tone of this video threw me fore a moment as it felt incredibly familiar. An then I realized why, analyzing Shakespearian innuendo (specifically R+J Act 2 Scene 4, or more generally any of the comedies) has exactly the same feeling. I mean this as only the highest of compliments!

Katherine Zita Jones is a national treasure. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

3:55 I would add Vader vs Luke in ESB, (also choreographed by Bob Anderson) though it's very one-sided Vader is testing and appraising Luke's skill and determination throughout. 7:35 it has always bugged me that his mostly-horizontal slice somehow cuts her dress vertically haha 9:37 omg I just realized they go for a short Roll In The Hay 11:10 I absolutely live for that little smirk she gives when he takes the hat, it's so adorable I really like that you interpret Elena's anger as being at losing the fight rather than at the intimacy itself, that really helps me with not seeing this scene as like, predatory? And it makes sense given all the chemistry that she has built with both Alejandro and Zorro. Not that that's consent, but in the context of a playful adventure movie it's meant to inform the audience that she's probably more than fine with it. The suspension of disbelief runs through the whole movie and I think it's a little disingenuous of certain people to treat the romance as trying to be realistic when the rest of the film very obviously and intentionally is not. Great work as always Jill, this is one of my fave movies along with Princess Bride and the PotC trilogy, there's really nothing else that has the same vibe💜

It’s always a good day when one of these goes up.

The bit with "... and that bed is full of glass!" had me in stitches :D Pun fully intended ;)

"And then [he] shrugs, the cocky little twerp...BAITING her" Hahah, thank you so much for that combination of words. I'll have them in mind the next time I'll be in an intellectuel "fight off/show down" with my friends.

I remember watching that movie as a kid and keep my eyes on Elena at all times and thinking she was incredibly gorgeous. I still think Catherine Zeta Jones is astonishingly beautiful

I absolutely love that scene, it’s my kind of romance.

To be completely honest, my poor pan heart couldn't handle this "fight" scene and it felt like I was swimming in the chemistry they were giving off. Unfortunately I was 11 at the time and had no idea what was happening to me...

And now I really want to watch the movie again

"Mutual winning is possible" 1) YEAH it is! 2) Isn't that supposed to be the point of intimate...swordplay? 3) Is it weird that I didn't hear the innuendo at first, and my first thought was about game theory and design of games with both cooperative and competitive elements in them? I *feel* like that's weird, but I need an outside opinion. --- Also: "Seduce and/or sword-fight"? Are those not the same thing in your part of the world? --- Also: That Bob Anderson, he knows his stuff. --- Also: Well of course he doesn't take the threat of being beaten by her as a bad thing, look at her. What? Oh, not like that.

I remember being much younger and staying over at my grandmothers house. I was watching this and this scene came on a bit after she came into the room and watched. And then she said very straightforwardly and with a little humor something like ‘see, that’s why they gave her such long hair, so they could do that,’ and it made me laugh cause that wasn’t what I was expecting (she was catholic, and my fam is/was more conservative Christian). RIP grandma.

I was watching this just last night and thinking "I wonder if this fight has been featured on this channel".

This duel is 2nd behind The Princess Bride's cliff fight for me, always been a fan of swords and duels.

I forgot how goddamn FUN this movie is. I need to rewatch it.

God I so deeply adore this trope. It's just a lot of fun and I love the idea of two highly skilled people engaging with each other in this exciting and dangerous way. It's ridiculous but perfect for ridiculous characters! Makes me want to go back and re edit a story I wrote for one of my dnd characters that plays on this trope!

Question: how does her dress fall down when she's clearly wearing a corset? Did he slice the strings when we were preoccupied or rule of sexy?

I found this film thoroughly enjoyable. Clearly these participants practiced the shit out of this. I would be surprised if either decided to cease such martial training. They are both quite talented.

Jill: "While mutual winning is possible.." Me: *raises hand to make a comment befitting of a 13 year old while being a 26 year old procrastinating actual adult job responsibilities* Jill: "..no jokes please" Me: *puts hand down*

Fun fact, in interviews both CZJ and AB admitted to being extremely turned on while filming this scene.

But masks are so comfortable everyone will be wearing them in the future.

I thought Zorro's sword suddenly popping up doubles as phallic joke.

This is the movie scene that made me realize I was straight lol, great analysis!

The two leads had wonderful chemistry in this movie. It's what made it work so well.

Love Mask of Zorro. That fight scene is a pretty substantial reason why. Very iconic. Also, I was 13 when the movie came out.

Zeta-Jones was otherworldly beautiful in that film

your videos are like pure serotonin

Really glad you're going to do the Lizzy/Darcy fight from P&P&Z. It's probably my favorite scene in that movie and maybe the most in line with the original P&P source material thematically. Also nothing is funnier than "SHE'S SHY!!"

So excited for this series of videos. The inherent eroticism of 1v1 combat (let ALONE combat with swords) is my favorite trope.

Well, The Mask of Zorro is absolute great fun, I love the film (and the fight, of course). Of course, I also love the black and white Zorro TV series. Unfortunately it doesn't feature many women other than as damsels in distress.

"seduce and/or swordfight" is a fantastic verb phrase and one I hope will some day describe me and someone

Ooh la la This is one of my favorite fight scenes

"....and you don't get to keep the hat, either." Wonderful. Laughed so hard at a terrific line !

God, I love that movie, I have to watch it again soon...might actually do that later

Caw, yet again, I love the idea of using a decent fight as a story telling element! Character development as well as story progression!

2:40 "But masks are so comfortable. I bet in the future (2020-2021), everyone will me wearing them.

And after seeing this movie Michael Douglas was determined to meet and marry Catherine. And, he did just that.

* casually making notes on all your favourite fights for future courses *

This movie gave me hope that romance and swashbuckling wasn’t completely dead in Hollywood. I enjoyed this SO much! I can only hope it got more people interested in this kind of adventure!

Jill, you're like an Irish female John Green of fights.

"Is that a sword, or are you just happy to see me?" Also swashbuckling Catherine Zeta-Jones is _insanely_ hot.

This was my favorite movie growing up, thanks for the nostalgia

Thank you for noticing this special scene . It accentuates the romance between the two. It brings lightness to the movie.

This one's also on our list, I'm beginning to see a pattern here. I learned to appreciate Flamenco because of how well it lends itself to fight/stunt choreography. Going through your back catalog, I didn't see any Jackie Chan films; would love to hear your take on them, maybe Shanghai Noon/Shanghai Knights?

I love listening to you describe this. You're as delightfully breathless as the actors were themselves.

I am surprised you didn't mention that Zorro's sword came up like arousal. Also, I had the impression at 5:50 Zorro was trying to put the sunshine into her eyes to make it harder for her to see, a tactic I have seen in several movies involving swordplay, so I don't think he was actually being arrogant, just increasing his chances. She surprised him by not caring about the light in her eyes.

I would love to see you break down The Count of Monte Cristo, starting with the standoff inside and reaching its climax at the end of the fight outside.

I know nothing about swordfighting, swashbuckling, fake fighting, or classic movies. But damned if that wasn't entertaining. Subscribed.

I had foregotten just how good this movie is. Thank You Ms. Jill.

This is my favorite movie and my favorite flirty fight scene Definitely the pase double for the dance

It's amazing how this sword fight adds so much character development for both. I love it

what a great movie. I can't believe how little it is talked about.

Your videos are so good they completely distract me from writing my book. Good job! But bad on me... I have to finished the damned thing. 😂 I'll share it to my husband, who also loves sword play. Thank you very much for making it!

I love your sass! Combined with your librarian glasses just makes my soul fly! 😄

Wonderful write up, as usual! Always a pleasure!

You're an excellent writer. Fantastic analysis.

I love how you keep reminding me of my favorite fight scenes

Very glad I found you. Cool perspectives and it's fun to watch you having fun explaining this stuff. Enjoy!

I didn't know that I waited for you to make this video! Thank you!

I'd been waiting for this one! One of my favorite movie swordfights of all time, for different reasons than my other favorites...

This is one of my favourite videos! Thanks Jill :D

Very lovely analysis of the fight scene. I can remember watching this movie when I was much younger and I didn’t get the scene, but it makes total sense. Thanks for staying active, and stay safe!

Lol I absolutely LOVE your sass! 😂 Edit: I was Scrolling through the comments and found myself saying pretty much the same thing about a year ago 😂😂😂

I totally love how you explain why I enjoy certain movie scenes so much. Keep up the good work.

i'm so glad you did this... my heart is racing even just watching it in chunks... fantastic analysis

Dear gods, this is brilliant! I'm so glad I'm following you, thank you.

Excellent! You are an awesome teacher, and very illustrative. Thanks for this!

These videos are essentially the perfect source for me to figure out what movie I want to rewatch next. Thank you!

Spot on as always. One of my favorite favorites. And damn, that chemistry!

I watched this film when I was a kid, loved the whole thing. And years later now I just found that the fight scenes in it was so good, better than most block busters nowadays.

I love how much you clearly love the scene. Your charming enthusiasm is absolutely infectious!

Maaaaan, I love this channel. It's so great to just laugh along and have fun. Your commentary is perfect