MOVIE OF THE WEEK: THE MASK OF ZORRO

The Mask of Zorro (Rated PG-13)

1998

136 Minutes

Widescreen: 2.35:1

“The Mask of Zorro” is one of those movies I just get giddy over every time I watch it. I remember back in 1998 it was one of the rare PG-13 films I could actually see. I was so astounded by everything, I nearly fainted into the bucket of popcorn (It wouldn’t have mattered, there was never enough butter anyway). The stunts, the music, the adventure. That’s the key word. The movie takes its adventure so seriously, I would rank this film among “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” “Gunga Din,” and its’ classic predecessor, “The Mark of Zorro.”

Just in case you’re not acquainted with Senor Zorro, I’ll introduce you. First appearing in the pulp magazine, “All-Story Weekly,” he’s a fictional character with the name Don Diego de la Vega, who originally lived in California around the early 1800s. After returning from a school in Spain, he was shocked at how badly the Spanish government was treating the peasants. So he strapped on his boots, made a black costume- complete with nifty mask- and went around giving the citizens the justice and money they deserve, using the name Zorro (Spanish for “fox”). Whenever he left, he would carve a Z into something with his sword. Sort of like a Spanish Robin Hood, only without the tights. But anyway…

The story begins in 1821, California. A prologue tells about the Spanish reign over Mexico and how it’s coming to an end. Don Rafael Montero, one of the Spanish leaders, will not leave however until he gets his final fight. He picks three people at random from a huge crowd and prepares nooses for them, waiting for Zorro. A crowd of protestors wait for Zorro in the plaza. I’m pretty sure all of the people in the scene are real extras. They fuss, fight, and boo Montero and it looks just like a dusty Mexican town. This film came into theaters about the time CGI became popular, so it’s a treat to see some final real movie magic at work.

Zorro eventually comes and kicks some Spanish guard butt. He’s played by a 61 year old Anthony Hopkins, but his age doesn’t show too bad here. After he frees the hangmen and leaves a Z on Montero’s neck, he returns to his awesome hideout, located behind a waterfall with secret doors. The secret doors lead to his house, where he enters as Don Diego. Suddenly as he and his wife, Esperanza, are about to sit down, Montero and a troop of guards burst into the place. Apparently, both of them loved her and Diego won out. They have a duel and one of the guards accidentally kills Esperanza. Needless to say, that guard did not get the Christmas bonus he hoped for. Afterwards, Montero ships Diego to a prison, whilst he burns the house down and steals his baby daughter.

The story stops here and then moves forward 20 years. We meet Alejandro Murrieta and his brother Joaquin. They’re both bandits, but their crazy reign only lasts a few scenes as Joaquin is captured and killed by Captain Harrison Love, a California Ranger. Alejandro escapes and begins drinking away his problems, vowing vengeance on the mullet-styled lawman.

Meanwhile, Diego has escaped from prison and Don Montero has returned to California. Diego is about to strike him down, but remains silent when he sees his daughter, Elena, all grown up. He leaves the scene and finds Alejandro at the bar. Both know each other from a previous incident and Alejandro tells him his troubles. Diego then makes him a proposition. If he teaches him how to fight with dignity, Alejandro can avenge his brother, while Diego can become an established figure again and slowly take back his old life, killing Montero.

One of the best scenes in the movie comes during training as Alejandro pulls out his sword. Diego simply asks “Do you know how to use that thing?” “Yes. Pointy end goes into the other man.” I’ll leave you to see the embarrassing conclusion of the practice fight. I love this movie because it has a sense of humor and a respect for the genre at the same time.

The plot really starts when Montero develops an idea to steal half of California’s gold with a giant mining system. The system, fueled by peasants work is inhumane, and now, the Zorros, old and new, must stop it.

The actors seem to be having fun with their roles. Anthony Hopkins plays Diego wise and slowly, while Antonio Banderas is funny as Alejandro goes from bandit to gentleman. And I almost forgot about Catherine Zeta-Jones. She’s a feisty heroine and you’d almost swear she was Spanish. She and Banderas have great chemistry.

Along with its old fashioned feel, James Horner’s swashbuckling score is just icing on the cake. Although best seen on the big screen, the 2005 DVD release is a pretty colorful and vivid interpretation. Even if you don’t like the adventure films, you’re bound to like this.

Grade: A-

And that's why "The Mask of Zorro" is the Movie of the Week.

P.S. Included below is the movie's trailer and a video with some of James Horner's magnificent score accompanying pictures from the film. Enjoy!