The story of Once Upon a Time in Mexico involves numerous intersecting plotlines, which merge together in a turbulent and exciting climax. The movie is set in Mexico, where a CIA agent named Sheldon Sands (Johnny Depp) hires the Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) to assassinate a corrupt general named Marquez (Gerardo Vigil). Marquez’s violation of the law led to Sands hiring him to eliminate this serious threat to the country’s stability. But Marquez is not the only enemy the Mariachi has to deal with, there is also Barillo (Willem Dafoe), a drug lord who aims to take over the country and rule it with an iron fist.
The Mariachi tries to complete his mission while avoiding detection by Barillo’s henchmen and a corrupt police officer named Ajedrez (Mickey Rourke). The Mariachi is also inspired by his lost love Carolina (Salma Hayek), whom he hopes to reunite with someday. The movie is packed with numerous action scenes that showcase the Mariachi’s skills as a gunslinger and his tenacity as a fighter. He takes a life-changing decision to do the right thing and choose the side of justice.
Johnny Depp’s character Sheldon Sands is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the movie. He brings a unique blend of humour and menace to his role, which further heightens the level of excitement in the film. Sands is a CIA agent who is always looking for ways to serve his nation’s interests, and despite his willingness to bend the rules, he is still an idealistic person at heart. Johnny Depp delivers an excellent performance that is funny, quirky and fascinating all at the same time.
Another standout character in the movie is Willem Dafoe’s Barillo, who is the main villain in the story. He is a brutally cold and ruthless drug lord whose power extends throughout the country. His sole goal is to take over the government and run things as he sees it. Willem Dafoe’s performance as Barillo is fantastic, and he is every bit as menacing and vile as a bad guy should be.
The film’s action sequences are incredibly well-choreographed and executed to perfection. The Mariachi’s gun-fighting skills are what the audience is entertained with throughout the movie. His fights with Barillo’s henchmen and other villains in the movie are exhilarating and fast-paced, giving viewers a cinematic adrenaline rush that is guaranteed to leave them satisfied.
The movie’s cinematography is another highlight that cannot be ignored. The setting of various action scenes that take place in Mexico adds to the movie’s charm, and the camera angles, lighting, and overall ambience of the film capture the gritty and chaotic mood of the city.
In conclusion, Once Upon a Time in Mexico is an incredibly entertaining and action-packed movie that delivers excitement in spades. The movie’s fascinating cast, engaging storyline, and finely choreographed action make it a must-watch for action enthusiasts. Robert Rodriguez’s masterpiece is one of the best films in the Mexican western genre, and it is a testament to his skills as a director. The film will always be remembered as an excellent addition to the Mariachi Trilogy and a tale that will be told for a long time to come.