El Mariachi (Special Edition)

El Mariachi (Special Edition)

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Movie Reviews of El Mariachi (Special Edition)

Movie Review: A Powerful and Memorable Debut
Summary: 5 Stars

The story centers around a simple man with a certain passion--to be a well-established "Mariachi." He dresses in black and carries a guitar case with him everywhere he goes. A very passive individual, the Mariachi wants to be at peace without having to deal with any troubles. Well, trouble comes looking for him when there's a case of mistaken identity. Another man that dresses in black and carries a guitar case is causing major problems for a well known drug-dealer. The difference with this person is that in his guitar case is not a guitar--it is filled with numerous types of weapons, from firearms to knives. Forced into an inconceivable conflict, the simple life of the Mariachi turns into one that is filled with violence and bloodshed.

This very well-constructed independent film resembles a modern day Western. The film quality may not be at its absolute best, but the feel of the film is one that gives you an impression of a very talented director. You never know what's going to happen next in this unpredictable film. The film is not in English, so you will have to deal with subtitles if you don't know Spanish. Still, do not let that scare you away. The subtitles are very easy to follow and the movie flows nicely with them. It may feel odd for the first few minutes, but in very little time you will find yourself not even noticing that you're watching subtitles. That's how involving the movie is, and that is the kind of power that it holds.

With a cast full of "unknowns," the acting is very solid and makes the story work. Carlos Gallardo is superb in his role of the "Mariachi." He looks like a very innocent person but then can transform into a vicious fighter when pushed into a tight corner. Rodriguez does a remarkable job with this movie. You can tell that he is a man who knows what he wants in a movie. He also proves to be quite the storyteller. He was able to do a lot with such a low budget. It's ironic that big budget is almost always spent on the most horrendous movies nowadays (not all, but a fair amount).

The DVD has some cool things to offer. It's been remastered in a new film transfer that was supervised by the director. The picture looks more than decent, and I am sure that it looks much better than it did when it was first released. Extras included are commentary, a "10-Minute Film School" featurette, a sneak peak of "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," and a couple of trailers. Overall, a very nice DVD package for a film made on a budget this.

Robert Rodriguez's "El Mariachi" is a stunning film that's both thrilling and dramatic. It's a great film to watch if you're tired of the usual "rubbish" out there and want something new and fresh. This film has a wonderful mix of story and action and never seems to be unbalanced at any time. Don't let the low budget fool you--a great movie is hidden within. A definite classic. -Michael Crane

Summary of El Mariachi (Special Edition)