Bob Kane, the creator of Batman, had claimed the 1920 silent classic The Mark of Zorro as an inspiration. Shan's observations about the similarities are spot on.
@@andylikesstuffchannel Agreed. The music, the cinematography, the atmosphere, the tone. It was ahead of its time. Made today, and it'd be one of the better comic book films.
You're right. But the granddaddy of "secret identity" yarns was The Scarlett Pimpernel- a novel that was filmed many times. Like Zorro, the hero feigned weakness in order to hide his heroic deeds. That's what I loved about Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne appearing as an vacuous, empty suit in puplic- a total disguise. Because like Zorro/ Don Diego Vega, no one would ever suspect a rich jerk being a masked avenger.
This movie has one of the most iconic duets with Tina Arena and Marc Anthony singing "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You" which I keep permanently on my playlist.
This movie is so much fun, Martin Campbell (who would later direct Casino Royale) really leans into the adventure and swashbuckling nature Zorro deserves. The only real Mexican superhero, one of the big inspirations for Batman (so much so that in Batman's origin story, Bruce and his parents are actually coming out of a showing of a Zorro movie when the parents are killed), and a great throwback to the Errol Flynn/Douglas Fairbanks style of old swashbuckler films. And man, Catherine Zeta-Jones....whoooooo boy. Wars could be fought for that woman and we'd all understand. Sure, even in the sole time a Mexican gets to be a superhero they manage to cast a Spanish dude for it but whatever, I'll take it lol. Also, in the same vein of Banderas playing Mexican you should absolutely watch Robert Rodriguez's Desperado - the fact that it was made for such a small budget and is so much fun is crazy, Rodriguez is a master of making cheap look good. Plus that one has Salma Hayek and, again, if wars were fought for her we'd all understand.
Is there not also a character in the Batman animated series who is kind of Zorro in the Batman universe that was kind of Batman inspiration silver shadow or something like that
I'm not Mexican but Zorro was my first childhood hero because the TV show aired when I was 3 or something. I had a whole Zorro getup including a black stick horse 😄
One of the last true swashbuckers. And one of my all time favorite films. It doesn’t get much more fun than this. One of the films, that reminds you why you love movies. Great acting, great script, great cinematography, brilliant direction from Campbell, stunning action set pieces, and the real star of the film for me, the score. James Horner knocked it completely out of the park with this one
Absolutely.. Desperado is amazing..a 7 Million dollar film that looks more like 70.. I'd still say watch the entire trilogy. El Mariachi (made for 7k), Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico.. The director of Desperado (Robert Rodriguez, who would later direct Sin City) was at one time set to direct this film with Salma Hayek as Elena . The rumor says he balked at the production company (Spielberg) wanting to take such a large chunk of the budget for themselves as opposed to leaving it in the film. As great as Campbell did, I am still curious what Rodriguez would have done with a big budget Hollywood film at the time.
I love the use of big cat growls during explosions and other dramatic moments, like when Diego bursts from his shallow grave. Very aggressive and stylized sound design. I can't recall hearing that in anything else off hand.
This movie is super nostalgic to me. I had a homemade Zorro costume as a kid with the cape and the mask and I went around with a toy sword doing the Z symbol on people.
This movie is "the hero passing on the torch" done right. That opening scene works so well because it's a perfect recap of Zorro as a whole. - An evil authority figure - Oppressed peasants - Zorro outfighting soldiers using his sword and whip - Zorro using quick thinking and agility to escape a trap - Zorro carving a Z on his enemy - The relationship between Zorro and the peasants - Signature pose on Tornado as Zorro rides off If you didn't know anything about the character before, you're now up to speed on what he's all about. If you already were a fan, you just got a scene condensing everything you liked about Zorro, and acknowledging how awesome the original Zorro is, before moving on to tell the story of his successor.
The random tidbit I love most about this movie isn't even actually about the movie itself. When Michael Douglas saw Catherine Zeta-Jones in this movie, he wondered who she was and how he could meet her. It was Danny DeVito, of all people, that introduced them. They've now been married for 22 years and have two children.
Ah, there really is nothing quite like an old-fashioned rapier duel. That's one reason I'm so hooked on The Three Musketeers, so many fights done with beautiful grace and elegance.
This movie is easily one of my favorites! A dashing romantic adventure, a hero transcending his own pain to make his life extraordinary, a beautiful damsel that’s not exactly in distress, a mysterious mentor, mustache-twirling villains, a quest for vengeance turned to a drive for justice…they don’t make them like this anymore. Very glad to see a TH-camr reacting to this one! Thanks much
1941's _The Mark Of Zorro_ with Tyrone Power is a classic to watch. A perfect film & still the greatest Zorro adaptation, it's famous for featuring one of the best sword fights ever filmed.
There's some weird connections to real-life figures baked into Zorro. Joaquin Murrieta (Antonio Banderas's brother) was a real person, though *so* much around his life has been mythologized that's impossible to tell truth from fiction. Captain Love was also a real person. He was the head of the California Rangers and is supposed to be the person who killed the real-life Joaquin Murrieta. So, there's some odd blending of fact and fiction baked into this film. Murietta was also supposedly one of the inspirations for Zorro, the character. But the author, Johnston McCulley denied that.
I recall thinking as I left the theater that there was a great film there that cried out for proper editing. I agree with your assessment Shan about the first half of the movie. Still, it was a fun romp with good action and the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones. Good reaction as always.
I enjoyed your reaction. You listed other Antonio Bandaras movies--I think you might like to see his "The 13th Warrior". Serious Viking movie. I wouldn't think I'd like it but it kept me engaged the whole time.
The Zorro movies are a fun watch , but definitely watch desperado and once upon a time in Mexico. Another movie of his i enjoy is 13th Warrior not a masterpiece but a good watch about a group of Vikings fighting to save a village a bit like seven samurai
Love this one. Antonio was on point. Always remember it for the introduction of Zeta-Jones to the American public. Such great sword fighting. Love the superhero type of intro. You definitely gotta watch Desperado. My other favorite Banderas flick. Awesome action.
Anthony Hopkins did this movie because he wanted to do a fun action blockbuster kind of movie. I love this movie so much! This movie was single handedly responsible for a lifelong crush on Catherine Zeta-Jones because this came out when I was in high school and she is so gorgeous in this movie! The score of this movie is my favorite that James Horner did. Definitely see Desperado, it is so much fun! If you want to watch something older and a bit obscure, but with wonderful comedy and amazing fight scenes, you should check out The Court Jester with Danny Kaye and Basil Rathbone. It is a spoof on much of the swashbuckling Errol Flynn type movies of the early days of Hollywood. The Adventures of Don Juan with Errol Flynn is another one that is worth checking out, if you want a more serious swashbuckling type movie.
I remember watching this movie on VHS when I was little. This is the first film Ive seen Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins act in. They will always be "Zorro" to me. I loved the sword fighting and the comedy. Nostalgic for me because it's been awhile since I've seem this.
Glad you enjoyed this one, it’s a fantastic movie. And yes, Batman was inspired by Zorro (as well as The Shadow). The sequel “The Legend of Zorro” was quite weak compared to this one IMO, you can take it or leave it. They introduce Elena and Alejandro’s son, and the quality of a franchise tends to suffer when a kid becomes a major character. if you’re looking for more Banderas movies I really recommend you check out “Desperado” and its sequel “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” by Robert Rodriguez. Those movies are part of The “El Mariachi Trilogy” but Banderas wasn’t in the first, as it was basically Rodriguez’ student film shot with a $600 budget.
The Zorro series and the Pirates of the Caribbean series remind me of each other in the choreography of the fighting and the swords and the humor. Swashbuckling rules!!
Banderas is good, but my favorite version of the character is Guy Williams from the Disney series of the 50's. He could be very suave, funny, smart, and also put up a great fight and be anger when the time called for it.
7:07 L.Q. Jones who played the legendary three finger jack in this movie passed away this week. He was in a lot of movies and played a lot of many different crazy characters but I feel three finger jack was one of his best if not his best performance.
I love your editing... The larger emphasis on the movie makes it easier to follow along with your reaction. Viewers obviously have their favourite parts, and relive them with your reaction. Keep it up 😎😎
The Robert Rodriguez Mexico trilogy is definitely worth watching Antonio Banderas is in the second (Desperado) and third film (Once upon a Time in Mexico) but not the first one El Mariachi which was Robert Rodriguez's first film, a very low budget film but definitely worth watching also.
Surprised that you didn't comment at all about the horse chase. Those are fantastic stunts! I believe the push-ups above the candles were inspired by Jackie Chan's "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow". I definitely recommend listening to the soundtrack since it's one of James Horner's best & most underrated scores. The sequel's music is still good, but the movie itself ruins the characters.
An excellent version of the story. I believe "The Mark of Zorro" featuring Tyrone Power and Basile Rathbone is a more dramatic story although it is a black and white film. A technicolor version may be available. I think you should check it out, you may find the film as entertaining but different. Let us know what you think.
Look forward to this. Grew up in a time where VHS was king and the only dawg in town, and this was a staple. Tattered, torn, tape still good, and still own it. This movie and Catherine Zeta Jones play an odd little plot point in a movie I think you'd love and no one has ever reacted to, Breach. It's my favorite cast of under 10 and just oozing with talent (Ryan Phillipe, Chris Cooper, Laura Linney, my uber BAE Caroline Dhavernas). Tremendous spy thriller.
The three leads, but particularly Banderas, trained very hard in fencing in preparation for this film. He trained with the Spanish Olympic Fencing Team for several months, and then he, Hopkins, and Zeta-Jones trained with Bob Anderson, who had taught Errol Flynn. Anderson reportedly remarked that Banderas was the best fencer he'd taught since Flynn. It really elevates the film to something special.
Zorro has had many, many a/v appearances. My own introduction was the tv show with Guy Williams - having a Spanish father increased the enjoyment of watching the show, with all of us singing: th-cam.com/video/lQnle_3KuOE/w-d-xo.html I believe the oldest movie version of the story was the one with Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who did all his own stunts, with the devil's own smile and an exuberance that no one has yet really been able outshine (th-cam.com/video/yaBud6ii5Wk/w-d-xo.html - this is the man "Hedley Lamarr" comments on in "Blazing Saddles" "How did he do all those stunts ... with such little feet?!") More famous is "The Mark of Zorro", from 1940, with a charming Tyrone Power, a magnetic Basil Rathbone as our villain, and a beautiful Linda Darnell (with a sweet kitten in one scene), supported by the unforgettable Eugene Pallette and Gale Sondergaard. And I found the whole thing on YT! th-cam.com/video/TNR0rVytRWo/w-d-xo.html Fun, and unexpectedly intelligent comedy comes with George Hamilton in "Zorro, the Gay Blade", about which I will tell you nothing further. To tell the truth, the Antonio Banderas Zorro movies I remember as a kind of a let-down compared to these.
Grew up watching "Zorro The Gay Blade" back in the 80s, wore out the video tape rewatching it that I can still remember most of the lines today."...To help the helpless, to defend the defenseless and to defeat...uh...the defeatless!" You also forgot the 1975 version starring Alain Delon. Loved that version as well.
@@johnlloyddy7016 Oh, yes, thanks for bringing that one up! I haven't seen it in years. I'll p.s. this by saying this is at least the second time that Delon would have played a Spanish character, counting the very silly, very funny "Texas Across the River", featuring Peter Graves as a military leader whose on command to his troops is "Ah-ROAR-HAR!" We can also quote "The Gay Blade" inside out. I particularly love: "Roads? What do the people need roads for? They never go anywhere."
This is such a classic movie, and one of the last true swashbuckling adventures. It's a pity it's been largely forgotten. I remember it being absolutely huge when it came out. You absolutely should watch Desperado! It's such an iconic, unique film that everyone should see at least once.
Now that you've seen a modern version of the Zorro legend (originally a serial), try a spoof of the legend, Zorro the Gay Blade starring George Hamilton. This was the follow up to his Love at First Bite, a spoof of Dracula.
I had been watching old Zorro shows and movies (love the spoof Zorro, The Gay Blade) before this came out so I was already partial to the character. I had also been partial to Antonio Banderas since I saw him in the movie *Never Talk To Strangers.*
Who else grew up watching Disney’s Zorro TV series from the 1950’s starring Guy Williams? (reruns for me - born in the 70s - but they were so much fun. Loved this movie too!)
Hey Shan, is that a Blue or Black Seamaster 300 you’ve got on in this video? Love that you are a watch guy not focusing the channel on watches but movies. I went the wristwatch route. 😂👍
I thought this film was well done but you really should check out both versions of _'The Mark of Zorro'_ . The silent 1920 version starring Douglas Fairbanks Senior is well done and some of the action sequences done in one take show that he was quite the athlete. The 1940 version starring Tyrone Power is the one most people have come to mind when you mention Zorro. Unless, of course, they grew up watching the television show starring Guy Williams.
Yeah, the original literary version of Zorro was an inspiration for the creation of later masked heroes in film and literature, particularly Batman as you clearly noticed. Rich dude pretends to be just a socialite while he uses his skills and fortune to fight against injustice as a masked animal-inspired (zorro means fox in Spanish) vigilante with a secret lair and almost superhuman fighting skills. In turn, Zorro himself was inspired by a previous character called The Scarlet Pimpernel, who was a French aristocrat during the French Revolution era posing as a shallow dandy while he secretly was a masked vigilante.
Antonio Banderas is from Malaga, in the region of Andalucia, southern Spain. My grandfather was from around the same area, and I've been there a couple of times.
Yes, you should definitely watch/react to Desperado. It's an early Robert Rodriguez movie; and a sequel to his low budget El Mariachi (which consisted of a Mexican cast, with Banderas replacing the casting of the main character in Desperado). There's also a sequel to Desperado called Once Upon in a Time in Mexico. I'd recommend watching all three. They're really good, tons of fun action.
The film was written by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio (Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean). In their original draft, Anthony Hopkins survived ; it made more sense to them that Don Diego was the one telling stories to his granddaughter. They were not happy with the change.
There are so many parallels between Batman, Zorro, Green Arrow, Scarlet Pimpernel. Rich well connected dude, traumatic past, no superpowers, wears a mask, fights for the powerless (or at least against the evil powerful people).
A fun movie that respects the Canon. I grew up watching old b/w zorro movies and TV show every sunday morning with my mom. Batman, Indiana jones, Luke Skywalker all have roots in Zorro.
Zorro predates Batman. In fact Zorro was created approximately 50 years before Batman. The hidden cave underneath the mansion, the black horse, the training facility in the cave, the hidden exit and dual identities all came from Zorro. In fact you could say that Batman is a modern day Zorro. Not the other way around.
Hey Shan, so, Zorro was actually the inspiration for Batman, and Bob Kane even credits the Zorro dime novels. Desperado is ABSOLUTELY worth a watch, but just known that it is a series of films that begins w/ Robert Rodrigez's, EL MARIACHI. That film is a very interesting story, since he basically began his directing career with toy guns, hand held camcorders, and horribly funny practical effects. But, the sequel Desperado was a million dollar blockbuster. And, then the series jumps to #4, Once Upon a Time in Mexico. Where the 3rd story is interwoven I to the film, as a sort of ballad of events. But yes, Watch DESPERADO. Awesome film!
among many other movies Antonio Banderas has been in, there was also Philidelphia, playing alongside Tom Hanks; and Assassins with Sylvester Stallone; The 13th Warrior....
This is my favorite movie from my childhood. Everything about this movie is great. The characters, the action, the romance, & the adventure is fantastic. This movie was an absolute hit with audiences at the time. There have been movies based on old pulp magazine characters before this movie like The Phantom (1996) & The Shadow(1994) that didn't hit it with audiences because the characters were so old & nobody remembered them. That wasn't a problem with Zorro because there has been so many movies & TV shows based on this character since 1920's The Mark Of Zorro.
@@johnlloyddy7016 oh, right. I definitely forgot the character but The Rocketeer comic came out in the 1980s not the early 20th century so that's probably the reason why I didn't include him
Consider reacting to what is considered one of, if not the best historical sword play representations on film, Ridley Scott's first major film THE DUELLISTS (1977) Good story (based on a true story) and wonderful cinematography
Not kidding. The two youngsters in the Day of the Soldado...put their characters into Banderas and Jones places in Zorro. It plays out like the spider web that it all is.
It's funny you say Zorro is like a historical Batman, because Batman was partly based on Zorro! His family was even leaving Mark Of Zorro on the night his parents were killed in DC comics canon. I loved this movie when I was young, Zorro had a resurgence because of this with cartoons and toylines.
Interesting tidbit, a lot of the side characters are actually obscure historical figures. For example the brother, who got his head put in a jar, yeah that was a real guy that that actually happened to.
'He's like a historical Batman' - that'd be because Batman has loose inspiration from Zorro. In many tellings of the Origin story the film they watch before the Waynes are murdered is a Zorro movie. Zorro being one of the most decorated and earlier franchise superheroes in American media I really enjoy this movie, it's criminally underrated. They pulled off a passing of the torch story with barely any backstory, and with a blend of action, comedy, romance and adventure, it's simply a lot of fun. Hopkins was great as the suave mentor and Banderas and Jones had great chemistry. Desperado is also really good.
It's most likely the definitive Zorro Movie. Some are better here some there but this one delivers the whole package and both Main Actors were at their Prime Beauty. I mean CZJ just looked imcredible here. If you like Fencing you can check out Scaramouche with Stewart Granger. On pure Fencing it's still unmatched imo. The 2 first Three Musketeers with Oliver Reed and Michael York (The cast in general is out of this world) are also exceptionally good and very funny. If you like Zeta Jones Entrapment is a good pick
Interesting that you didnt recognize James Horners Style within the soundtrack. He's heavily using stuff like we heard in Willow or the Jack Ryan movies starring Harrison Ford... 😉
With a different comment, if you are interested in an earlier look at Anthony Hopkins, check out 'The Lion in Winter ' a great dialog story set in 12th century. Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole are leads
Desperado is a good watch, although you may want to watch the whole trilogy. Not many know the first, which is El Mariachi. Desperado is the second then Once Upon A Time In Mexico is the third.
Another good Banderas movie that is SEVERELY underrated is “The 13th Warrior” based on the book “Eaters of the Dead”.
Great music score
That is 1 of my favorite films of all time! Great recommendation!
Yes!!
You beat me to it! A Michael Crichton story.
Lo, there do I see my father !
The Count of Monte Cristo would make an excellent watch as well!
Catherine Zeta Jones was a rare beauty in this movie. A gem
@Reginald Frempong, "It's the reason why Michael Douglas fell over hills in love with her!!!"
Bob Kane, the creator of Batman, had claimed the 1920 silent classic The Mark of Zorro as an inspiration. Shan's observations about the similarities are spot on.
Bill finger/ bob kane
Yes. Batman's co-creator, Bill Finger. I stand corrected.
Zorro, along with The Shadow, were two of the major inspirations in the world of comic books. Particularly in the idea of the "secret identity".
Another underrated movie The Shadow
@@andylikesstuffchannel Agreed. The music, the cinematography, the atmosphere, the tone. It was ahead of its time. Made today, and it'd be one of the better comic book films.
@@andylikesstuffchannel (Laughs menacingly) "The Shadow knows!"
You're right. But the granddaddy of "secret identity" yarns was The Scarlett Pimpernel- a novel that was filmed many times. Like Zorro, the hero feigned weakness in order to hide his heroic deeds.
That's what I loved about Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne appearing as an vacuous, empty suit in puplic- a total disguise. Because like Zorro/ Don Diego Vega, no one would ever suspect a rich jerk being a masked avenger.
@@thelabofm awesome 💯💯💯🤣🤣🤣
This movie has one of the most iconic duets with Tina Arena and Marc Anthony singing "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You" which I keep permanently on my playlist.
I still have that song in my head all the time. It's so good
T I N A A R E N A !!
This movie is so much fun, Martin Campbell (who would later direct Casino Royale) really leans into the adventure and swashbuckling nature Zorro deserves. The only real Mexican superhero, one of the big inspirations for Batman (so much so that in Batman's origin story, Bruce and his parents are actually coming out of a showing of a Zorro movie when the parents are killed), and a great throwback to the Errol Flynn/Douglas Fairbanks style of old swashbuckler films. And man, Catherine Zeta-Jones....whoooooo boy. Wars could be fought for that woman and we'd all understand.
Sure, even in the sole time a Mexican gets to be a superhero they manage to cast a Spanish dude for it but whatever, I'll take it lol. Also, in the same vein of Banderas playing Mexican you should absolutely watch Robert Rodriguez's Desperado - the fact that it was made for such a small budget and is so much fun is crazy, Rodriguez is a master of making cheap look good. Plus that one has Salma Hayek and, again, if wars were fought for her we'd all understand.
Campbell also directed Goldeneye, so he already had some serious action chops
You’re completely right about Catherine zeta Jones. She was the reason I knew I was bi 🤣. I was so in love with her this whole movie.
Is there not also a character in the Batman animated series who is kind of Zorro in the Batman universe that was kind of Batman inspiration silver shadow or something like that
I'm not Mexican but Zorro was my first childhood hero because the TV show aired when I was 3 or something. I had a whole Zorro getup including a black stick horse 😄
One of the last true swashbuckers. And one of my all time favorite films. It doesn’t get much more fun than this. One of the films, that reminds you why you love movies. Great acting, great script, great cinematography, brilliant direction from Campbell, stunning action set pieces, and the real star of the film for me, the score. James Horner knocked it completely out of the park with this one
Absolutely.. Desperado is amazing..a 7 Million dollar film that looks more like 70.. I'd still say watch the entire trilogy. El Mariachi (made for 7k), Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico..
The director of Desperado (Robert Rodriguez, who would later direct Sin City) was at one time set to direct this film with Salma Hayek as Elena . The rumor says he balked at the production company (Spielberg) wanting to take such a large chunk of the budget for themselves as opposed to leaving it in the film. As great as Campbell did, I am still curious what Rodriguez would have done with a big budget Hollywood film at the time.
I agree Desperado is excellent film. Another film worthy looking, is Assassins with Sylvester Stallone.
I love the use of big cat growls during explosions and other dramatic moments, like when Diego bursts from his shallow grave. Very aggressive and stylized sound design. I can't recall hearing that in anything else off hand.
Fantastic choice shan watches movies
This movie is super nostalgic to me. I had a homemade Zorro costume as a kid with the cape and the mask and I went around with a toy sword doing the Z symbol on people.
The best Zorro we've gotten. Nostalgia and a different time in Hollywood, this is a great popcorn summer movie. The second maybe not so much.
This movie is "the hero passing on the torch" done right. That opening scene works so well because it's a perfect recap of Zorro as a whole.
- An evil authority figure
- Oppressed peasants
- Zorro outfighting soldiers using his sword and whip
- Zorro using quick thinking and agility to escape a trap
- Zorro carving a Z on his enemy
- The relationship between Zorro and the peasants
- Signature pose on Tornado as Zorro rides off
If you didn't know anything about the character before, you're now up to speed on what he's all about. If you already were a fan, you just got a scene condensing everything you liked about Zorro, and acknowledging how awesome the original Zorro is, before moving on to tell the story of his successor.
The random tidbit I love most about this movie isn't even actually about the movie itself. When Michael Douglas saw Catherine Zeta-Jones in this movie, he wondered who she was and how he could meet her. It was Danny DeVito, of all people, that introduced them. They've now been married for 22 years and have two children.
This was a great movie. You might also like "The Count of Monte Cristo" (2002) with Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce. Another good revenge movie.
Every time it's on I'll watch it, the film draws you in like a magnet.
Agree 💯%.
I _ADORE_ that movie!!
If you look up the word "revenge" in the dictionary the entry reads: "see, The Count of Monte Cristo."
GREAT movie!
Ah, there really is nothing quite like an old-fashioned rapier duel. That's one reason I'm so hooked on The Three Musketeers, so many fights done with beautiful grace and elegance.
This movie is easily one of my favorites! A dashing romantic adventure, a hero transcending his own pain to make his life extraordinary, a beautiful damsel that’s not exactly in distress, a mysterious mentor, mustache-twirling villains, a quest for vengeance turned to a drive for justice…they don’t make them like this anymore. Very glad to see a TH-camr reacting to this one! Thanks much
1941's _The Mark Of Zorro_ with Tyrone Power is a classic to watch. A perfect film & still the greatest Zorro adaptation, it's famous for featuring one of the best sword fights ever filmed.
What shall I say to that, other than that you are 100% correct.
With a classic score by Alfred Newman!
I have always felt that Matt Letscher (Captain Harrison Love) did and still does not get enough appreciation for his performance in this movie!
There's some weird connections to real-life figures baked into Zorro. Joaquin Murrieta (Antonio Banderas's brother) was a real person, though *so* much around his life has been mythologized that's impossible to tell truth from fiction. Captain Love was also a real person. He was the head of the California Rangers and is supposed to be the person who killed the real-life Joaquin Murrieta. So, there's some odd blending of fact and fiction baked into this film. Murietta was also supposedly one of the inspirations for Zorro, the character. But the author, Johnston McCulley denied that.
One of the girls in my elementary school class, was descended from Murrieta. But she never came to school with a sword ;-)
I know her actually. She helped me understand cryptocurrency and investing. In fact, I tripled my margins and work for myself.
@@charzanboo9940 Cool! I helped a Nigerian prince retrieve money stashed abroad and now I'm a billionaire!
@@iggtastic Awesome. You should refer yourself and him to Mary Murrieta Investing to learn more.
He also actually did keep Joaquin Murrieta's preserved head in a jar.
I recall thinking as I left the theater that there was a great film there that cried out for proper editing. I agree with your assessment Shan about the first half of the movie. Still, it was a fun romp with good action and the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones. Good reaction as always.
I enjoyed your reaction. You listed other Antonio Bandaras movies--I think you might like to see his "The 13th Warrior". Serious Viking movie. I wouldn't think I'd like it but it kept me engaged the whole time.
The Zorro movies are a fun watch , but definitely watch desperado and once upon a time in Mexico. Another movie of his i enjoy is 13th Warrior not a masterpiece but a good watch about a group of Vikings fighting to save a village a bit like seven samurai
Definitely 13th Warrior
Yes, Zorro is one of the heaviest influences on the creation of Batman.
Yup. According to Batman folklore, Bruce Wayne's parents were killed in the streets after they left a cinema having just seen Zorro
Thank you for reviewing Shan. It was so nice to see you enjoyed it.
Love this one. Antonio was on point. Always remember it for the introduction of Zeta-Jones to the American public. Such great sword fighting. Love the superhero type of intro.
You definitely gotta watch Desperado. My other favorite Banderas flick. Awesome action.
You should watch Pitch Black!!! Amazing Sci-fi cult classic. You would enjoy the psychology of the character changes.
@Baked Biehn that was better than the second one, but the first had a stronger cast.
Great reaction sir! Ya, Desperado is worth the watch. Take care!
Definitely check out Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico for two great Banderas films
Anthony Hopkins did this movie because he wanted to do a fun action blockbuster kind of movie. I love this movie so much! This movie was single handedly responsible for a lifelong crush on Catherine Zeta-Jones because this came out when I was in high school and she is so gorgeous in this movie! The score of this movie is my favorite that James Horner did. Definitely see Desperado, it is so much fun!
If you want to watch something older and a bit obscure, but with wonderful comedy and amazing fight scenes, you should check out The Court Jester with Danny Kaye and Basil Rathbone. It is a spoof on much of the swashbuckling Errol Flynn type movies of the early days of Hollywood. The Adventures of Don Juan with Errol Flynn is another one that is worth checking out, if you want a more serious swashbuckling type movie.
“You were trying, she was succeeding!” I’ve used that line in real life to turn heads.
I remember watching this movie on VHS when I was little. This is the first film Ive seen Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins act in. They will always be "Zorro" to me. I loved the sword fighting and the comedy. Nostalgic for me because it's been awhile since I've seem this.
Glad you enjoyed this one, it’s a fantastic movie. And yes, Batman was inspired by Zorro (as well as The Shadow). The sequel “The Legend of Zorro” was quite weak compared to this one IMO, you can take it or leave it. They introduce Elena and Alejandro’s son, and the quality of a franchise tends to suffer when a kid becomes a major character.
if you’re looking for more Banderas movies I really recommend you check out “Desperado” and its sequel “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” by Robert Rodriguez. Those movies are part of The “El Mariachi Trilogy” but Banderas wasn’t in the first, as it was basically Rodriguez’ student film shot with a $600 budget.
Great reaction! Love this movie. The soundtrack is on point too. RIP James Horner.
The Zorro series and the Pirates of the Caribbean series remind me of each other in the choreography of the fighting and the swords and the humor.
Swashbuckling rules!!
Banderas is good, but my favorite version of the character is Guy Williams from the Disney series of the 50's. He could be very suave, funny, smart, and also put up a great fight and be anger when the time called for it.
I liked George Hamilton too
@@smokeyverton7981
Zorro the gay blade!!
For me it will always be Alain Delon
@@AmberSmith-zx2rp What was the one he was in called? Also my second favorite is Tyrone Power in Mark of Zorro (1940),
@@jamesmoyner7499 The 1975 Zorro, french/italian movie. Did not stand the test of time, but was the first one I watched so I'm obviously biased.
7:07 L.Q. Jones who played the legendary three finger jack in this movie passed away this week.
He was in a lot of movies and played a lot of many different crazy characters but I feel three finger jack was one of his best if not his best performance.
I love your editing... The larger emphasis on the movie makes it easier to follow along with your reaction. Viewers obviously have their favourite parts, and relive them with your reaction. Keep it up 😎😎
3:08 Antonio Hopkins :)
Desperado you should definitely watch, enjoyable movie with great action scenes. Antonio Banderas with his great charisma.
The Robert Rodriguez Mexico trilogy is definitely worth watching Antonio Banderas is in the second (Desperado) and third film (Once upon a Time in Mexico) but not the first one El Mariachi which was Robert Rodriguez's first film, a very low budget film but definitely worth watching also.
"I wouldn't have that much Honor"
Me too. But these men make me want to be better!
Massively underrated film when it came out. Same director as Goldeneye also
And of course Casino Royale
Surprised that you didn't comment at all about the horse chase. Those are fantastic stunts! I believe the push-ups above the candles were inspired by Jackie Chan's "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow". I definitely recommend listening to the soundtrack since it's one of James Horner's best & most underrated scores. The sequel's music is still good, but the movie itself ruins the characters.
Right? It’s hard enough staying on a horse on a normal ride. That was intense.
An excellent version of the story. I believe "The Mark of Zorro" featuring Tyrone Power and Basile Rathbone is a more dramatic story although it is a black and white film. A technicolor version may be available. I think you should check it out, you may find the film as entertaining but different. Let us know what you think.
It's the Best Zorro Film .... Period!
Do you know - I love this channel! Plus, you're the only TH-camr I've ever heard suggest using the dislike button. Very fair of you!
Look forward to this. Grew up in a time where VHS was king and the only dawg in town, and this was a staple. Tattered, torn, tape still good, and still own it. This movie and Catherine Zeta Jones play an odd little plot point in a movie I think you'd love and no one has ever reacted to, Breach. It's my favorite cast of under 10 and just oozing with talent (Ryan Phillipe, Chris Cooper, Laura Linney, my uber BAE Caroline Dhavernas). Tremendous spy thriller.
The three leads, but particularly Banderas, trained very hard in fencing in preparation for this film. He trained with the Spanish Olympic Fencing Team for several months, and then he, Hopkins, and Zeta-Jones trained with Bob Anderson, who had taught Errol Flynn. Anderson reportedly remarked that Banderas was the best fencer he'd taught since Flynn. It really elevates the film to something special.
I forgot how entertaining, yet dark, this movie was! This was one of my constant movie watches as a child!
Zorro has had many, many a/v appearances. My own introduction was the tv show with Guy Williams - having a Spanish father increased the enjoyment of watching the show, with all of us singing: th-cam.com/video/lQnle_3KuOE/w-d-xo.html
I believe the oldest movie version of the story was the one with Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who did all his own stunts, with the devil's own smile and an exuberance that no one has yet really been able outshine (th-cam.com/video/yaBud6ii5Wk/w-d-xo.html - this is the man "Hedley Lamarr" comments on in "Blazing Saddles" "How did he do all those stunts ... with such little feet?!")
More famous is "The Mark of Zorro", from 1940, with a charming Tyrone Power, a magnetic Basil Rathbone as our villain, and a beautiful Linda Darnell (with a sweet kitten in one scene), supported by the unforgettable Eugene Pallette and Gale Sondergaard. And I found the whole thing on YT! th-cam.com/video/TNR0rVytRWo/w-d-xo.html
Fun, and unexpectedly intelligent comedy comes with George Hamilton in "Zorro, the Gay Blade", about which I will tell you nothing further.
To tell the truth, the Antonio Banderas Zorro movies I remember as a kind of a let-down compared to these.
Grew up watching "Zorro The Gay Blade" back in the 80s, wore out the video tape rewatching it that I can still remember most of the lines today."...To help the helpless, to defend the defenseless and to defeat...uh...the defeatless!" You also forgot the 1975 version starring Alain Delon. Loved that version as well.
@@johnlloyddy7016 Oh, yes, thanks for bringing that one up! I haven't seen it in years. I'll p.s. this by saying this is at least the second time that Delon would have played a Spanish character, counting the very silly, very funny "Texas Across the River", featuring Peter Graves as a military leader whose on command to his troops is "Ah-ROAR-HAR!"
We can also quote "The Gay Blade" inside out. I particularly love: "Roads? What do the people need roads for? They never go anywhere."
I would like to see you react to the 1st desperado 🤠
This is such a classic movie, and one of the last true swashbuckling adventures. It's a pity it's been largely forgotten. I remember it being absolutely huge when it came out.
You absolutely should watch Desperado! It's such an iconic, unique film that everyone should see at least once.
A really great movie. The sequel is also good. You should also see The Count Of Monte Cristo 2002 and Rob Roy 1995.
6:57 - absolutely
Now that you've seen a modern version of the Zorro legend (originally a serial), try a spoof of the legend, Zorro the Gay Blade starring George Hamilton. This was the follow up to his Love at First Bite, a spoof of Dracula.
Zorro IS an influence on Batman. Bored playboy by day, hero in black by night. Many similar tropes.
I had been watching old Zorro shows and movies (love the spoof Zorro, The Gay Blade) before this came out so I was already partial to the character. I had also been partial to Antonio Banderas since I saw him in the movie *Never Talk To Strangers.*
Thousand times yes! Desperado is definitely worth watching. One of the quintessential action films of the 90’s.
Who else grew up watching Disney’s Zorro TV series from the 1950’s starring Guy Williams?
(reruns for me - born in the 70s - but they were so much fun. Loved this movie too!)
Hey Shan, is that a Blue or Black Seamaster 300 you’ve got on in this video? Love that you are a watch guy not focusing the channel on watches but movies. I went the wristwatch route.
😂👍
I thought this film was well done but you really should check out both versions of _'The Mark of Zorro'_ .
The silent 1920 version starring Douglas Fairbanks Senior is well done and some of the action sequences done in one take show that he was quite the athlete.
The 1940 version starring Tyrone Power is the one most people have come to mind when you mention Zorro.
Unless, of course, they grew up watching the television show starring Guy Williams.
Yeah, the original literary version of Zorro was an inspiration for the creation of later masked heroes in film and literature, particularly Batman as you clearly noticed. Rich dude pretends to be just a socialite while he uses his skills and fortune to fight against injustice as a masked animal-inspired (zorro means fox in Spanish) vigilante with a secret lair and almost superhuman fighting skills. In turn, Zorro himself was inspired by a previous character called The Scarlet Pimpernel, who was a French aristocrat during the French Revolution era posing as a shallow dandy while he secretly was a masked vigilante.
Desperado is an amazing movie!
Antonio Banderas is from Malaga, in the region of Andalucia, southern Spain. My grandfather was from around the same area, and I've been there a couple of times.
Yes, you should definitely watch/react to Desperado. It's an early Robert Rodriguez movie; and a sequel to his low budget El Mariachi (which consisted of a Mexican cast, with Banderas replacing the casting of the main character in Desperado). There's also a sequel to Desperado called Once Upon in a Time in Mexico. I'd recommend watching all three. They're really good, tons of fun action.
The film was written by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio (Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean). In their original draft, Anthony Hopkins survived ; it made more sense to them that Don Diego was the one telling stories to his granddaughter. They were not happy with the change.
There are so many parallels between Batman, Zorro, Green Arrow, Scarlet Pimpernel. Rich well connected dude, traumatic past, no superpowers, wears a mask, fights for the powerless (or at least against the evil powerful people).
A fun movie that respects the Canon. I grew up watching old b/w zorro movies and TV show every sunday morning with my mom. Batman, Indiana jones, Luke Skywalker all have roots in Zorro.
Zorro predates Batman. In fact Zorro was created approximately 50 years before Batman. The hidden cave underneath the mansion, the black horse, the training facility in the cave, the hidden exit and dual identities all came from Zorro. In fact you could say that Batman is a modern day Zorro. Not the other way around.
Joaquin Morrieta (the baby at the end of the film) is the name of the real outlaw that inspired the character of Zorro
I loved this movie as a kid, I watched it so many times.
Hey Shan, so, Zorro was actually the inspiration for Batman, and Bob Kane even credits the Zorro dime novels.
Desperado is ABSOLUTELY worth a watch, but just known that it is a series of films that begins w/ Robert Rodrigez's, EL MARIACHI. That film is a very interesting story, since he basically began his directing career with toy guns, hand held camcorders, and horribly funny practical effects. But, the sequel Desperado was a million dollar blockbuster. And, then the series jumps to #4, Once Upon a Time in Mexico. Where the 3rd story is interwoven I to the film, as a sort of ballad of events.
But yes, Watch DESPERADO.
Awesome film!
3:08 - who the hell is Antonio Hopkins? Spanish cousin of sir Anthony?
Definitely react to the Mariachi trilogy (El Mariachi, Desperado, Once Upon A Time in Mexico)
Don Rafael Montero was played by Stuart Wilson....who was Jack Travis in Lethal Weapon 3 that you recently watched
You will enjoy Desperado. Antonio was also the voice of Puss-N-Boots in the Shrek movies. He got a solo movie too
Great film Anthony Hopkins can do anything!
Have always loved this movies..so much fun !
among many other movies Antonio Banderas has been in, there was also Philidelphia, playing alongside Tom Hanks; and Assassins with Sylvester Stallone; The 13th Warrior....
Just like Raiders Of The Lost Ark, this is perfectly directed, cast, acted, written, shot, produced, choreographed, edited, and scored!
It is a known bit of info that Batman's influence was Zorro cause that was the play his parents were killed during.
This is my favorite movie from my childhood. Everything about this movie is great. The characters, the action, the romance, & the adventure is fantastic. This movie was an absolute hit with audiences at the time. There have been movies based on old pulp magazine characters before this movie like The Phantom (1996) & The Shadow(1994) that didn't hit it with audiences because the characters were so old & nobody remembered them. That wasn't a problem with Zorro because there has been so many movies & TV shows based on this character since 1920's The Mark Of Zorro.
You forgot "The Rocketeer".
@@johnlloyddy7016 oh, right. I definitely forgot the character but The Rocketeer comic came out in the 1980s not the early 20th century so that's probably the reason why I didn't include him
Antonio Banderas parodied his role as Zorro in the Shrek sequels.
While the 2nd one isn't as good, it is still a very entertaining sequel! The villains are just as fun as well!
I heard there was a plan to have a Zorro and Django crossover to be directed by Quentin Tarantino. That would be really cool to see.
Consider reacting to what is considered one of, if not the best historical sword play representations on film, Ridley Scott's first major film THE DUELLISTS (1977) Good story (based on a true story) and wonderful cinematography
Not kidding.
The two youngsters in the Day of the Soldado...put their characters into Banderas and Jones places in Zorro. It plays out like the spider web that it all is.
Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.
It's funny you say Zorro is like a historical Batman, because Batman was partly based on Zorro! His family was even leaving Mark Of Zorro on the night his parents were killed in DC comics canon. I loved this movie when I was young, Zorro had a resurgence because of this with cartoons and toylines.
Interesting tidbit, a lot of the side characters are actually obscure historical figures. For example the brother, who got his head put in a jar, yeah that was a real guy that that actually happened to.
'He's like a historical Batman' - that'd be because Batman has loose inspiration from Zorro. In many tellings of the Origin story the film they watch before the Waynes are murdered is a Zorro movie. Zorro being one of the most decorated and earlier franchise superheroes in American media
I really enjoy this movie, it's criminally underrated. They pulled off a passing of the torch story with barely any backstory, and with a blend of action, comedy, romance and adventure, it's simply a lot of fun. Hopkins was great as the suave mentor and Banderas and Jones had great chemistry. Desperado is also really good.
It's most likely the definitive Zorro Movie. Some are better here some there but this one delivers the whole package and both Main Actors were at their Prime Beauty. I mean CZJ just looked imcredible here.
If you like Fencing you can check out Scaramouche with Stewart Granger. On pure Fencing it's still unmatched imo. The 2 first Three Musketeers with Oliver Reed and Michael York (The cast in general is out of this world) are also exceptionally good and very funny. If you like Zeta Jones Entrapment is a good pick
Interesting that you didnt recognize James Horners Style within the soundtrack.
He's heavily using stuff like we heard in Willow or the Jack Ryan movies starring Harrison Ford... 😉
The actor for Captain Love more recently played Eobard Thawne on CW's _The Flash._
I love this film. The action, the comedy, the amazing score.
With a different comment, if you are interested in an earlier look at Anthony Hopkins, check out 'The Lion in Winter ' a great dialog story set in 12th century. Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole are leads
When do you think you’ll get back to the Star Trek series?
Another highly underrated Banderas classic is The 13th Warrior.
Desperado is a good watch, although you may want to watch the whole trilogy.
Not many know the first, which is El Mariachi.
Desperado is the second then Once Upon A Time In Mexico is the third.
A very fun and emotional film with just the right amount of an edge to it.