Desperado Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mariachi with a guitar full of guns and a serious vengeance complex shoots everyone in Mexico after a bad breakup, only to find out his ex’s new boyfriend is his long-lost brother…it’s a telenovela with more explosions.

🍿 Desperado: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Legend of El Mariachi

The film opens with Steve Buscemi’s character recounting a story in a seedy bar about a legendary gunslinger known as El Mariachi. This sets the stage for the arrival of Antonio Banderas as the titular character, a former musician seeking revenge. El Mariachi is rumored to carry a guitar case filled with weapons, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake.

Arrival and Confrontation

El Mariachi arrives in a small Mexican town controlled by the ruthless drug lord Bucho. He quickly finds himself embroiled in a violent confrontation with Bucho’s men, showcasing his incredible gunfighting skills. After a bloody shootout, El Mariachi seeks refuge with Carolina, a beautiful bookstore owner.

Alliance and Betrayal

Carolina helps El Mariachi recover from his wounds, and they form a bond. However, secrets and betrayals lurk beneath the surface. El Mariachi discovers that Carolina’s bookstore is funded by Bucho, creating a conflict of loyalty and trust. As violence escalates, their relationship deepens.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas): A former musician turned vengeful gunslinger seeking retribution against the drug lord Bucho for the death of his lover and maiming his hand.
• Carolina (Salma Hayek): A beautiful bookstore owner who becomes El Mariachi’s love interest and helps him on his quest for revenge.
• Bucho (Joaquim de Almeida): The ruthless drug kingpin and El Mariachi’s target of vengeance, revealed to be his brother.
• Buscemi (Steve Buscemi): An American traveler who recounts the legend of El Mariachi and unwittingly brings him closer to Bucho, ultimately becoming a victim.
• Short Bartender (Cheech Marin): The cynical bartender at the Tarasco bar.
• Navajas (Danny Trejo): A deadly knife-throwing assassin sent by Columbians to kill El Mariachi.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Buscemi: “This reminds me of a joke.” – Buscemi prefaces a long, rambling joke setting up El Mariachi’s reputation before his arrival.
• El Mariachi: “Did I thank you? No. I will.” – Said after Carolina saves his life and becomes a recurring phrase between them, symbolizing his debt and intention to repay it.
• El Mariachi: “I’m looking for a man named Bucho.” – El Mariachi’s direct and ominous inquiry that signals impending violence in every new location.
• Carolina: “Are you always this polite before you try to kill people?” – Carolina questions El Mariachi’s behavior, highlighting the dark humor and unusual situation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,405,445
• Worldwide Gross: $25,405,445

💥 Desperado Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Desperado’ is one of my absolute favorites! From the opening scene with Steve Buscemi to the over-the-top gunfights, it’s just pure adrenaline. Antonio Banderas IS El Mariachi, and Salma Hayek is just stunning. I loved the humor mixed with the action, especially Quentin Tarantino’s cameo. The guitar-case-full-of-guns is iconic! Honestly, it’s a movie I can watch again and again and still get excited. It’s like a shot of tequila – pure energy!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stylish violence”
  • “Fans of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino”
  • “Those interested in modern Westerns”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Desperado is a stylish and explosive action thriller. Rodriguez’s direction is sharp and energetic, and Banderas delivers a charismatic performance. The action sequences are inventive and over-the-top, making for a highly entertaining experience.
• The New York Times: “While the plot is simple, Desperado excels in its visual style and action choreography. Antonio Banderas embodies the cool and deadly mariachi with ease, and Salma Hayek adds a touch of sensuality. A fun, if somewhat mindless, action flick.
• Los Angeles Times: “Rodriguez delivers a high-octane action film with a distinct visual flair. Desperado is a worthy successor to El Mariachi, showcasing impressive action sequences and strong performances from Banderas and Hayek. A must-see for action fans.

Audience Reactions

The action is so over-the-top it’s hilarious, making it a fun ride.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s non-stop action, stylish visuals, and the chemistry between Banderas and Hayek.

Salma Hayek is incredibly beautiful and adds depth to her role.: Many admire Hayek’s beauty, charm, and sensual acting which gives an unforgettable experience.

Overall Consensus: Desperado is a highly entertaining action film known for its stylish violence, charismatic performances, and over-the-top action sequences. It’s a cult classic that delivers pure, unadulterated fun.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Rodriguez and Danny Trejo discovered they are second cousins during the film’s production.”
• “Quentin Tarantino’s cameo was unscripted; he was just visiting the set and Rodriguez asked him to improvise a scene.”
• “The film’s budget was significantly larger than its predecessor, ‘El Mariachi’, allowing for more elaborate action sequences and a wider cast.”

🖥️ How to Watch Desperado?

Desperado is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available to rent or buy. It’s also frequently listed on Apple TV and other digital storefronts. Check your preferred platform for current availability and pricing. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also readily available from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Desperado, you might like these similar films:

• El Mariachi (1992): The original low-budget film that introduced the character and story, providing a raw and gritty contrast to Desperado’s style.
• Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003): The final film in the ‘Mexico’ trilogy, continuing El Mariachi’s story with even more over-the-top action and a larger scope.
• From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): Another Robert Rodriguez film featuring similar stylistic violence and a collaboration with Quentin Tarantino.
• John Wick (2014): A modern action film featuring a lone assassin seeking revenge, similar to El Mariachi’s quest.
• The Wild Bunch (1969): A classic Western with intense violence and a group of outlaws operating in Mexico, capturing a similar sense of desperation and moral ambiguity.

🛒 Desperado Related Products

• Desperado (Limited Edition Blu-ray Steelbook): A must-have for collectors, this Limited Edition Blu-ray Steelbook features exclusive artwork and bonus content, enhancing the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes features and director commentaries.
• Desperado Movie Poster (Framed): A high-quality framed poster of the iconic movie Desperado. A great product to represent your love of this cult-classic film and its stunning cinematography.
• Guitar Case Prop Replica: The Guitar Case Prop Replica is a high-quality recreation of the famous case used by El Mariachi in the film. Perfect for Cosplay or decoration.
• Desperado: The Official Soundtrack: The official soundtrack features a mix of Latin rock, mariachi, and blues, setting the mood for the film’s high-octane action and romance. Experience the soul of the film through its iconic music.

🎧 Soundtrack

Desperado features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Canción del Mariachi (Morena de Mi Corazón)” – performed by Antonio Banderas & Los Lobos
• “Six Blade Knife” – performed by Dire Straits
• “Quedate Aqui” – performed by Tito & Tarantula

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Salma Hayek Shares Traumatic Experience Shooting ‘Desperado’ Love Scene | THR News

Curious about the challenges faced by Salma Hayek while filming ‘Desperado’? This interview offers an intimate glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama and the star’s personal experience.

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