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Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes ... see more see more... , Danny Trejo , Enrique Iglesias , Marco Leonardi , Cheech Marin , Ruben Blades , Willem Dafoe , Gerardo Vigil , Pedro Armendariz Jr.

Director Robert Rodriguez returns to the characters of his breakthrough hits El Mariachi and Desperado in this grand scale south-of-the-border action-adventure saga. Sands (Johnny Depp) is a rogue CIA... read more read more... agent who is working in cahoots with Mexican officials who've caught wind of a plan by corrupt military leader General Marquez (Gerardo Vigil) and ruthless drug kingpin Barillo (Willem Dafoe) to assassinate Mexico's president (Pedro Armendáriz Jr.). Sands needs to recruit a gunman to take out Barillo's assassins before they can complete their mission, and through barman Belini (Cheech Marin), Sands learns of El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), a fabled musician turned vigilante with a remarkable talent for violence, and a score to settle with Marquez. El Mariachi is living quietly in hiding after the death of the woman he loved, Carolina (Salma Hayek), but Sands lures him back into action through the promise of a final showdown with his nemesis Marquez, forcing El Mariachi to retrieve his guitar case (containing a mighty arsenal) and once again do battle against the lawless. Robert Rodriguez not only directed Once Upon a Time in Mexico, but he wrote the screenplay, handled the camera work, edited the film, and composed the musical score. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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66% liked it

261,939 ratings

Critics

68% liked it

161 critics

R, 1 hr. 37 min.

Directed by: Robert Rodriguez

Release Date: September 12, 2003

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DVD Release Date: January 20, 2004

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Stats: 11,357 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (11,357)

  • garyX
    November 4, 2011
    garyX
    Robert Rodriguez once again tries to out-pulp his long term collaborator Quentin Tarantino in yet another remake of El Mariachi. He makes no bones as to his intentions, the opening credit proclaiming it "A Robert Rodriguez flick" rather than "film", and the result is a slickly en... read moretertaining but rather vacuous affair. Desperado had just the right mix of drama, humour and action but this sequel is rather lacking in the dramatic momentum that involves the audience. I think the problem is that Banderas' character is easily the least interesting of the ensemble cast; he does little more than mope around and shoot stuff in increasingly over the top set pieces to the point where it starts to feel like a hispanic Jackie Chan movie without the jokes. Far more interesting is Johnny Depp's amoral and smart-mouthed CIA agent, complete with tourist's wardrobe, fake arm and collection of comedy moustaches; I couldn't help thinking that it would've been a much better film if HE were the central character. But as it is, it's a fun slice of popcorn entertainment, and with Depp, Banderas, Salma Hayek (who is otherwise wasted) and Eva Mendes in the mix, there's plenty of eye candy for both sexes.
  • cosmo313
    June 7, 2011
    cosmo313
    The conclusion to Robert Rodriguez's mariachi trilogy is a pretty epic, and really badass way to bring things to a close. There are however, too many subplots and characters, most of which don't make sense or are not handled all that well. I don't think that's why people wanna se... read moree this, or why they should see it though. This isn't about the plot or stories, but the stunts and spectacle. That's where this film really shines.

    The action is intense, well choreographed, and plentiful. There are a few too mant characters, but some of them are still pretty cool and quirky, especially the one played superbly by Johnny Depp.

    Doing just about everything but acting, Rodriguez delivers a rousing film here, and does a pretty excellent job (excluding the iffy screenplay, that is). This is probably #2 as far as ranking the trilogy goes, even though I've always had a soft spot for Desperado.

    If you want crazy action done right, then don't hesitate to give this one a watch.
  • riverdale237
    May 20, 2011
    riverdale237
    This movie proves that Robert Rodrigeuz is capable of making great movies. This movie has fantastic acting, some funny moments, and a coll but unrealistic plot.

    The main reason I love this movie is it has my all time favorite movie quote:
    "El, you really must try this becaus... read moree it's puerco pibil. It's a slow-roasted pork, nothing fancy. It just happens to be my favorite, and I order it with a tequila and lime in every dive I go to in this country. And honestly, that is the best it's ever been anywhere. In fact, it's too good. It's so good that when I'm finished, I'll pay my check, walk straight into the kitchen and shoot the cook. Because that's what I do. I restore the balance to this country. And that is what I would like from you right now. Help keep the balance by pulling the trigger."

    The only bad I can think of is that sometimes all the violence is kind of unnecesary. People shoot each other for practically no reason at all sometimes. In the real world, this amount of violence would never happen, even in a poor, crime filled area.

    The acting is amazing. Banderas was pretty good, but what really makes this movie? Johnny Depp as Agent Sands. It is some of the best acting I've ever seen. It's realistic, stylish and sometimes humorous or dark. Think Bullseye only not as evil.

    The fight scenes in this movie have more choreography then some of the best superhero films. It's like a bit of a more intelligent Tom and Jerry, in a good way. The church battle in particular was amazing.

    Overrall, this is an amazing movie. For anyone who loves a smart but wacky action movie, I suggest Once Upon A Time In Mexico today.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    May 10, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Robert Rodriguez El Mariachi trilogy comes to an entertaining conclusion. These films are awesome examples of over exaggerated films done right.Once Upon A Time In Mexico is a fun, entertaining film that really has a pretty interesting concept behind it. Robert Rodriguez delive... read morers a good film with a pretty impressive cast of actors. Rodriguez has always had an eye for good action, and Once Upon A Time In Mexico is a cool action film. But it lacks somewhat. All I will say is that the film is not one Robert Rodriguez's best films. Though an awesome idea for a film, I feel that there was room for improvement. But thats not saying that this a bad film. Once In Mexico is an average action film with enough thrills to please action fans. However those who enjoyed Desperado as much as I did, will most likely find this a little disappointing. Once Upon A Time In Mexico is a well crafted film that does succeed in delivering what it intends to do, an thats to thrill to audience with off the wall action. I didn't find the film perfect, and I think that Desperado is a far better picture, but this film is nonetheless a fun viewing experience. The cast do a fine job and most deliver terrific performances. Overall this is a good third entry and it offers enough action to please any action film buff. But you can't shake the feeling that theres something missing to truly make this an interesting and thrilling film.
  • MissMorganLeee
    January 8, 2011
    MissMorganLeee
    Once again a movie I watched with my friend Britt soley for Johnny Depp who once again never disappoints. Another role completely unexpected and unique. I have to warn you though unless you are a hardcore Johnny Depp, Antonio Banderas or William Defao fan this isnt a movie I woul... read mored say you NEED to seek out and watch. Its campy, so relish in its campy, cheesiness and enjoy the performances. Majority of them and quite good and this is quite the star studded cast. I will say this movie is unpredictable but enjoyable to some extent. If you do watch it watch it, dont expect too much, but have fun! :)
  • TheGame90
    October 26, 2010
    TheGame90
    I don't know. It was good...but not like the other two. It feels a little stupid and not so logical at times.....they're like standing 2 meters from each other shooting without hitting one bullet....And I don't really get Depp's part....is he evil...is he good?...he just seems to... read more be what suits the scene he's in....so it was good....but not great
  • ythelastman89
    January 25, 2010
    ythelastman89
    Robert Rodriguez showed his devotion to Sergio Leone by bringing a Mexican version of Once Upon a Time in the West. Johnny Depp was amazing as an eccentric CIA agent gone rogue, he very much reminds me of Henry Fonda's Frank. Antonio Banderas obviously became a very bizarre rendi... read moretion of Harmonica. Even with the homages, It ties up Desperado nicely. There are some great action sequences and it's a lot of fun.
  • SirPant
    September 18, 2009
    SirPant
    Once Upon a Time in Mexico has its great moments but it?s not as entertaining as desperado!
  • MeetMeinMontauk
    September 14, 2009
    MeetMeinMontauk
    I'm sure if I had watched Rodriguez's trilogy in order I might not have liked this one. But I didn't, so I liked it more. The story is a bit contrived, working from the trilogy, but still pretty bad ass in the white male 18-25 range which makes it violently cool.
  • roygutteridge
    August 3, 2009
    roygutteridge
    An enjoyable cap to the El Mariachi trilogy that occasionally disappoints, but never mars the good name of its predecessors

View All Once Upon a Time in Mexico Reviews

Critic Reviews

Wesley Morris
September 18, 2003
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

A movie with that many freaks and creeps should be a lot more exciting than this one actually is. Full Review

James Berardinelli
September 16, 2003
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

A mess of a movie that nevertheless entertains because each individual piece stands high enough on its own merits that it's not necessary to look hard at the nonsensical linking material. Full Review

Richard Roeper
September 15, 2003
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

... this proves as the opposite of Cabin Fever, you can spill a lot of blood in a gratuitous, but very entertaining way. Full Review

Andrew O'Hehir
September 13, 2003
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com

Make no mistake, this movie is a mess. But, wow, what a mess! Full Review

Michael O'Sullivan
September 12, 2003
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

Depp, a mere two months after his scene-stealing turn in Pirates of the Caribbean, once again is the best thing about a very silly movie.

Ann Hornaday
September 12, 2003
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

A whiz-bang kick in the pants.

Geoff Pevere
September 12, 2003
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

It's at once busy and lacklustre, intricately plotted yet indifferently paced, handsomely mounted but made from plastic. Full Review

Peter Hartlaub
September 12, 2003
Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle

Despite the movie's dark humor, violence and the occasional nonvoluntary facial surgery that will drive away the queasy, Once Upon a Time in Mexico is the most crowd-pleasing film in the series. Full Review

Roger Moore
September 12, 2003
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

A winking exercise in actors acting cool and the amoral joys of trigger- happiness.

Bob Campbell
September 12, 2003
Bob Campbell, Newark Star-Ledger

Rodriguez's movie aspires to trashy grandeur, and achieves it. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Agent Sands: Does 'it' have a name?
    • Cucuy: They call him 'El', as in 'The'.
    • Agent Sands: I know what it means... thank you.
    • Lorenzo: Practice shooting, not drinkin.
    • Agent Sands: Are you a MEXI-CAN or a MEXI-CAN'T?
  • During the meeting between Belini (Marin) and Agent Sands (Depp), Agent Sands places a Clash Of The Titans lunchbox onto the table.
  • The role of Cucuy was written for Quentin Tarantino, but he had to drop out to film Kill Bill: Vol. 1. Danny Trejo got the role.
  • Kurt Russell, Bruce Willis and Nicolas Cage were also considered for the role of Sands.
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Once Upon a Time in Mexico Trivia

  • In what movie does johnny depp get his eyes blown out in???  Answer »
  • What movie did jhonny depp say"Are you a mexican or mexican't?  Answer »
  • In what movie does Johnny Depp utter the following line? "That spill just cost you your life."  Answer »
  • in which movie did johnny depp walk intop the kitchen and kill the chef after speaking to antonio bandaras   Answer »
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