El Mariachi (1992) / Action-Thriller

MPAA Rated: R for strong violence
Running Time: 81 min.

Cast: Carlos Gallardo, Consuelo Gomez, Jaime de Hoyos, Peter Marquardt, Reinol Martinez
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Screenplay: Robert Rodriguez
Review published December 13, 1996

A roving mariachi (Gallardo, Grindhouse) in search of work hops from bar to bar in a small Mexican town, carrying his guitar case along with him. Problems arise when a hitman (Martinez) arrives in town, and he carries a similar case -- but his is full of guns. A local drug lord (Marquardt, Spy Kids 3D) sends his men out to kill this hitman with a guitar case, and they mistakenly target the mariachi.

El Mariachi is infamous for having been filmed for the unbelievable cost of $7,000, yet is better than most films 10,000 times the cost. There's lots of style, lots of action, lots of humor and one of the most impressive debuts in history for a first time director. Hey, it's a pretty good movie too.

--  Followed by Desperado and Once Upon a Time in the West.

Qwipster's rating: 

©1996 Vince Leo