Amazon.com essential video A lusty and rousing adventure, this calls to mind those glorious costume dramas produced so capably by the old Hollywood studio system--hardly surprising, in that its title character, a de facto Robin Hood in Old California, provided starring vehicles for Douglas Fairbanks and Tyrone Power, the '50s TV hit, and dozens of serials and features. Zorro, a pop-fiction creation invented by Johnston McCulley in 1918, is given new blood in this fast-moving and engaging version, which actually works as a sequel to the story line in the Fairbanks-Power saga, The Mark of Zorro. A self-assured Anthony Hopkins is Don Diego de la Vega, a Mexican freedom fighter captured and imprisoned just as Spain concedes California to Santa Ana. Twenty years later, he escapes from prison to face down his mortal enemy, a land grabbing governor played with slimy spitefulness by Stuart Wilson. Too old to save the local peasants on his own, he trains bandito Antonio Banderas to take his place. Much swashbuckling ensues as Banderas woos Catherine Zeta-Jones, becomes a better human being, and saves the disenfranchised rabble. Director Martin Campbell wisely instills a measure of frivolity into the deftly choreographed action sequences, while letting a serious tone creep in when appropriate. This covers much ground under the banner of romantic-action-adventure, and it does so most excellently. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Amazon.com In this day of movies in which one can't tell whether the action was manufactured by computer generation or by a cookie cutter, The Mask of Zorro is a grand throwback. It recalls and celebrates the fantasy workshop that Hollywood was and can be at its best. It's an audience pleaser in the best sense of the word, combining great-looking performers with gorgeous vistas and production design, a story that is familiar yet never insults the viewer's intelligence, and plenty of eye-popping action.
Anthony Hopkins stars as the original Zorro, a masked vigilante protecting his people from official corruption in Mexico and what will become California (from Hannibal Lecter to Merchant-Ivory to action hero--is there nothing this man cannot do?). He's imprisoned for his troubles, and upon his release, mentors an impetuous pupil (Antonio Banderas, more suave than ever) in the fine arts of swordplay and triumphing over evil. Catherine Zeta-Jones capably portrays the beauty linked to both men--Zorro I's daughter, Zorro II's object of desire.
The plotting contains few surprises, but the interplay between the three leads is always winning, and the winks to the swashbuckling genre are playful without ever being heavy-handed or campy. --David Kronke
- "You think you're worthy enough to wear that mask?" (5)
A perfect introduction to THE ZORRO mythology. I am so,so,so,so,so,so glad that they did not decide to do a goofy cornish plot that would involve some nameless actor as ZORRO.
It all begins when the republic of california is under the heavy thumb of the pollitical dictator Don Raphaile Montero. He was the constant nemesis to zorro, who, in the earlier exploits of the movie, is played by anthony hopkins. Later, during an accusatory battle, Zorro is sentenced to life in a far away prison.
Decades pass and all would think that Zorro had surely died. But, again, he is back and hidden in the peasent slums to pass the torch to a new fighter of freedom. That torch has been passed to Antonio Banderas . . .who plays zorro very well when he becomes really good in his training efforts. This movie makes the story of Zorro a legend and awakens the synapses of many people reminding them how fun and classical Zorro truly is. He is the only mexican hero that carves a Z into the shirts of many of his enemies. Along with his horse, the new, TORNADO, they go to re-live the legend, settle old scores, retrieve information, and even have time for a tempting romance to the witty CATHRINE ZETA-JONES.
This is one movie that you can watch many many times in a row and never get tired of its artful landscape and wise direction. It truly is a gem of movies and I am proud to own it.
Enjoy! - Wonderful action movie (5)
If you like loads of swordfights with acrobatics and intense Spanish guitar-style music, this is the film for you. (It doesn't hurt if you like Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas either.) This movie is fun from the very beginning, as Zorro flies through the air in the eyes of a young peasant boy. Beautifully crafted action sequences with the right touch of romance and a good helping of comedy make this hard to beat. (The only one I can think of is its successor, the Legend of Zorro.) Anthony Hopkins is brilliant, Antonio Banderas is funny, charming and heroic altogether, and Catherine Zeta-Jones isn't as innocent as you'd expect. Enjoy! - Great sound on superbit version - Excellent movie! (5)
Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins were great! Catherine Zeta Jones was extremely beautiful in this movie. This is one of my favorite movies and THE favorite with Banderas. I love the cute one-liners Antonio injects throughout, and Hopkins was a sensation! Get the Superbit DTS version - AMAZING SOUND! - Loved the Movie! Gripping! (5)
The Movie was a delight. Heroic with romance and beauty. Loved the plot and story line. Must see Catherine-Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas in their face offs. Anthony Hoppkins is "charming."Loved it. - Good light-hearted fun... (4)
In tone and style, this movie reminds me of the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" series---lots of action, competent actors and director, wit and giggles sprinkled in, with a little shot of romance for extra flavor but restrained enough to avoid the usual Hollywood cheesiness.
Banderas, Hopkins, and Zeta-Jones all put in solid performances, ZJ especially looks very yummy, and until a few high-drama-closeup scenes just at the very end we never notice that they are only middling actors.
There is a nice anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist subtext and social-historical perspective that runs through this film, but it is mostly subtle and so never obtrusive.
4 stars as a movie, but 5 stars within the ACTION genre!