Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageEl Mariachi (1992)
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
In terms of plot, there's little remarkable about Rodriguez's debut feature: the tale of a loner mistaken for a killer and hounded by all manner of vengeful furies has blessed countless movies. But it's not the story, or the low budget, which makes this polished foray into mythic conflict so deliciously fresh; it's the sheer joy taken in the medium of film. As the hobo musician of the title (Gallardo) drifts into a small, dusty Mexican township - only to find himself the target of armed gangs in search of a hitman - Rodriguez goes for broke with a breakneck pace, swarms of bullets, cinematic tricks, and a tone as playful as it is knowing of genre conventions. The director's light touch is all his own; and this unpretentious offering delivers in all departments.Author: GA
Cast & crew
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Producer: Robert Rodriguez, Carlos Gallardo
Cast: Carlos Gallardo, Consuelo Gomez, Peter Marquardt, Jaime de Hoyos, Reinol Martinez, Ramiro Gomez full cast
Duration: 80 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Has David Cronenberg turned tame?
Has director David Cronenberg veered too far from his radical and bloody roots with new film 'A Dangerous Method'?
The 10 worst date movies
Just in time for Valentine's Day, we present ten of the least romantic films ever made
Where to watch this year's Oscar-nominated films
Find out where to watch 2012's Oscar-nominated films in London cinemas
10 unlikely badboy biopics
Featuring Phil Collins, Jeremy Clarkson, Nick Clegg, David Starkey and a host of other unlikely subjects
Interview: Sean Durkin on 'Martha Marcy May Marlene'
The first-time director of the brilliant new thriller discusses religious cults and robot boxing
Pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day
Side-step romantic clichés with some alternative Valentine’s viewing
What do you think?
Post your review now