The Mask of Zorro
Director: Martin Campbell
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stuart Wilson
When fate allows a young thief named Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) to cross paths with the legendary hero known as Zorro (Anthony Hopkins), they forge an unlikely bond in order to seek revenge against a ruthless villain who destroyed both of their lives.
One of the most predominant themes in the film is the reincarnation of Zorro. When the story begins, Zorro is taking his last ride. His days of being a hero are spent and he is ready to relinquish his mask and sword and devote his life to his wife and child rather than the people. When a cruel twist of fate causes Zorro to lose everything he holds most dear, he is cast into darkness, his days of being a hero all but a distant memory.
When Diego de la Vega re-emerges after being imprisoned by his sworn enemy for twenty years, his identity as the noble warrior, Zorro, is restored when he realizes that the memory of Zorro has not been entirely forgotten, but the essence of that identity is transformed. Although he is still the legendary hero, Zorro, Diego is now the wise and disciplined master who will train his new pupil, Alejandro, to embrace the identity of Zorro so that Alejandro – like Diego - may finally have revenge.
While Zorro is the catalyst that brings Alejandro and Diego together, their connection to the beautiful Elena is also what motivates both Alejandro and Diego to seek revenge against Don Raphael. When Raphael discovered Diego’s secret and murdered his wife, he took Diego’s daughter Elena and raised her as his own daughter. When Diego discovers this, he is determined not only to avenge his wife’s death, but also to see his daughter safely restored to him. When Alejandro encounters the beautiful Elena after he sneaks into Don Raphael’s home to steal a horse, he finds himself drawn to her. After he romances her with a swordfight and a scintillating dance, he wins her heart and with her father’s blessing they are married.
When Diego finally triumphs over Don Raphael, his journey as Zorro is finally complete, but with his victory comes a terrible price – his death. Although he is finally reunited with his daughter, it is only long enough to say goodbye. Finally at peace, Diego gives his blessing for Alejandro to marry Elena and a new Zorro is born when Alejandro takes his master’s place as the noble warrior.
When I first watched “The Mask of Zorro” I had only a vague sense of who Zorro was, but I must say, this movie is a brilliantly conveyed story that brings to life one of the world’s most intriguing heroes. The casting for this film is flawless, particularly for Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas who both give a perfect performance as Zorro. If you enjoy a good action film, then this movie is definitely worthy of your time.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.
Director: Martin Campbell
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stuart Wilson
When fate allows a young thief named Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) to cross paths with the legendary hero known as Zorro (Anthony Hopkins), they forge an unlikely bond in order to seek revenge against a ruthless villain who destroyed both of their lives.
One of the most predominant themes in the film is the reincarnation of Zorro. When the story begins, Zorro is taking his last ride. His days of being a hero are spent and he is ready to relinquish his mask and sword and devote his life to his wife and child rather than the people. When a cruel twist of fate causes Zorro to lose everything he holds most dear, he is cast into darkness, his days of being a hero all but a distant memory.
When Diego de la Vega re-emerges after being imprisoned by his sworn enemy for twenty years, his identity as the noble warrior, Zorro, is restored when he realizes that the memory of Zorro has not been entirely forgotten, but the essence of that identity is transformed. Although he is still the legendary hero, Zorro, Diego is now the wise and disciplined master who will train his new pupil, Alejandro, to embrace the identity of Zorro so that Alejandro – like Diego - may finally have revenge.
While Zorro is the catalyst that brings Alejandro and Diego together, their connection to the beautiful Elena is also what motivates both Alejandro and Diego to seek revenge against Don Raphael. When Raphael discovered Diego’s secret and murdered his wife, he took Diego’s daughter Elena and raised her as his own daughter. When Diego discovers this, he is determined not only to avenge his wife’s death, but also to see his daughter safely restored to him. When Alejandro encounters the beautiful Elena after he sneaks into Don Raphael’s home to steal a horse, he finds himself drawn to her. After he romances her with a swordfight and a scintillating dance, he wins her heart and with her father’s blessing they are married.
When Diego finally triumphs over Don Raphael, his journey as Zorro is finally complete, but with his victory comes a terrible price – his death. Although he is finally reunited with his daughter, it is only long enough to say goodbye. Finally at peace, Diego gives his blessing for Alejandro to marry Elena and a new Zorro is born when Alejandro takes his master’s place as the noble warrior.
When I first watched “The Mask of Zorro” I had only a vague sense of who Zorro was, but I must say, this movie is a brilliantly conveyed story that brings to life one of the world’s most intriguing heroes. The casting for this film is flawless, particularly for Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas who both give a perfect performance as Zorro. If you enjoy a good action film, then this movie is definitely worthy of your time.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.