Mexico. The tiny town is terrorized by a charismatic bandit hired by bankers, who is also a romantic - decided to marry the daughter of a local rich man. The daughter refused and lost her father. Because of the same bandit, a modest, but sharp-tongued peasant woman remained without her father, working as a servant for a rich man in the house. Both decided to drive a wedge - to become bandits, to punish hiding behind the law the bastard with the help of lasso and lead. But first they need to find a common language.
There are films that are not particularly shiny at the box office, but are revisited at home with pleasure - because they are very charming. Bandits are like that. This is an absolute, undisturbed comedy with a limp plot (why, say, the resistance, which includes half a city, the whole film is not doing what?), but with a chic cast and charming characters. The main characters, met in the course of the play stupid, but brilliant detective nerd, his stupid, but faithful wife, coach heroines, brazenly mowing under Schwarzenegger, a quiet but very cool priest ... It's beautiful. Unless the main villain - a stereotypical bloodthirsty, but slightly romantic bandit in black - looks pale against this background. But there is not much of it on the screen, and the actor tried as hard as others. And everyone else is happy. It is worth noting that the film was shot by two directors, so perhaps for them the project about two accomplices getting used to each other became somewhat autobiographical.
Well, the Wild West itself came out beautifully - sun-scorched prairies, a chic train, a typical but atmospheric town ... Each location is filled with the very atmosphere of adventure somewhere in the gangster outback, for which many fell in love with the genre. Unfortunately, the audience and critics did not like this film so much. But if you like westerns and atmospheric comedies, Bandits are definitely made for you!
9 out of 10
Another movie that somehow stayed out of my field of interest. Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek look great together as sexy bank robbers obsessed with revenge and justice. This is just a light adventure action movie, in which a lot of memorable moments: a fight in a church, a horse climbing stairs, kissing in a brothel. We watch and enjoy watching!
The picture, of course, parody, could not but go into vulgar excesses with almost violent “playful” scenes, where the man looks as confused as in the advertising of laundry detergent. For my taste, ridiculous skirmishes and shrill girl fights between the main characters would be enough. Here, they glow with charisma, and believe with all their hearts even in dramatic moments out of nowhere. The plot is simple, naive, and good conquers evil. Nevertheless, the scenery is not so harmless, it is about the relations of the United States and Mexico in the XIX century and the ruthless abuse of power. In general, the script turned out to be quite simple, but with a couple of good finds and a pleasant brisk pace of the narrative. And I can not but praise the composition of the frame and the color palette: warm, greenish-yellow, with accents of red. Everything is fine here. Original
Personally, I don't like comedy westerns - I think Wild West movies should be serious and even a little dark. The only exception to this unspoken rule was the film “Gangster” in 2006.
There are several reasons. First of all, we note that despite the comedy genre, there are quality shootouts, colorful heroes and a good plot. In addition, the jokes in "Bandits" are neither vulgar nor stupid, namely, that they are funny.
And the presence of two such sexy actresses as Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz adds a considerable amount of female charm to the film. And the director repeatedly shows the beauty from the most favorable angles, and the scene with kisses should not leave indifferent any man.
The scenery, costumes, the quality of the picture itself - all this is done here at the highest level, as if the director shot a full-fledged western, and not a comedy, which is most often done without proper attention to detail.
Yes, it is worth admitting that “Gangsters” is not a masterpiece, but just a pleasant movie for the evening. But such films are also necessary for the viewer, especially when all the components are well worked out.
The film directed by Joaquim Ronning and Espen Sandberg "Gangsters" definitely attracts attention, because the main roles in the film were performed by the famous Spanish actress Penelope Cruz and the same famous and beautiful Mexican actress Salma Hayek. Such a bright and beautiful duet certainly attracts attention, and the film "Bandits" begins to eagerly watch.
This is Mexico and 1888. On banks in all the surroundings quickly and deftly lead robberies two sultry beauties. No one can stop them, and the girls themselves decide to take desperate measures because of poverty and injustice.
The comedy was cute and funny. It is dynamic and completely atmospheric. Everything rests, of course, on the duet of two unsurpassed actresses. The movie is easy and smiling, it gives a funny story, uplifting. The film itself has the genre of a comedy western with a taste of action and crime. Such really high-quality and well-made films are few in the world of modern cinema, so who loves this genre, will gladly watch this picture.
The film was made decently, and it feels good when watching. The scenes are all bright and spectacular. Since this western was costumed, this issue was taken seriously, and the costumes and dresses were chic at the time. A lot of horse chases, shootings and fights, and all this happens with the heroines of girls who had to be strong. Cruz and Hayek play the main characters, who were not at all similar to each other in character, but the duo of the girls turned out to be harmonious, and together they just lit up.
"Gangsters" is a funny, comedic western with a taste of action and crime in 2006. The film is not a masterpiece and without depth, but this picture is just a light and disposable comedy to raise the good mood and fans of this genre and the main actresses. I appreciated this film and treated it neutrally, without saying “yes” or “no”. Thanks.
The action takes place in Mexico in the late 19th century. The villainous envoy of American banks, Mr. Jackson, dominates the local banks and lands and wants to grab a profitable contract for the construction of the railway. On his way there are two girls commoner Maria Alvarez and a woman with a European education Sarah Sandoval. Maria Jackson’s men seriously wounded her father, and Sarah’s parents were poisoned. Together with the visiting gringo, they begin to rob banks.
Producer Luc Besson combined in this film Penelope Cruz and Selma Hayek, deciding to sculpt an unsophisticated adventure western comedy. The directors were the Norwegian duo Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg, who had previously shot only commercials. It was a very light and mediocre movie.
Hayek and Cruz play very mediocre, well, there was no place to turn around. In addition, the directors failed several potentially winning moments with their participation. in the beginning they fight among themselves, where would you think? In church. And even without a light, even shirts on each other did not break. They are also dressed in the waterfall. In general, no aesthetic pleasure.
I wish the movie was dynamic. That's the problem. The plot barely moves, for an hour and a half one explosion, a little shot and no chase. From the actors more or less stand out Sam Shepard, teaching the heroine the art of robbing banks, and Steve Zahn in the role of a visiting cowboy who switched to the side of robbers and teaching girls kisses.
Such an unpresentable adventure comedy. Maybe girls like it, but Hayek and Cruz fans like it. It's a weak movie. On this topic in France shot two good pictures with Bridget Bardot “Viva Maria” (1965) and “Oil Miners” (1971). There and the plot is more dynamic and the girls are no less beautiful, or even more. Better to watch them.
A cheerful and cheerful western in bright sunny scenery - that's what Bandits are. Simple, as is customary in the genre, the plot is great to refresh the main characters who decided at all costs to rob everyone and give everything away. Female versions of Robin Hood in the Wild West.
Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek are not just beautiful, but real characters who do not stand aside, but are the center of the universe of the picture. It is from their acting talent that most of the pleasant impressions from watching come. Their dialogues are funny, their actions are picturesque, and their outfits are beautiful. We can say that they are pulling this film from “just average” into something more memorable and enjoyable.
7 out of 10
What I liked about the movie. Play of actors – a magnificent duet of Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz. But I like Salma Hayek more – in my opinion, she is more sophisticated. The Mexican theme is well presented - the general passion and pressure of the picture, wonderful music to become a film, Spanish motifs, magnificently played on the guitar, aesthetics, etc.
There is some cruelty in the film - not only some, but we can say that the main conflict in the film stems from the cruelty. True, all this is shaded by some erotic moments that are skillfully presented here - the beauty and sexuality of the actresses, or take the famous kissing scene when they both kiss the criminologist in bed - played brilliantly, I want to watch this scene again and again.
The plot itself is quite interesting and it holds the whole film well, although maybe everything could be a little bit sharper. And, of course, the eternal topic of banks – which in our era of overconsumption is more relevant than ever. The film is recommended for viewing for all those who are interested in the Mexican theme, who are not indifferent to female beauty and love dashingly twisted plots.
It is logical that the central motives of almost all Westerns are money or revenge. Here they are both presented, but a lot of interesting ideas and two charming heroines drive away thoughts of banality.
In one province of Mexico, landowners are dying one by one. Two young girls, so different, but united by fate and one goal, challenge the perpetrators of all misfortunes. The plot is quite interesting, although simple - do not expect unexpected plot twists and pulsating intrigue in the temples. Such events could hardly take place in history, but this does not interfere with viewing and perception. One of the main questions that arises in anticipation of watching the next Western is whether it was possible to recreate the atmosphere of the Wild West. In this case, it really succeeded. Although the events take place in Mexico, the local world is subject to the same known laws: the scorching sun of the desert, dashing shootouts with bandits, hats of wide cut. And what is important in this story is the banks with the money. After all, the girls, the main characters most of the time are engaged in this business. But not for the sake of profit – their goals are noble, so we are well aware that the title of the picture is not fixed criminal nature, rather romantic. Even local residents and bank branches help them. Two of the most charming and famous women of Latin appearance create a truly attractive blow. In addition, an important feature is the social gap between girls. The heroine of Salma Hayek is a real example of aristocratic upbringing with years of life spent in Europe behind her shoulders. Penelope Cruz is a simple, but full of charm girl from the Mexican province. They got a funny duet, sometimes ironic, often naive, but extremely positive. I recommend watching the film in duplicate translation, where the voices of the main characters are successfully selected.
Considering that it is quite rare for us to see in the face of brave cowboys with spurs and six-shot pistols women, add a light atmosphere of adventure and make a great movie for cheering up.
But you will agree that more than once and not two, many people thought that it would be nice to see in one film the two most luxurious and famous actresses, where the blood is Spanish and Mexican – Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek.
Meet the two beauties had in the comedy western "Gangsters", where they naturally played the main roles. According to the idea of the screenwriters, they occupy places in different layers of society (Cruz - the daughter of a poor man, Hayek - the daughter of a rich man), but they are united by a common drama and anger and together they begin to rob banks.
Norwegian directors presented a rather tough story under the guise of comedy and parody. There are shootings, there are dead, there are dangerous scoundrels, but everything looks from the angle of bright fun. All the positive characters really look like mischievous people who have a stir in one place, and all the antiheroes are nasty scum. All this is inherent in the classical literature of romanticism, when even villainous actions are offered to us in a heroic light.
By the way, not only on the Penelope Cruz and Salme Hayek the film is based on acting skills. Both performers have a romantic spirit with the hero Steve Zahn, whom I have long considered a great comedian. Funny scenes with this triple union were diluted there, which was also very much expected - a very sexy scene with kisses. Again, he played well in the image of a bad guy Dwight Yoakam, who, by the way, went cowboy suits. And very funny, even though she has few scenes in the film, Audrey Blazer.
A beautiful western, with a somewhat unexpected approach to this genre, fans of two beautiful actresses will not miss it, and I advise others to relax.
7 out of 10
P.S.: I wonder what prompted Luc Besson to write the script for “Bandits”?