Bandidas (2006)

Directors:

Joachim Roenning
Espen Sandberg

Writers (WGA):

Luc Besson (written by) &
Robert Mark Kamen (written by)

Release Date:

18 January 2006 (Belgium)

Genre:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Western

Tagline:

Buscadas...vivas o muertas. (Wanted...alive or dead.)

Plot:

In turn-of-the-century Mexico, two very different women become a bank-robbing duo in an effort to combat a ruthless enforcer terrorizing their town.

Plot Keywords:

Alarm | Beautiful Woman | Rope | Dynamite | Railway

US TV Schedule:

Mon. July 28	8:15 AM	HBO
Thur. July 31	5:00 PM	HBO

Cast

Penélope Cruz	...	Maria Alvarez
Salma Hayek	...	Sara Sandoval
Steve Zahn	...	Quentin
Dwight Yoakam	...	Tyler Jackson
Denis Arndt	...	Ashe
Audra Blaser	...	Clarissa Ashe
Sam Shepard	...	Bill Buck
Ismael 'East' Carlo	...	Don Diego
Gary Cervantes	...	Pedro (as Carlos Cervantes)
José María Negri	...	Padre Pablo
Lenny Zundel	...	Bernardo
Edgar Vivar	...	Expl. Bank Manager
Ernesto Gómez Cruz	...	Brujo
Filiberto Estrella	...	Midget
Yomo Tlazotlalli	...	Gordo

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for sexuality, nudity and violence.

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

France | Mexico | USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS-ES | Dolby Digital EX

Certification:

Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | France:U | Argentina:13 | Germany:6 | Australia:M | Norway:11 | USA:PG-13 | USA:PG-13 (certificate #42392) | Singapore:NC-16 | Italy:T | Netherlands:MG6 | Iceland:10 | Portugal:M/12 | South Korea:12 | UK:12A | Hungary:14 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Brazil:12 | Finland:K-11

Filming Locations:

Durango, Mexico

Company:

Europa Corp.

Trivia:

Originally set for a wide US theatrical release in late 2005 and then early 2006; the film was finally given a 22 September 2006 date and was an exclusive Cinema Latino Theatres chain release.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): When Sara and Quentin investigate a bank posing as a couple, Sara is mourning her late mother. Later while arguing with Maria about kissing, she said she was "a widow in mourning"

Quotes:

Maria Alvarez: [after being saved from drowning by Sara] I guess this makes us friends...
Sara Sandoval: I don't know about friends but partners, definitely.

simply enjoyable

This is simply enjoyable to watch which is all the more an accomplishment as it has a lot against it. The mayor downside being that all through the movie you have the feeling that you have seen this all before. The setting, humor and interaction does remind you of "The Mask Of Zorro" (best example being the horse). The storyline is not that interesting and gives you the idea that it has just been written to create the setting and atmosphere. The acting is also no Oscar material but is very adequate. So it doesn't quite sound like a must see movie.

Then why should you see this one? I can't put my finger on it but somehow the whole package seems to work. Of course as a healthy guy I have to say that Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz as main attractions do raise my interest. Furthermore Steve Zahn has always had my sympathy as he always seems to be able to be much more than likable in the parts he plays. And finally, the directors come up with one or two original gags and camera shots that at least I hadn't seen before.

This is not Oscar material, but if you want to spend a comfortable hour and a half watching a movie this one will suit you fine.