IMDb > Desperado (1995)
Desperado
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Desperado (1995) More at IMDbPro »

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Desperado -- text os

Overview

User Rating:
7.1/10   95,397 votes »
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Down 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Robert Rodriguez
Writer (WGA):
Robert Rodriguez (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Desperado on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
25 August 1995 (USA) See more »
Genre:
Action | Crime | Thriller See more »
Tagline:
He came back to settle the score with someone. Anyone. EVERYONE. See more »
Plot:
A gunslinger is embroiled in a war with a local drug runner. Full summary » | Full synopsis »
Plot Keywords:
See more »
Awards:
3 nominations See more »
NewsDesk:
(297 articles)
Video of the Day: Watch the collaborative short ‘Two Scoops’, made by Robert Rodriguez with fan input
 (From SoundOnSight. 18 June 2013, 5:56 PM, PDT)
The HeyUGuys Instant Watching Viewer’s Guide – June 2013
 (From HeyUGuys. 18 June 2013, 5:00 AM, PDT)
Exclusive: Stunt Coordinator Steve M. Davison Talks A Good Day to Die Hard Blu-ray
 (From MovieWeb. 4 June 2013, 12:59 AM, PDT)
User Reviews:
Give me the strength to be what I was, and forgive me for what I am. See more (190 total) »

Cast

  (in credits order) (verified as complete)

Antonio Banderas ... El Mariachi

Salma Hayek ... Carolina

Joaquim de Almeida ... Bucho

Cheech Marin ... Short Bartender

Steve Buscemi ... Buscemi

Carlos Gómez ... Right Hand (as Carlos Gomez)

Quentin Tarantino ... Pick-up Guy
Tito Larriva ... Tavo
Angel Aviles ... Zamira

Danny Trejo ... Navajas
Abraham Verduzco ... Niño

Carlos Gallardo ... Campa
Albert Michel Jr. ... Quino
David Alvarado ... Buddy

Angela Lanza ... Tourist Girl

Mike Moroff ... Shrug

Robert Arevalo ... Opponent
Gerardo Moscoso ... Priest
Peter Marquardt ... Moco
Consuelo Gómez ... Domino (as Consuelo Gomez)
Jaime de Hoyos ... Bigoton (as Jaime De Hoyos)

Cristos ... Cristos

Richie Gaona ... Case Opener

Mark Dalton ... Fighting Barfly
Tommy Nix ... Fighting Barfly

Patricia Vonne ... Bar Girl

Elizabeth Rodriguez ... Mariachi Fan
rest of cast listed alphabetically:

Enrique Iglesias ... 1 of the 3 hitmen searching for Antonio (uncredited)
Reinol Martinez ... Guy Scolding Niño Outside Tarasco Bar (uncredited)
Diego Sandoval ... Empty Gun Man (uncredited)
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Directed by
Robert Rodriguez 
 
Writing credits
(WGA)
Robert Rodriguez (written by)

Produced by
Elizabeth Avellan .... co-producer (as Elizabeth Avellán)
Bill Borden .... producer
Carlos Gallardo .... co-producer
Robert Rodriguez .... producer
 
Original Music by
Los Lobos 
 
Cinematography by
Guillermo Navarro (director of photography)
 
Film Editing by
Robert Rodriguez 
 
Production Design by
Cecilia Montiel 
 
Art Direction by
Felipe Fernández del Paso  (as Felipe Fernandez del Paso)
 
Costume Design by
Graciela Mazón 
 
Makeup Department
Rosie Duprat Fort .... assistant hair stylist (as Rosa Elisa Duprat R.)
Rosie Duprat Fort .... assistant makeup artist (as Rosa Elisa Duprat R.)
Ermahn Ospina .... hair stylist
Ermahn Ospina .... makeup artist
Douglas J. White .... special effects makeup & prosthetics (as Douglas White)
Allan A. Apone .... special makeup designer (uncredited)
 
Production Management
Tony Mark .... unit production manager
Luz María Rojas .... unit production manager (as Luz Maria Rojas Magnon)
Tamara Smith .... post-production supervisor
 
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Diego Sandoval .... second assistant director
Batan Silva .... first assistant director (as Sebastian Gaetano Silva)
Joaquin Silva .... second second assistant director
Antonio Banderas .... director: bathroom scene (uncredited)
Steve M. Davison .... second unit director (uncredited)
 
Art Department
Mark 'Digger' Green .... assistant property master (as Mark Green)
Terry Haskell .... property master
Ricardo M. Kaplan .... assistant art director
Eduardo Lopez .... lead dresser
Ernesto López Ríos .... construction coordinator (as Ernesto Lopez Rios)
 
Sound Department
Dean Beville .... supervising sound editor
Matthew C. Beville .... sound editor (as Matthew Beville)
Edmond J. Coblentz Jr. .... assistant sound editor
Thomas Raymond Fabbricante .... assistant sound editor
Judee Flick .... adr editor
Gary S. Gerlich .... sound editor (as Gary Gerlich)
Greg Hedgepath .... sound editor (as Gregory A. Hedgepath)
Pedro Mejía .... boom operator (as Pedro Mejia)
Sergio Reyes .... sound re-recording mixer
B. Tennyson Sebastian III .... sound re-recording mixer (as Tennyson Sebastian III)
Frank Smathers .... foley editor (as Frank T. Smathers)
Charles Ewing Smith .... dialogue editor
Mark Ulano .... production sound mixer
Derek Marcil .... adr mixer (uncredited)
Marvin Walowitz .... sound effects editor (uncredited)
 
Special Effects by
B.J. Shelley .... special effects assistant
Bob Shelley .... special effects coordinator
Malinda Shelley .... special effects assistant
Steve Fink .... prosthetics technician (uncredited)
 
Stunts
David Alvarado .... stunts
Julian Bucio .... stunts (as Julian Bucio Montemayor)
Steve M. Davison .... stunt coordinator
Richie Gaona .... stunts
Ramiro González .... stunts (as Ramiro Gonzalez)
Allan R.J. Joseph .... stunts (as Allan R. J. Joseph)
Henry Kingi Jr. .... stunts (as Henry Masao Kingi Jr.)
Javier Lambert .... stunts (as Javier Lambert Rodriguez)
Troy Robinson .... stunts
Gilbert Rosales .... stunts
 
Camera and Electrical Department
David Berryman .... second assistant camera
Ricardo Oscar Fernández .... first assistant camera (as Ricardo Oscar Fernandez)
Joaquin Gutierrez .... second assistant camera
Gerardo Manjarrez .... first assistant camera (as Gerardo Manjarrez Chavez)
Marco Morales Echeverría .... second grip (as Marco Morales Echeverria)
Fernando Moreno .... chief lighting technician
Robert Rodriguez .... Steadicam operator
Jesús Romero .... key grip (as Jesus Romero)
Antonio Sánchez Romero .... best boy electric (as Antonio Sanchez Romero)
Rico Torres .... still photographer
Juan Martín .... electrician (uncredited)
 
Casting Department
David Giella .... casting assistant
 
Costume and Wardrobe Department
Alana Caudillo .... wardrobe assistant (as Alana Ackley)
Ireri Mazón Salas .... wardrobe assistant
Adolfo Ramírez .... wardrobe supervisor: men (as Adolfo Ramirez)
Carlos Mungia Rodríguez .... wardrobe supervisor: women (as Carlos Mungia Rodriguez)
 
Editorial Department
Erik C. Andersen .... non-linear associate editor
Daniel Fort .... assistant film editor (as Daniel A. Fort)
Gloria Kaiser .... color timer
Ethan Maniquis .... assistant film editor
David Orr .... color timer
Joaquin Gonzalo Avellán .... assistant film editor (uncredited)
Darren Block .... post-production assistant (uncredited)
 
Music Department
Michael Connell .... music editor
Tito Larriva .... composer: additional music
Karyn Rachtman .... music supervisor
Steven Hufsteter .... musician: guitars (uncredited)
 
Transportation Department
Kenny Mason .... transportation coordinator
Mark Gantt .... driver (uncredited)
 
Other crew
Robin Anderson .... script supervisor
Joaquin Gonzalo Avellán .... assistant location manager
Mariano Carranco .... location manager
Anelis Patiño Coronas .... production secretary
Deborah Dalton .... assistant: Mr. Banderas
Fernanda Echeverria .... production coordinator (as Fernanda Echeverria B.)
Miguel Gurza .... animal wrangler
Cheri Hall .... production accountant
Elsa Hermoso .... production accountant
Pamela Jaeckle .... production coordinator
Don Levy .... unit publicist
Jenny Manriquez .... assistant: Mr. Borden
Juan Luis Obregón .... production assistant
Leticia Avalos Ramos .... production assistant
Carlos Renero .... animal wrangler
Barry Rosenbush .... production assistant
Daniel J. Shaw .... production assistant
Josephine Batorski .... studio teacher (uncredited)
Kelly Frazier .... assistant production coordinator (uncredited)
 
Thanks
Carmen M. De Gallardo .... special thanks (as Mrs. Carmen Monsivais de Gallardo)
Ramiro Guzmán .... special thanks (as Mr. & Mrs. Ramiro Guzman)
 
Crew believed to be complete


Production CompaniesDistributorsSpecial EffectsOther Companies
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
See more »
MPAA:
Rated R for strong bloody violence, a strong sex sequence and language
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parents
Runtime:
104 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 See more »
Sound Mix:
Dolby SR | SDDS (8 channels) | Dolby Digital
Certification:
Australia:R | Finland:K-18 (uncut) (1995) (2000) | France:-12 | Germany:16 (cut) | Germany:18 | Hong Kong:IIB | Ireland:18 | Japan:PG-12 | Norway:18 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:R21 | South Korea:18 | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 (re-rating) (uncut) | UK:18 | USA:R (No. 33717) | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Ontario) (Canadian Home Video rating) | Iceland:16 | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R18 | Philippines:R-18 | Brazil:14 | Italy:VM14 | Finland:K-16 (cut) (1996) | Argentina:16 | Sweden:(Banned) (original rating)
Filming Locations:
Ciudad Acuña, Coahuíla, Mexico
Company:
Columbia Pictures CorporationSee more »

Did You Know?

Trivia:
Though Quentin Tarantino wasn't initially cast in the movie, the character he plays was based on him. Steve Buscemi was originally cast in the role, but when Tarantino expressed an interest he was immediately given the part.See more »
Goofs:
Continuity: After El Mariachi and the accountant slide toward each other on the bar they each fire their weapon (with both of them being empty). El Mariachi drops his gun on the bar and in the immediate reverse angle it is still in his hand, then switches back to the original angle where his gun is again on the bar.See more »
Quotes:
El Mariachi:It's easier to pull the trigger than play guitar. Easier to destroy than create.See more »
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Machete (2010)See more »
Soundtrack:
Six Blade KnifeSee more »

FAQ

Is this really a sequel?
What is the cannon-like weapon Carolina lifts out of the guitar case?
Why don't any police ever show up at any of the numerous shootouts?
See more »

User Reviews

   (Review this title)
41 out of 50 people found the following review useful.
Give me the strength to be what I was, and forgive me for what I am., 18 September 2004
Author: Andy (film-critic) from Bookseller of the Blue Ridge

Sinking us back into the gritty life of a tormented guitar player, Rodriguez sets the stage for an amazing film. This time, Antonio Banderas steps into the role of the troubled Mariachi as he continues his quest to rid Mexico of the corrupted drug lord that destroyed his life. Using friends like Steve Buscemi, he finds the town that is harboring his villain named Bucho. The Mariachi's form of questioning normally leads to several dead, a cinematic gun fight, and some classic Sergio Leone verbiage. Unfortunately, our hero does not escape unscathed and finds himself being healed by the likes of Carolina, a bookstore beauty played by Selma Hayek. Together they build a steamy relationship that will help our Mariachi reach his final destination.

As more gunfights, explosions, and blood rock this independent blockbuster, we soon discover a hidden secret about our hero, one that could change the course of his destination.

This was an impressive second outing by director Robert Rodriguez. While I was worried that Hollywood would have drained too much of his imagination, it was instead the direct opposite. Hollywood gave him the tools to build an amazing 'sequel'. While different, yet the similar to his independent feature 'El Mariachi', Rodriguez sets the stage for a roller coaster film that makes you hold your breath and pray for more. He has taken elements from his first film and expanded them to new levels. Banderas is perfect as our 'new' Mariachi and the chemistry between him and Selma Hayek cannot be contested. Banderas' ability to control this enraged man was spectacular. They worked as our two main focuses of this film. Coupled with some humorous moments with Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino, this film successfully stood on its own two feet thanks not just to the action, but the actors in their respective roles.

Finally, Rodriguez is a genius behind the camera. He is able to give us exactly the right amount of action, drama, and comedy for our liking. He is the proverbial salad bar of cinema. While giving us this deeply rooted character hell-bent on destroying this drug lord, he also lets our imaginations wander with his comical and cartoonish action sequences. The scenes of men flying through the air after being shot are somewhat comical, yet completely Rodriguez. He has successfully created this world that is all uniquely his own. Rodriguez has done this by giving the world depth and outside characters. He builds suspense and also suspicion all at the same time.

Overall, an amazing film (in case you haven't noticed) that should be found in nearly everyone's film collection.

Grade: ***** out of *****

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Desperado (1995)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
When Banderas was shaving... Cleon29
Moco killed Domino not Bucho; why is El Mariachi so mad at Bucho? DorkusMaximus77
What is the difference between Desperado and Once upon a time in Mexico cris33914
Simularities between a Quentin Tarantino movie? snowskater9
El Mariachi's two guitar-wielding buddies? georgijeg1
How much of an influence did Tarantino have on this movie? gamoore0
See more »

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