Maska Zorro (1998)

A young thief, seeking revenge for the death of his brother, is trained by the once great, but aged Zorro, who also pursues vengeance of his own.

Director:

Martin Campbell

Writers:

Johnston McCulley (character Zorro), Ted Elliott (story)

Stars:

Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 8 wins & 16 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
José María de Tavira	...	Young Alejandro Murrieta (as Jose Maria de Tavira)
Diego Sieres	...	Young Joaquín Murrieta
Emiliano Guerra	...	Boy Crying
Yolanda Orisaga	...	Woman Crying (as Yolanda Orizaga)
Paco Morayta	...	Undertaker
William Marquez	...	Fray Felipe
Stuart Wilson	...	Don Rafael Montero
Tony Amendola	...	Don Luiz
Anthony Hopkins	...	Don Diego de la Vega / Zorro
Pedro Altamirano	...	Squad Leader
Luisa Huertas	...	Nanny
María Fernández Cruz	...	Baby Elena de la Vega (as Maria Fernandez Cruz)
Mónica Fernández Cruz	...	Baby Elena de la Vega (as Monica Fernandez Cruz)
Julieta Rosen	...	Esperanza de la Vega
Antonio Banderas	...	Alejandro Murrieta / Zorro

Storyline

The original Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega, is captured and imprisoned just as Spain concedes California to Santa Anna. 20 years go by and his mortal enemy, Don Rafael Montero, returns to California with a plan to become wealthy at the expense of the peasants. The original Zorro escapes from prison and trains a new Zorro to take his place. Much swashbuckling and derring-do ensues.

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Plot Keywords:

zorro | california | superhero | revenge | 19th century | 

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Taglines:

This summer, justice leaves its mark.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Romance | Thriller | Western

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some intense action and violence

Details

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 October 1998 (Poland)

Also Known As:

Maska Zorro

Filming Locations:

Atotonilico de Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

$65,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$22,525,855 (USA) (17 July 1998)

Gross:

$93,771,072 (USA) (1 January 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

TriStar Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, David Foster Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

136 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (CFI)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

On January 24, 2001, Sony Pictures Entertainment filed a lawsuit in United States District Court, Central District of California, Western Division, against Fireworks Entertainment Group, the producers of the syndicated television series Queen of Swords (2000). Sony alleged copyright infringement and other claims, saying the series "copied protectable elements from [the] 'Zorro' character and 'Zorro' related works". On April 5, 2001, U.S. District Judge Collins denied Sony's motion for a preliminary injunction, noting "that since the copyrights in [Johnson McCulley's 1919 short story] The Curse of Capistrano and Znak Zorro (1920) lapsed in 1995 or before, the character Zorro has been in the public domain." As to specific elements of this film, the judge found that any similarities between the film and the TV series' secondary characters and plot elements were insufficient to warrant an injunction.

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Goofs

Captain Love is identified by his insignia as a cavalry captain. He should be using the model 1840 cavalry saber, but the sword shown has a straight blade more like a modern fencing saber.

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Quotes

Alejandro Murrieta: I would have killed him.
Don Diego de la Vega: No, not today. He is trained to kill. You seem trained to drink. Oh, yes, my friend, you would have fought very bravely, and died very quickly. Who then would avenge your brother?

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Connections

Referenced in Scisle tajne (2007)

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Soundtracks

I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You
Music by James Horner
Lyrics by Will Jennings
Produced by Jim Steinman
Performed by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena
Tina Arena appears courtesy of Sony Music (Australia)

User Reviews

It belongs to the Top #250.

This is a truly wonderful movie. In my opinion it belongs with the Classics.

What is a classic anyway? Something with timeless quality. And this movie has it.

Just saw this movie again for the 3rd or 4th time since it came out. I remembered almost every scene and still sat to watch it again. To see the great photography, to hear the inspirational music, to admire and have fun with the excellent performances of all actors, leading and supporting.

This movie has it all. It revives one of the more influential characters of all time, with the most appropriate way. You get a dramatic, even tragic, plot, and simultaneously a fun script. Emotion and comedy at the same time. Great visuals and scenery and also good action.

In my opinion this a highly underrated movie (6.7 for 2013 doesn't give it justice at all) and it belongs among the best. For the friend who gave a low rating a note: Not all the dramas have to be edgy and dark.

Overall: Highly recommended