Bandidas (2006)

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.

Directors:

Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg

Writers:

Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen

Stars:

Penélope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Steve Zahn

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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 Carlos 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 (as Yomo Tlazotlally)

Storyline

In 1848, a New York bank wants to put a railroad across Mexico, so it buys up small banks around Santa Rita, Durango, and evicts farmers on the proposed rail line who owe money. The bank's henchman is the murderous Jackson. He runs afoul of two women, María, the tough but uneducated daughter of a farmer, and Sara, the European-educated daughter of the owner of one of these banks. To feed the now landless people and to seek revenge, María and Sara become bank robbers, veritable Robin Hoods. But Jackson and his hired guns are after them. What are the women's options?

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Plot Keywords:

bank | farmer | mexico | duo | money | 

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Taglines:

No man can come between them! (DVD)

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Western

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexuality, nudity and violence

Details

Official Sites:

Europe Corp. [fr] Official site [de]

Country:

France Mexico USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

18 January 2006 (France)

Also Known As:

Bandiiditarid

Filming Locations:

Sierra de Organos, Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

€32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$296,701 (Mexico) (3 March 2006)

Gross:

$2,757,205 (Mexico) (10 March 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

EuropaCorp, TF1 Films Production, A.J.O.Z. Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

DTS-ES Dolby Digital EX

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

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.

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Goofs

When Maria and Quentin are walking towards a bank in wedding attire, Maria says to the horse "You know what you have to do" and the horse is clearly seen turning around and walking away from them. A few seconds later, when Quentin says "OK, here we are" the horse is again walking behind them. In the following shot of Maria and Quentin walking, the horse is not there.

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Quotes

Sara Sandoval: And that is nothing to be ashamed about!

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Soundtracks

"Habanera"
from "Carmen"
by Georges Bizet

User Reviews

Nice movie to have a break out of ordinary life.

This is a typical "just fun to watch" movie. Nothing for hardcore movie freaks, more but i find it rather well done. Not to much clichés, some gags are very good and some nice lines of text... The action is also in balance and sometimes rather funny. The 2 Bandidas are of course quit sexy and nice looking, but especially Penélope Cruz (Maria) performs well and has that very groovy "archtype" Spanish look that makes you wonder where to hide if she ever get's mad at you. The story and characters are not so well developed, but that's hardly a problem for this type of movie. So if you are looking for a fun movie to relax with and have a good time with your girl/boy/pet and you like some humor and action, check it out. But don't expect a "cinematic masterpiece".