Bandidas (2006)

Directors:

Joachim Rønning
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:

Bank | Farmer | Mexico | Money | Gun

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 (as Yomo Tlazotlally)

Also Known As:

Bandidas (France)

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:

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

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:

Continuity: 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.

Quotes:

Maria Alvarez: [to her horse] Wait for me here. Don't talk to anyone.

Harmless Fun!!!

Bandidas is a conventional, predictable cinematic product and yet, it manages to be a laughing out loud experience and a great time at the movie theater.

The story of the two opposite mexicanas played by Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz kicks off when both meet personal tragedy and seek for revenge (first, for themselves and them for the whole people of Mexico).

Hayek and Cruz are great to watch as the film highlights their comedian and physical talents quite well.

Technical work on the film is also top notch and Steve Zahn/Sam Shepard's supporting roles bring both masculinity and humor to this laugh-fest.

Overall, this movie will not win any Oscars but it will definitely win the heart of the audiences.