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:

Wild, sexy, and action packed!

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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

In the train car loaded with gold, there are many more gunshot sounds than there are gunshots, including two after Jackson (Dwight Yoakam) had exited the train car. By this time six shots had been shown on screen from Maria's (Penélope Cruz) gun.

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Quotes

[after the priest catches her and Maria having a brawl in the church over the stolen money]
Sara Sandoval: Uh, we were just debating the basic economic theories of wealth distribution.

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Soundtracks

"Habanera"
from "Carmen"
by Georges Bizet

User Reviews

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.