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:

seduction | female robber | female bank robber | bank robbery | female gunfighter | 

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Taglines:

Definitely wanted

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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. [France] Official site [Germany]

Country:

France Mexico USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

18 January 2006 (France)

Also Known As:

Бандитки

Filming Locations:

Sierra de Organos, Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

EUR32,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$18,381,890

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

The scene were Steve Zahn is lying naked on the bed with Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek was shot over three days. The actors found it very difficult not to laugh while filming it.

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Goofs

While the movie is set in 1848, the map on the wall shows the current border between Mexico and the US which was formalized in 1854 with the Gadsden Purchase.

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Quotes

[Last lines]
Maria Alvarez: Can I ask you one more thing?
Sara Sandoval: One more.
Maria Alvarez: How are the banks in Europe?
Sara Sandoval: Bigger.
Maria Alvarez: Yeeha!

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Soundtracks

On The Beautiful Blue Danube
by Johann Strauss (as J. Strauss)
Arr. R.A.F. Music Library
K Musik / KPM Music

User Reviews

simply enjoyable

This is simply enjoyable to watch which is all the more an accomplishment as it has a lot against it. The mayor downside being that all through the movie you have the feeling that you have seen this all before. The setting, humor and interaction does remind you of "The Mask Of Zorro" (best example being the horse). The storyline is not that interesting and gives you the idea that it has just been written to create the setting and atmosphere. The acting is also no Oscar material but is very adequate. So it doesn't quite sound like a must see movie.

Then why should you see this one? I can't put my finger on it but somehow the whole package seems to work. Of course as a healthy guy I have to say that Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz as main attractions do raise my interest. Furthermore Steve Zahn has always had my sympathy as he always seems to be able to be much more than likable in the parts he plays. And finally, the directors come up with one or two original gags and camera shots that at least I hadn't seen before.

This is not Oscar material, but if you want to spend a comfortable hour and a half watching a movie this one will suit you fine.