Viva Zapata!
The story of Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, who led a rebellion against the corrupt, oppressive dictatorship of president Porfirio Díaz in the early 20th century.
Critics Sentiment
Zapata is lured into trap and killed in dramatic ambush sequence
Aggrieved peasant confronts Zapata about becoming like previous corrupt leaders
The film's most dramatic rise occurs from the peasant confrontation to Zapata's death, jumping 2.0 points as the tragic finale elevates the material.
Critics found Viva Zapata to be a well-intentioned but uneven biographical drama that showcased strong performances, particularly from Brando and Quinn, while struggling with pacing and narrative cohesion. The film's thematic content about power corruption and peasant struggle resonated with reviewers, but many noted issues with dialogue, casting authenticity, and Kazan's direction outside his usual element. Despite these flaws, the spectacular finale and symbolic ending left a lasting positive impression.
Full cast
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Marlon Brando
Emiliano Zapata
Jean Peters
Josefa
Anthony Quinn
Eufemio Zapata
Joseph Wiseman
Fernando
Arnold Moss
Don Nacio
Alan Reed
Pancho Villa
Margo
Soldadera
Harold Gordon
Madero
Lou Gilbert
Pablo
Frank Silvera
Huerta
Fay Roope
Diaz
Florenz Ames
Senor Espejo
Richard Garrick
Old General
Mildred Dunnock
Senora Espejo
Abner Biberman
Captain (uncredited)
Henry Silva
Hernandez (uncredited)
Jack Carr
Huerta's Aide (uncredited)
Joseph Granby
General Fuentes (uncredited)
Rico Alaniz
Guard (uncredited)
Daniel Armijo
Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
Crew
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