Desperado
El Mariachi plunges headfirst into the dark border underworld when he follows a trail of blood to the last of the infamous Mexican drug lords, Bucho, for an action-packed, bullet-riddled showdown. With the help of his friend and a beautiful bookstore owner, El Mariachi tracks Bucho, takes on his army of desperados, and leaves his own trail of blood.
Critics Sentiment
Buscemi tells the mariachi massacre story at Tarasco bar
El Mariachi and Carolina hide in a hotel room
The film peaks early with the legendary opening sequence, then gradually loses steam through the middle act before recovering somewhat for the action climax.
Desperado starts explosively with one of cinema's most praised opening sequences and maintains strong momentum through its stylish action set pieces. However, the film struggles in quieter character moments between gunfights, with critics noting weaker dialogue and plotting that prevents it from reaching the heights of its spectacular opening. While the action sequences and Rodriguez's visual style are consistently celebrated, the film's uneven pacing and disappointing ending keep it from achieving greatness.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 29
Antonio Banderas
El Mariachi
Salma Hayek Pinault
Carolina
Joaquim de Almeida
Bucho
Steve Buscemi
Buscemi
Cheech Marin
Short Bartender
Carlos Gómez
Right Hand
Quentin Tarantino
Pick-Up Guy
Tito Larriva
Tavo
Angel Aviles
Zamira
Danny Trejo
Navajas
Abraham Verduzco
Niño
Carlos Gallardo
Campa
Albert Michel Jr.
Quino
David Alvarado
Buddy
Angela Lanza
Tourist Girl
Mike Moroff
Shrug
Robert Arevalo
Opponent
Gerardo Moscoso
Priest
Peter Marquardt
Moco
Consuelo Gómez
Domino
Crew
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