The Mask of Zorro (1998)

“There is a saying, a very old saying: when the pupil is ready the master will appear.” – Don Diego de la Vega

Number of Times Seen – Twice (Video in ’99 and 15 Dec 2021)

Brief Synopsis – A thief who wishes to enact revenge on a local landowner is trained by an expert swordsman to be the savior of the people.

My Take on it – This is a film that I recall seeing not long after it came out and enjoyed it a lot.

They try to give a more modern look at the origin story of Zorro and they do so in a very intriguing way that helps keep things fun and gripping throughout.

Antonio Banderas is fine in the lead role, but Anthony Hopkins is even better as the former swashbuckler who carried this famous name who now wishes to help the young Banderas seek revenge as they work together in a common goal.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is quite good as he female lead here even if there are a few scenes where things feel a bit too strange.

I really enjoyed the way that this story deals with how Banderas became this famous swordsman with the help of Hopkins character because it is done in both a poignant and humorous way in order to help make it all seem so much more thrilling and impactful.

The film’s love song – I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You which is performed by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena is amazing and gives the story such a more intimate and romantic feel the whole way through due to the theme music by James Horner.

Check out the song here:

Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – At the end, when Zorro confronts Captain Love, he pulls out his sword, and the sun glints off the blade running the full length. This was not CGI, and was suggested by Antonio Banderas. He had to tilt the sword to catch the sun without breaking eye contact with Matt Letscher. It only took three takes. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (7/10)