Review of The Mask of Zorro (1998) by Sidney S — 02 Jun 2013

The legend lives on for a new era as Martin Campbell reimagines the legacy of Zorro with style, humour, and a dark plot. The Mask of Zorro is a very stylish film in terms of its directing, costumes, music etc. Anthony Hopkins portrays the aging Don Diego de la Vega who's alter ego was that of Zorro the hero to the California-Mexico people of he 1800's. After a terrible confrontation with his nemesis Zorro disappeared for 20 years.

When the enemy returns (Don Rafael Montero) so must Zorro. Hopkins trains Alejandro Murrieta (Antonio Banderas) a former bandit who has witnessed Zorro in action as a child. He too has a vendetta to settle where under Don Diego's guidance he dons the mask and becomes the legend. Hopkins and Banderas ignite the screen in this great film with great performances, emotion and a true passing of the torch film. The beautiful Catherine Zeta Jones gives a stunning performance as Elena the long lost daughter of Zorro who has grown to know Don Montero, the arch nemesis as her father, will she realize the truth?

Campbell directs some stunning sword fights and action sequences blended perfectly with humour and wit. Banderas is a scene stealer as Alejandro no one could have dominated this role as he has, as soon as he dons the legendary mask, sword and wip its pure magic. The film is also great for its darker more violent tones with a much more adult theme. The film is greatly structured with an awesome opening of Anthony Hopkins as the middle aged Zorro, taking the story 20 years later and building its characters and uniting them perfectly. The climax is truly great and brings the film full circle. The symbol of the mask continues to live on for another generation. Banderas was born to play Zorro.