Review of The Mask of Zorro (1998) by Philip S — 26 Jul 2011

This most recent adapation of the original caped crusader is among the best that has been crafted in the famed character's history both on the small screen and in theaters. The last time audiences saw a movie starring the man in black was around 1940 in The Mark of Zorro. The Mask of Zorro is a reboot. But unlike so many current reboots, it actually has heart. And it shows. It has every piece of what makes up a great classic action flick. It's got the swordfighting, the explosions, and the romance. And having Hollywood A-Listers Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Anthony Hopkins leading the way doesn't hurt, either. One can only wonder if they had any kind of friendship off-screen. That's because their acting was so believeable on-screen. The scenes in which Diego (Anthony Hopkins) is teaching Alejandro (Banderas) the ways of Zorro are proof of that chemistry.

While guys get the swordfighting and explosions, the movie brings in the female audiences, too with the romance between Alejandro/Zorro and Elena. What really makes Elena appealing to female audiences is that she's not the standard damnsel in distress. If anything, she shows that she's a strong woman both emotionally and physically. At the same time, she doesn't sacrifice her femininity. She exhibits this throughout the movie. It's the kind of mix that female audiences could cheer for both when the movie was originally released, and even today. Speaking of Elena, parents should be cautioned at worst about the sword fight scene between Elena and Zorro. At the end of the scene, Zorro/Alejandro uses his sword to cut off almost all of Elena's clothes. She's left wearing just what would have been her underwear at that time. Her hair is long enough that it covers the top half of her body. So it's hinted that she wasn't wearing anything other than her underwear. Nothing's ever shown. But the mere hint of potential nudity might bother some parents.

This scene isn't the only one that parents should take note of. Thanfully, the amount of blood, gore and other factors is kept to a minimum a la classical action movies. Though, it is there. Audiences see the bare backsides of a group of guards who've been tricked by Alejandro and his brother in one scene. There's also the scene in which Alejandro, disguised as a nobleman, is talking to Capt. Harrison. Alejandro sees the head and hand of his brother in jars on Captain Love's desk. As brief as it is, some younger audiences might find this a little unsettling. And of course, the fate of Captain Love is rather violent, too. There's no blood and gore. But again, it's something that some parents might not want their younger children seeing. The Mask of Zorro does have a certain level of violence, and even some mild sexuality. But in comparison to most action movies both of its time, and movies in Hollywood's current era, it's a pretty tame movie.

It's been thirteen years since The Mask of Zorro first hit theaters. Since that time, no studio has attempted to reboot this one--though it's a reboot in itself. It wouldn't be a surprise if another adventure of Zorro ever sees the light of day. Regardless of whether or not it happens, The Mask of Zorro has made its own permanent mark (get the joke?) as one of the best summer movies of all time.