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.
Really fun action sequences via Rodriguez. Banderas is a great lead. Fun cameos. And oh my goodness, Hayek in her prime.
A budget a thousand times larger than El Mariachi did not result in a thousand times better film. Of course, it is a legendary film, technically superior to its predecessor in every way, with two beautiful protagonists, but... There is not enough flesh and too much chatter about life. Still, it remains a very good entertainment film.
Desperado is the film that truly cemented Antonio Banderas as an international action star. While I enjoyed him in Assassins, he feels far more genuine, believable, and emotionally grounded here. His character’s need for revenge—driven by a tragic backstory—comes through with real intensity, and the film gives him the perfect blend of brooding presence and explosive action. Robert Rodriguez’s style elevates everything: the gunfights are kinetic and inventive, the cinematography stylish, and the pacing tight.
Banderas and Salma Hayek have incredible chemistry, bringing both heat and charm to every scene they share. Their connection makes the quieter moments as compelling as the action-heavy ones. Hayek’s presence also adds warmth and humanity to a story built on vengeance and violence.
Desperado is slick, fun, and filled with personality—a perfect mix of action, music, and romantic tension. It’s one of the most memorable entries in ’90s action cinema and still holds up brilliantly today.
Reviews
Desperado
makdelart reviewed
Desperado
February 26, 2026A budget a thousand times larger than El Mariachi did not result in a thousand times better film. Of course, it is a legendary film, technically superior to its predecessor in every way, with two beautiful protagonists, but... There is not enough flesh and too much chatter about life. Still, it remains a very good entertainment film.
flavo43 reviewed
Desperado
November 25, 2025Desperado is the film that truly cemented Antonio Banderas as an international action star. While I enjoyed him in Assassins, he feels far more genuine, believable, and emotionally grounded here. His character’s need for revenge—driven by a tragic backstory—comes through with real intensity, and the film gives him the perfect blend of brooding presence and explosive action. Robert Rodriguez’s style elevates everything: the gunfights are kinetic and inventive, the cinematography stylish, and the pacing tight.
Banderas and Salma Hayek have incredible chemistry, bringing both heat and charm to every scene they share. Their connection makes the quieter moments as compelling as the action-heavy ones. Hayek’s presence also adds warmth and humanity to a story built on vengeance and violence.
Desperado is slick, fun, and filled with personality—a perfect mix of action, music, and romantic tension. It’s one of the most memorable entries in ’90s action cinema and still holds up brilliantly today.
