
The Mask of Zorro
1998, Adventure, 2h 16m
74 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Banderas returns as an aging Zorro in this surprisingly nimble, entertaining swashbuckler. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Alejandro Murrieta, Zorro
Don Diego de la Vega, Zorro
Elena Montero, Elena Murrieta
Don Rafael Montero
Capt. Harrison Love
Prison Warden
News & Interviews for The Mask of Zorro
Critic Reviews for The Mask of Zorro
All Critics (74) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (61) | Rotten (13)
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September 7, 2011 | Rating: B | Full Review… -
The Mask of Zorro stands as a pointed riposte to those who say they don't make 'em like that anymore.
March 26, 2009 | Full Review… -
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October 29, 2008 | Rating: A- | Full Review… -
The story is not important. The clash of swords, the leaps, the tumbles -- it's all very nice. But after 136 minutes, it becomes a bit much.
June 18, 2002 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
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April 12, 2002 | Rating: 3/4 -
There are no clever ground-breaking effects, just lashings of good clean fun with desperately devilish baddies, and good guys so fantastic, so clever and witty, that they make you want to weep with pleasure.
December 10, 2001 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Mask of Zorro
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Jul 13, 2011The Mask of Zorro is a great action-adventure retelling of Zorro for modern audiences. Martin Campbell was able to create a film that showcases the cast and setting. The film has recently been converted to 4k and I must say that is another reason to watch the film again. Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas make quite a team and this film allows Banderas to shine. Unfortunately The Mask of Zorro was followed by a inferior sequel that effectively killed the series. Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio clearly knew how to create this character for the modern audience as they would move onto writing the very successful Pirates of the Caribbean series. The film may be a safe Hollywood retelling but it's full of energy and is a lot of fun. Campbell was an inspired choice and he ensures the film was in safe hands. 01/07/2020Brendan O Super Reviewer
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Apr 28, 2011Entertaining and dashing, The Mask Of Zorro is a superb action film. Antonio Banderas gives the greatest performance of his career as Zorro. A thrilling action packed film, The Mask Of Zorro is a superbly crafted action film that is entertaining and thrilling throughout. The film is never boring and delivers terrific action. The acting is terrific as well, and the cast alongside Banderas is great. Anthony Hopkins stars as the original Zorro who takes an apprentice under his wing to exact revenge on the man who imprisioned him and took away his daughter.I have to admit, I never really was a big fan of the Zorro character, but after seeing this film I was blown away. The best way to describe this film is an action packed period piece. The story is engaging enough to keep the viewer entertained and thrilled. I viewed this film quit a few times since its initial release and it doesn't seem dated one bit. The film is just as good now as it was when first released. The Mask Of Zorro remains Antonio Banderas' best performance and he give his all on screen. He is the perfect choice to play Zorro. The film may be uneven, but it succeeds on many levels. A highly entertaining action packed adventure that hits the right notes. Even if it has imperfections, there are more high points than low points. An entertaining film that actually makes Zorro an interesting action hero again.Alex r Super Reviewer
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Apr 27, 2011"The Mask of Zorro" has always been, and always will be, one of my favorite movies. I watched it again on Easter Sunday for the first time in a while and it wasn't as fun as I remembered it to be. Well, I picked the right time to review this since a new version of Zorro is in the offing and one of the film's stars, Anthony Hopkins, will be seen in "Thor" next week. The film is set in the 1800s when Mexico was under Spanish rule and Mexicans were colonizing California. When the Spainsh push the Mexican's buttons too much, one man takes care of it: Zorro. He's got the black mask, cape, gets around in a black horse, his hifeout is a cave, go ahead and call him the Mexican Batman. After Zorro (Anthony Hopkins) witnesses the murder of his wife and kidnapping of his daughter, he becomes depressed and hangs up the Zorro suit for good. But when he comes across Alejandro Murrieta (Antonio Banderas), a man who wants to avenge the death of his brother, Mr. Hopkins gives him the mask and cape to avenge the death of his brother held responsible from a merciless general. "Zorro" moves at a good pace and features plenty of action. If you were to mix the superhero genre with a swashbuckler, you get "The Mask of Zorro". The film features entertaining performances from the main and supporting cast, perfect production design and shooting style, and delivers barrel loads of fun. This'll probably be the only time you will see Hannibal Lecter, or Odin, with a tan and a Hispanic accent. Anthony Hopkins plays a good Mexican. He also adds emotion into it since his character has been throught some tough times. But don't expect a lot of emotion, this film is not a tearjerker. Antonio Banderas will always be Zorro in my book. He sly, witty, and the characters fits him excellently. Zorro's personality is similar to that of Batman but has the wit and charisma of Spider-Man. And by sly and witty, I mean sly and witty. Put the word, "zorro", on Google Translate, set it to English from Spanish, and you'll never believe what you'll get! I love Catherine Zeta-Jones in this. And I mean "love" in two ways: her acting and her looks. She had a very good character that had excellent chemistry. I seem to enjoy the swashbuckler genre because of the dialogue found in most of the films. They have very witty dialogue that I would've never came up with him. They criticize each other in a sword fight and the hero comes up with a very sassy comeback. In "The Mask of Zorro" features a lot of sassy, witty dialogue from, if I'm correct, all the characters. Very well scripted. Great acting and action and fun dialogue, "The Mask of Zorro" is a swashbuckler classic IMO. Don't get me started on the sequel, folks. Thanks for reading! Leave clean comments below. "You are like your mother. Same eyes, same mouth, same spirit."Bentley L Super Reviewer
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Jan 06, 2011Antonio Banderas + Catherine Zeta-Jones is always WIN :DAndreia C Super Reviewer
The Mask of Zorro Quotes
Elena: | (dancing with Capt. Love) Yes? Were you looking for something? |
Elena: | [dancing with Capt. Love] Yes? Were you looking for something? |
Alejandro Murrieta/Zorro: | The sense of the miraculous in everyday life... |
Capt. Harrison Love: | Oh really? Well why don't you try looking someplace else. The lady and I were trying to dance. |
Alejandro Murrieta/Zorro: | You were trying...she was succeeding! ... Forgive me, Capitan...a shameless joke at your expense, and I hope it will not be the last! |
Don Diego de la Vega: | You have passion Alejandro and your skill is growing. But when to Montero's world I must give you something which is COMPLETELY,..beyond your reach. |
Alejandro Murrieta/Zorro: | Ah yes? And what is that?! |
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