Once upon a Time in Mexico

2003

Once upon a Time in Mexico

Critics Consensus

Violent, pulpy, loopy fun, with Depp stealing the show.

67%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 167

64%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 285,389
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Movie Info

Haunted and scarred by tragedy, El Mariachi has retreated into a life of isolation. He is forced out of hiding when Sands, a corrupt CIA agent, recruits the reclusive hero to sabotage an assassination plot against the president of Mexico, which has been conceived by the evil cartel kingpin, Barillo. But El Mariachi also has his own reasons for returning--blood revenge. The desperado returns with his two capable cohorts Lorenzo and Fideo. And the legend of El Mariachi reaches new heights of adventure.
  • Rating:
    R (for strong violence, and for language)
  • Genre:
    Action & Adventure, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Robert Rodriguez
  • Written By:
    Robert Rodriguez
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $55,900,000
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Sony Pictures Releasing

Cast

Antonio Banderas
as El Mariachi
Salma Hayek
as Carolina
Johnny Depp
as Sands
Mickey Rourke
as Billy
Eva Mendes
as Ajedrez
Danny Trejo
as Cucuy
Enrique Iglesias
as Lorenzo
Marco Leonardi
as Fideo
Cheech Marin
as Belini
Ruben Blades
as Jorge
Willem Dafoe
as Barillo
Gerardo Vigil
as General Marquez
Gerardo Virgil
as Gen. Marquez
Pedro Armendáriz Jr.
as The President
Pedro Armendáriz Jr.
as El Presidente
Julio Oscar Mechoso
as Presidential Advisor
Tito Larriva
as Cab Driver
Miguel Couturier
as Dr. Guevera
Tony Valdes
as Chicle Boy
José Luis Avendaño
as Alvaro
Rodolfo D'Alejandre
as Omar
Natalia Torres
as Mariachi's Girl
Steven Constancio
as Right Hand
Troy Robinson
as Romero
Ermahn Ospina
as Qui-Que
Luz Maria Rojas
as Pistolera
Mario Simon
as Cook
Bernard Hacker
as Blascoe
Cecilia Tijerina
as Waitress
Carola Vazquez
as Hospital Administrator
Rene Gatica
as Chief Federale
Silvia Santoyo
as Bachelorette
Juan Pablo Llaguno
as Bull Fighter
Ignacio Torres
as Teacher
Rogelio Gonzalez Grau
as Manny
Jorge Becerril
as Taco
Víctor Carpinteiro
as Left Nut
Dagoberto Gama
as Que Pasa
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Critic Reviews for Once upon a Time in Mexico

All Critics (167) | Top Critics (36) | Fresh (112) | Rotten (55)

View All Critic Reviews (167)

Audience Reviews for Once upon a Time in Mexico

  • Jul 05, 2013
    Robert Rodriguez delivers an explosive, action-packed adventure in Once Upon a Time in Mexico. Famed gunman El Mariachi is recruited by a CIA agent to kill a militia general during an engineered coup that will overthrow the Mexican president. The film features an all-star cast that includes Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Danny Trejo, and Eva Mendes; who all give strong performances. And Rodriguez does an especially good job directing; keeping the action fast-paced, but staying focused on the characters. Once Upon a Time in Mexico is an exciting action film that provides a thrilling conclusion to Rodriguez's Mexico Trilogy.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 22, 2012
    With an all-star cast and dynamic visualization, Rodriguez's third installment of the "El Mariachi" trilogy surpasses those that followed. With a dazzling presentation, violent storytelling and surprising performance from Johnny Depp, the film is a joy for those who love Rodriguez's films and/or just plain enjoy action films. 4/5
    Eugene B Super Reviewer
  • Feb 06, 2012
    Here we see the building of Robert Rodriguez into a domestic superstar who was about to take the world by storm. A fitting extension to the artistic violent look of El Mariachi and Desparado, this is strong and sexy.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Jul 13, 2011
    Not the send off expected
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
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