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In the dying years of the 19th century in Mexico, an American banking magnate Tyler Jackson (Dwight Yoakam) wants to secure the rights to the land that he needs for his extensive railroad network. Peasant landowners are pressured to sell for a measly one peso; if they refuse Tyler's goons ruthlessly kill them and simply take over. The rampant injustice makes two women, whose fathers have been victimized, take on the role of avenger of the poor. Though entirely different in temperament and background (Maria is a practical, farm peasant with little education while Sara is a sophisticated aristocrat schooled in Europe), they work well as a team robbing Tyler's banks and giving the money back to the poor. So successful are they that Tyler Jackson brings in Quentin (Steve Zahn), a New York detective well versed in the latest scientific technology to help catch the two "bandidas" but Quentin ends up helping Maria and Sara in their crusade when he realizes the injustice done. The trio tries to outwit Jackson who in turn uses his power and resources to catch them. Who will have the last card?
Anyone who sees Bandidas will most
likely get an uncanny feeling that he has seen the picture sometime before.
This is because it seems like a hodge podge of several films that we have somehow unwittingly stored in our subconscious. Not not only does it have the "Mark of Zorro" motif of a folk hero who robs the rich to give to the poor. It also recalls snatches of several westerns we may have seen. A film may borrow and adopt from other successful pictures but Bandidas lacks the spark of creativity to make this new creation different, credible or satisfying. Sure, this particular spoof on westerns tries to be humorous but it isn't funny. Its action sequences are forgettable. Its only drawing power is the casting of two well known actresses Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayak who give their best but are hampered by a silly story and script. Though cast as polar opposites, they have a certain screen chemistry together. Generally, there is no credible characterization. Steve Zahn, however, has his usual nervous comic personality. Sam Shepard's cameo is a brief but welcome appearance.
In 19th century Mexico of Bandidas, life is dirt cheap. Both "heroes" and villains shoot to kill
at the drop of a hat, so to speak. True, it is not that gory and bloody but the culture of violence is pervasive.
Another non-value that is just as pervasive is the injustice especially inflicted on the poor. The police and other authorities are nowhere in sight (either in cahoots with the wicked or inept) that two unlikely heroes or heroines have to take it upon themselves to redress the suffering of the poor. Their way is to rob the villain's banks and return the money to the poor who have lost their land. The goal is noteworthy but that end does not justify the means or method used. You cannot right a wrong by committing another wrong. Then, the nudity and sex scenes are highly objectionable and contrary to traditional Filipino and Christian values.
(Date Reviewed: 7 April 2006)
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