Home
search
more | tips
SHOP ONCE UPON A...
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de Amazon.fr
IMDb > Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
[Add to My Movies]
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsnews articles
Promotional
taglinestrailers and videospostersphoto gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

advertisement
Register or login to rate this title
User Rating: 6.2/10 (36,521 votes)
Photos (see all 73 | slideshow) Videos (see all 2 videos)

Overview

Director:
Robert Rodriguez
Writer (WGA):
Robert Rodriguez (written by)
Release Date:
12 September 2003 (USA) more view trailer
Genre:
Action | Crime | Thriller more
Tagline:
The Time Has Come.
Plot:
Hitman "El Mariachi" becomes involved in international espionage involving a psychotic CIA agent and a corrupt Mexican general. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
3 wins & 4 nominations more
User Comments:
Underrated... more

Cast

 (Cast overview, first billed only)
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
El Mariachi 3 (USA) (working title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for strong violence, and for language.
Runtime:
102 min | Italy:101 min (Venice Film Festival)
Country:
USA
Language:
English | Spanish
Colour:
Colour
Aspect Ratio:
1.78 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS
Certification:
Canada:18A (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Ontario) | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Malaysia:18SG | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Iceland:16 | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Brazil:14 | Finland:K-15 | France:-12 | Germany:18 | Hong Kong:IIB | Ireland:15 | Italy:T | Japan:PG-12 | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:15 (DVD rating) | Norway:18 (original rating) | Philippines:R-18 | Poland:18 | Singapore:M18 (DVD rating) | Singapore:NC-16 (original rating) | South Korea:18 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R (certificate #38421)
Filming Locations:
Guanajuato, Mexico more
MOVIEmeter: ?
^ 23% since last week why?

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The scene where Fideo shoots the soldier and causes him to fall over the railing was improvised. more
Goofs:
Continuity: The chain tying El and Carolina together is removed with a blowtorch, cutting the links closest to the cuffs. When it falls to the ground, it is whole again. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Agent Sands: I never heard of him.
Belini: Who?
Agent Sands: The man you recommended.
Belini: The guitar fighter?
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Gungrave OD (2004) (VG) more
Soundtrack:
Flor de mal more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
53 out of 68 people found the following comment useful:-
Underrated..., 12 March 2004
Author: Neptunes (n_e_r_d_666@hotmail.com) from Glasgow, Scotland

I really enjoyed this film, and while many people say its not got as strong a plotline as El Mariachi and Desperado, I wholeheartedly disagree.

Both El Mariachi & Desperado had rather thin plots with interesting characters and set pieces. While Once upon... hasnt got the same indepth characters as the first 2, it does have a couple of interesting ones. But the actual plot is the difference.

I think the plot is much stronger than people give it credit for and people look down on it because its so different from the first 2.

Its a fairly complex plot, in which a corrupt CIA agent enlists El Mariachi (to kill the General) while informing A drug baron that El Mariachi has resurfaced... The same drug baron has enlisted a rogue General (see above)to overthrow the peoples president who has sworn to put an end to the drug baron... all this and the same CIA agent has convinced a retired FBI agent to put an end to the drug baron who eluded him and both killed and tortured his best friend... and while this is going on El Mariachi goes to get his trusty guitar case and best friends, 2 fellow mariachi's. Finally to add another spin, the CIA agent gets some information which he passes on to his 'friend', a special forces agent, so as to get her a huge commendation if she can take out the drug baron.

Sound confusing? It is, and roll on double cross after double cross. However watch it once or twice and it does make sense, just dont expect your normal 'Mariachi' revenge movie, because its not and infact everyone plays second fiddle to a fantastic Johnny Depp, whose CIA agent is by far the central character.

Much is also made of the 'missing' Salma Hayek who isnt in it nearly enough, now this I do disagree with. Firstly there is the absolutely gorgeous Eva Mendes, who would blow Hayek off the screen anyday of the week, and should be enough for people who only go to see a beautiful girl, and secondly there is no need for her in the plot other than when she does appear.

Personally I would say, you will enjoy this film if its approached right. And I think you would enjoy it more IF you do buy it rather than rent it or watch it on TV as it allows for repeat viewing which is needed for complete clarity!

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this title with other users on IMDb message board for Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Depp's homage to Brando??? rttr
Soundtrack is better than the film sonof_liberty
sunglasses. sweettart656
Agent Sands groupie club!!!! punkrawkfairy04
WHO AGREES THAT.... jawsrevenge7587
Want to hang out with Sands? TheBurtonBabe
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Live Free or Die Hard Kill Bill: Vol. 1 The Punisher Desperado Sin City
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Add a recommendation | Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Action section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.