It is remarkably easy to confuse your Zorros. The original book character is considered to be the first ever "superhero" with a secret identity. The original 1920s silent film is an awesome piece of film-making, one most modern viewers will unfortunately never get a chance to see. THE MARK OF ZORRO 1940 is an extraordinary self-contained film that made my IMDb list of the best films of all time (see below). Disney's 1958 version was, at the time, the most expensive TV show of the era, and Disney supervised the show personally. Guy Williams was brilliant, even after the show was cancelled, he remained a lifelong icon in Spain. Antonio Banderas was uncomfortable in his 1990s portrayal, most likely because the deluded writers made him share credit with ... Anthony Hopkins? This version is a well-produced re-imagining. The two leads, Bernardeau and Notni, are so good-looking they could start their own gene pool. The major flaw seems to be the desperate desire of the producers to turn this in a drawn-out multi-year serial, and the story suffers considerably from that. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))
60 Reviews
Liked it but...
laumod21 January 2024
I was really looking forward to watching this and for the most part I like the series except for the Nah lin character. It was a waste of time and effort. The original story line was great and why mess with success. I understand that people may have wanted to update and add some wrinkles but they went too far. There is enough with the Lolita situation and of course the corruption and protecting the innocent. But otherwise our hero Zorro is handsome and brave and grows into his part as a hero. The supporting characters play their parts well...good guys are good and upstanding and the bad ones are really bad.
Better than expected
TurtleLakePirate23 January 2024
It's harder and harder to find a decent interpretation of classic stories in our age and time so this Spanish production came as a surprise.
In times of endless reimaginings, reboots and "fixing for modern audiences" trends it is refreshing to see series that more or less follows the traditional roots of the tale.
Of course this Zorro is different from all the other Zorros before him and this story has its own twist that might not be the best, but it's what it is. There are no major and drastic changes that would overturn the character of Zorro and make him unrecognizable, like so many other movies/shows do nowadays. The main plot points that characterize Zorro are still there: The masked avenger who leads double life; Robbing the rich to give to the poor etc.
Sometimes the story goes into extreme left area where people are labeled "bad" just for the sole reason for them being rich, while all of the "poor" characters are portrayed as noble and decent fellows.
This kind of gullible approach is common for all Robin Hood trope stories though and I'd suggest to switch off Mr. Adam Smith in your brain and look at it lightly...
The mandatory part of all the Zorro movies and series - fencing, is done rather well. There is no shortage of fighting scenes here and they're mostly staged competently. (But in no way realistically). If we take Princess Bride duel between Westley and Inigo Montoya as an example of realistic and Antonio Banderas' Zorro as an example of unrealistic, it leans much more towards Banderas.
Actors playing their part very well in most cases and you shouldn't really have many problems with them. Musical score is also nothing to complain too much about but it's not anything extraordinary as well. I'd say, Zorro deserves better.
The series certainly had its problems with pacing, some plot-holes, inconsistent or underdeveloped characters and so on, but if you don't think about them too much, they can be forgiven.
Overall - if you like action, period drama, fencing and some mindless fun, watching this series won't hurt you for sure.
In times of endless reimaginings, reboots and "fixing for modern audiences" trends it is refreshing to see series that more or less follows the traditional roots of the tale.
Of course this Zorro is different from all the other Zorros before him and this story has its own twist that might not be the best, but it's what it is. There are no major and drastic changes that would overturn the character of Zorro and make him unrecognizable, like so many other movies/shows do nowadays. The main plot points that characterize Zorro are still there: The masked avenger who leads double life; Robbing the rich to give to the poor etc.
Sometimes the story goes into extreme left area where people are labeled "bad" just for the sole reason for them being rich, while all of the "poor" characters are portrayed as noble and decent fellows.
This kind of gullible approach is common for all Robin Hood trope stories though and I'd suggest to switch off Mr. Adam Smith in your brain and look at it lightly...
The mandatory part of all the Zorro movies and series - fencing, is done rather well. There is no shortage of fighting scenes here and they're mostly staged competently. (But in no way realistically). If we take Princess Bride duel between Westley and Inigo Montoya as an example of realistic and Antonio Banderas' Zorro as an example of unrealistic, it leans much more towards Banderas.
Actors playing their part very well in most cases and you shouldn't really have many problems with them. Musical score is also nothing to complain too much about but it's not anything extraordinary as well. I'd say, Zorro deserves better.
The series certainly had its problems with pacing, some plot-holes, inconsistent or underdeveloped characters and so on, but if you don't think about them too much, they can be forgiven.
Overall - if you like action, period drama, fencing and some mindless fun, watching this series won't hurt you for sure.
i
imizrahi200220 January 2024
Came here expecting a low rating...well...after seeing the low rating i THEN saw that there was only one review written so far...and it had a 10 rating...go figure...
i was a big fan of the disney, 'Zorro' when i was a child...so much so, in fact, that my mother actually MADE me a Zorro costume. Definitely one of THE delights of my childhood...
i didn't give this a rating because it wasn't really made for me, a 73 year old man...it's made for kids the age that EYE was when i first saw Zorro...something like seven through twelve or thirteen...it's mythical and about a super hero with no super powers...maybe like a Batman of his time...some of the dynamics that make the show better than the original are the special effects and editing...it DEFinitely adds to the overall effect, young people being used to this sort of storytelling.
This, unlike the original, is in Spanish...which i enjoyed. My mother was born and raised in Cuba and so i became somewhat familiar with the language, although the subtitles SUREly helped. ; - ) as an adult i'd say it wasn't BAD...but not something that would make me watch a second episode...though i probably will...some things don't change, i guess...
This, unlike the original, is in Spanish...which i enjoyed. My mother was born and raised in Cuba and so i became somewhat familiar with the language, although the subtitles SUREly helped. ; - ) as an adult i'd say it wasn't BAD...but not something that would make me watch a second episode...though i probably will...some things don't change, i guess...
Zorro 2024 Worth the watch
slbarker-0486024 January 2024
As one who has been a fan of Zorro since the Walt Disney version, and definitely a fan of the Banderas movies, this interpretation isn't bad at all.
The inclusion of the Native American and the strife they endured is definitely a new twist. The scene settings and location shooting were top notch.
The storyline was intriguing to say the least, the acting on the other hand wasn't Oscar worthy, yet it was very tolerable and enjoyable.
All in all the series was an entertaining experience. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family.
I rated it 7 stars, I wouldn't mind seeing a second season.
The inclusion of the Native American and the strife they endured is definitely a new twist. The scene settings and location shooting were top notch.
The storyline was intriguing to say the least, the acting on the other hand wasn't Oscar worthy, yet it was very tolerable and enjoyable.
All in all the series was an entertaining experience. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family.
I rated it 7 stars, I wouldn't mind seeing a second season.
Almost
Headturner121 January 2024
An 8! As someone who has never even watched "any" version of Zorro I can say I did like it. All the different cultures competing was confusing. I like and have seen Miguel Bernarduea in elite and liked him in this. Besides him I don't know any of the the other actors but this isn't poorly acted because you don't like or agree with the way it's written! As someone who has never watched anything Zorro I liked it. It may not be of the "original Zorro" but this is 2024 and I thought it was really good. The filming. Acting , and filming was very good. I almost turned it off in the first episode after that slow mo fight scene( as I hate them) but in the end I really liked it! Just wish it had a more fleshed out ending since more than likely a season 2 isn't happening.
What a piece of trash.
chinomoreno-9473720 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The first sloppy sword fight at 5 minutes in was a red flag. Then, the music. The fight was accompanied by a sort of Spanish song (from Spain, that is) that was really ugly and killed the mood. The "acting", abismal. And of course, every fight seconds a sloooow motion ala Matrix. No no no. Then, some Mexican indians enter the scene with no rhyme and reason at all. Totally dissapointed. Finished the first episode and I am not coming back.
The show is in Spanish and filmed in Gran Canarias. Beautifull scenery, but that's it. Unlikable characters, illogical plot and bad acting made me stop watching. Hard pass.
The show is in Spanish and filmed in Gran Canarias. Beautifull scenery, but that's it. Unlikable characters, illogical plot and bad acting made me stop watching. Hard pass.
I'm really enjoying this
awdavidson120 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Preface this by saying I'm watching the English dubbed version. So far I'm really liking this version of Zorro. I like the take on Don Diego not playing the total wimp that we typically see, and the conflict between the real Zorro and the one who thinks she deserves the title has been good. Also love the triangle between Diego, Lolita, and the Captain. Also throwing in the fox and the Native American aspect has been great too. Just discovered the show last night and have watched six episodes so far. Also like the flashbacks to the most recent Zorro in the first few episodes. The fact that each Zorro has their own different weapons of choice and fighting styles is great as well. Anyway, I know there are those who seemed to have set out to hate this one, I always feel there are people who overhype and overdramatize how horrible they think things are and seem to already come in that that attitude. As for me, I'm going to set back and enjoy the last few episodes and see where it takes me.
A different take on a classic, but fun
lilamcgrew27 January 2024
My biggest pet peeve is how the Native Americans are depicted. The Tongva people were not a plains horse culture and didn't live in teepees. And they didn't dress like Apaches - and whatever that was that Nah-Lin was wearing. I'm willing to ignore all that simply because this is a Spanish production filmed at a wild west theme park in the Canary Islands. Plus it's Zorro. Historical accuracy isn't the goal, and suspension of disbelief is required.
I fell in love with Zorro when I was 10 (many years ago). I think I must have watched them all at one point or another. I like this version. It's got some quirky updates, but they don't bother me. It's a fresh look at an old story that works. I love the strong female characters. Again, totally inappropriate behavior, and clothing, for the time period, but I don't care. It's fantasy.
I fell in love with Zorro when I was 10 (many years ago). I think I must have watched them all at one point or another. I like this version. It's got some quirky updates, but they don't bother me. It's a fresh look at an old story that works. I love the strong female characters. Again, totally inappropriate behavior, and clothing, for the time period, but I don't care. It's fantasy.
What a disappointment...
luciobertora-2360821 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The series has nothing to do with the el zorro story....
It's a soap opera with El zorro as a secondary caracter.
Script without any sense...
Very low level of acting...except for Bernardo and the Governor.
Forced inclusion of a heroine....2 zorros? Come on?!!!!!
Bernardo and the locations are the only good of the series..
The story is so twist and ilogic that is hard to keep until the end.
I really didn't expect something so mediocre.
I'm very disappointed.
It seems that is going to be a 2nd season... (by how the series ended)
If you expect to see something related to old the zorro story, please save your time..
It's a soap opera with El zorro as a secondary caracter.
Script without any sense...
Very low level of acting...except for Bernardo and the Governor.
Forced inclusion of a heroine....2 zorros? Come on?!!!!!
Bernardo and the locations are the only good of the series..
The story is so twist and ilogic that is hard to keep until the end.
I really didn't expect something so mediocre.
I'm very disappointed.
It seems that is going to be a 2nd season... (by how the series ended)
If you expect to see something related to old the zorro story, please save your time..
A NEW, BETTER & BINGE WORTHY ZORRO!!!
GilVillahermosa20 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
ZORRO RETURNS!!!
I Love everything about this new "Zorro" series!
So much so that I almost BINGE WATCHED the entire series in one go!
The first episode is a powerful hook that TRAPS THE AUDIENCE.
The WORLD is California in around the 1830s - inhabited by Native Americans, Chinese, the Spanish, the Russians, and the Mexicans.
The CHARACTERS are a range - good and bad - of all of the above.
The PLOT - involves a series of Native American Zorros, until the son of a rich Spanish landowner assumes the role and conflict ensues with the original tribe of Zorro - and everyone else!
COMPLEXITY & CONFLICT - Two Zorros battling Mexican, Spanish & Chinese protagonists - and each other. One vengeful, the other battling Injustice.
Even after one Protagonist is dispatched, another appears in his place - in the form of a twin brother! Worthy of A GREAT SOAP OPERA!!
This SPANISH SERIES was filmed at Souix City Park in Grand Canaria in the Canary Islands. The cinematography & vistas are brilliant and breathtaking.
The ACTORS are all well chosen for their roles & extremely talented.
(I don't understand why the first Zorro in the first episode - played by Cristobal Fernandez of "Ted Lasso" fame doesn't appear in the credits.)
Although not action packed by American standards, the STORY IS COMPELLING, driving the series forward.
KUDOS to any SERIES that puts NATIVE & HISPANIC AMERICANS & POWERFUL WOMAN at the center to its story.
LONG LIVE ZORRO!!!
I Love everything about this new "Zorro" series!
So much so that I almost BINGE WATCHED the entire series in one go!
The first episode is a powerful hook that TRAPS THE AUDIENCE.
The WORLD is California in around the 1830s - inhabited by Native Americans, Chinese, the Spanish, the Russians, and the Mexicans.
The CHARACTERS are a range - good and bad - of all of the above.
The PLOT - involves a series of Native American Zorros, until the son of a rich Spanish landowner assumes the role and conflict ensues with the original tribe of Zorro - and everyone else!
COMPLEXITY & CONFLICT - Two Zorros battling Mexican, Spanish & Chinese protagonists - and each other. One vengeful, the other battling Injustice.
Even after one Protagonist is dispatched, another appears in his place - in the form of a twin brother! Worthy of A GREAT SOAP OPERA!!
This SPANISH SERIES was filmed at Souix City Park in Grand Canaria in the Canary Islands. The cinematography & vistas are brilliant and breathtaking.
The ACTORS are all well chosen for their roles & extremely talented.
(I don't understand why the first Zorro in the first episode - played by Cristobal Fernandez of "Ted Lasso" fame doesn't appear in the credits.)
Although not action packed by American standards, the STORY IS COMPELLING, driving the series forward.
KUDOS to any SERIES that puts NATIVE & HISPANIC AMERICANS & POWERFUL WOMAN at the center to its story.
LONG LIVE ZORRO!!!
So close!
woloszynn23 January 2024
FANBOY ALERT ! I've seen every incarnation of Zorro, and I'm a huge Zorro fan. This series has merit. Cinematography is top notch. Editing is spectacular. Fight choreography is really good. Set design is great too. The acting is decent as well as the story elements. The series has a lot going for it. That being said, there are a couple of serious shortfalls. I know I'm listening to an English overdub, but if the script was better I feel the acting would be better. I feel like I'm listening to the first draft of a decent script. It's so close but just not there. Personally, I think the actor who plays Zorro/Diego is a bit too light skinned, but he's passable. Although I wish they would get rid of his copious amount of hair product. I hope there's a second season, and I hope they improve on some of the shortcomings. In the meantime, I'm just happy Zorro is back on the screen!
solid 7 - will entertain
tony-146-6956266 February 2024
If you think about it making a Zorro tv show in 2024 is no easy task, you are asking viewers to be interested in a very old legend based overseas. They pull it off , mostly.
As many have said, it starts a little wobbly in the first few episodes, but midway and to the end it lands solidly and finds its stride.
What starts of as a simple story develops into intrigue worthy of Game of Thrones. Just about everyone has an agenda or an angle. This helps to keep the viewers coming back for the next episode.
The acting is really really good, froim the main stars to supporting actors. The deaf friend that guides and helps Diego/Zorro is superb and often steals a scene. He is an amazing conveyor of emotions. Even though it's a big coincidence how many people in show know sign language. What are the odds.
The action is ok. Gun and Bow and Arrow battles tend to be more realistic, with close quarters sword fights being a bit weak, if passable. Once in a while, a stunt looks a bit goofy for half a second, physics and the action being shown not quote in sync. But it is for half a second and then recovers. John Wick choreagraphy it is not though
It is also kind of weird that the oppresed in this version tend to be exclusively native Anerican Indians of some type. In the original 1919 novel by Johnston McCullery it was both Indians and Mexicans. In the background there is also a Chinese population of some size. The changes are not good or bad, just different I guess.
Unlike the original novel Zorros love interest loves him and the Captain of the local armed forces, creating a love triangle with predictable shenanigans. But it gels into a more mature resolution towards the end, not as black and white as it seems at first. Really, we can say that for the entire show. It is now as black and white as the first few episodes make you think. Worth watching, I would rate it pg. Minimal cursing and in some episodes zero of it. No sex scenes to fast forward. Pretty family friendly.
Worth a watch.
As many have said, it starts a little wobbly in the first few episodes, but midway and to the end it lands solidly and finds its stride.
What starts of as a simple story develops into intrigue worthy of Game of Thrones. Just about everyone has an agenda or an angle. This helps to keep the viewers coming back for the next episode.
The acting is really really good, froim the main stars to supporting actors. The deaf friend that guides and helps Diego/Zorro is superb and often steals a scene. He is an amazing conveyor of emotions. Even though it's a big coincidence how many people in show know sign language. What are the odds.
The action is ok. Gun and Bow and Arrow battles tend to be more realistic, with close quarters sword fights being a bit weak, if passable. Once in a while, a stunt looks a bit goofy for half a second, physics and the action being shown not quote in sync. But it is for half a second and then recovers. John Wick choreagraphy it is not though
It is also kind of weird that the oppresed in this version tend to be exclusively native Anerican Indians of some type. In the original 1919 novel by Johnston McCullery it was both Indians and Mexicans. In the background there is also a Chinese population of some size. The changes are not good or bad, just different I guess.
Unlike the original novel Zorros love interest loves him and the Captain of the local armed forces, creating a love triangle with predictable shenanigans. But it gels into a more mature resolution towards the end, not as black and white as it seems at first. Really, we can say that for the entire show. It is now as black and white as the first few episodes make you think. Worth watching, I would rate it pg. Minimal cursing and in some episodes zero of it. No sex scenes to fast forward. Pretty family friendly.
Worth a watch.
An excellent reinvention of Zorro
marktonna21 January 2024
The serialized storyline makes for an engaging and suspenseful narrative. The characters are well developed and very likeable. The tone of the show is well balanced between light-hearted and serious, even though this show is darker than the classic Disney Zorro show. In terms of production design and visual effects, the show looks incredible. The action scenes are varied and brilliant. The casting and performances are excellent. While the show is originally in Spanish, the English dub is also great. This show is an incredible reboot of the Zorro franchise and just a great show in general. This show is a perfect template for how to successfully reimagine a franchise while also being faithful to it's roots.
Show puts a unique spin on a classic character
cleontico28 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I was so excited when I found out the Spanish/Mexicans were going to do their own take on Zorro after two Hollywood takes on the story (I enjoyed both the Tyrone Power and Antonio Banderas versions immensely). The setting is familiar but the show introduces a whole host of new character dynamics through Zorro's interactions with the local indigenous population, Russian businessmen, and residents of Chinatown in addition to Spanish/Mexican residents of California which keeps the source material fresh and allows the TV show to explore the world of post-Spanish California in greater depth than any of the prior movies could simply due to running time. Miguel Bernadeau is no Banderas but he does a good job with Zorro and the supporting cast delivers satisfying performances. The show is not perfect (For example, I feel more interactions between Lolita and Diego as Zorro were necessary before she figures out the truth as they only meet towards the end of the season and she puts two and two together a little too quickly for me, almost implausibly). But all in all, a highly enjoyable take on Zorro and for me personally, a welcome reprieve from the mostly heavy, pessimistic and graphically violent fare dominating TV today.
No Justice
ilovefreddiem25 January 2024
I watched 5 episodes of this tv series. At first I really enjoyed it but I kept waiting for Zorro to be a hero. The first caped crusader in the avenger realm. He mostly did nothing in order to protect his identity. There was a crazed woman(Spanish Indian) running around in the Zorro outfit wanting to be Zorro to gain vengeance by killing rich ranchers and blaming the real Zorro by leaving a Z behind. She does injure Zorro badly. There's a very cruel general, a murderer, who likes killing Indians because he believes they know where Zorro is. A captain in the army, engaged to Zorro's teenage sweetheart, who seemed to have integrity but to protect his career(and then life) he follows the general's orders and kills innocent people and Indians. There are also these stupid jerks who use Chinese men as slaves and beat them with whips and laugh about it. Chinese women are kept as sexual property, sold, won in poker games. Also, in episode 4 I believe a horse was injured as it was thrown violently to the ground on a hill. I watched it in original language with subtitles. The actors aren't bad and are attractive, especially Zorro and his sweetheart and her mom. The scenery is ok. BUT I didn't see anything but unnecessary violence and abuse up to season 5 so I stopped watching. I couldn't imagine forgetting any of this and enjoying the rest of the show. Definitely not for me.
Old School Hero
gizmojado30 January 2024
Personally I think the first episode is the worst, but it definitely gets better. The only thing Im not liking is his vulnerability. I also didn't like Lolita in the beginning. A little annoying if you asked me. Personally I'd prefer less novela and more action. 😁 And Zorro, He needs to be a bit more badass 💪🏻 Give us some hero action without so many twists.
Oh and I'm actually excited for Red Snake 🐍 Should be fun watching them together.
Anyhow, it's a good start and I'm pretty sure it will get stronger so here I am hoping for a season 2 with more action. Sometimes less is more and keeping it simple goes a long way.
Oh and I'm actually excited for Red Snake 🐍 Should be fun watching them together.
Anyhow, it's a good start and I'm pretty sure it will get stronger so here I am hoping for a season 2 with more action. Sometimes less is more and keeping it simple goes a long way.
A different interpretation of Zorro.
okpilak23 January 2024
As I watched TV in the 1950's, there were no shortages of Westerns, and I did watch Guy Williams play Zorro. He was not the only one to use a whip (Lash LaRue) nor the only one with a mask (The Lone Ranger), but he did leave the mark of the "Z" and the episode always had him rear up on his horse while on a hilltop, and that was used in these episodes. But to remember much of the episodes is beyond me. So if some think this is a terrible portrayal of Zorro, each director is entitled to their own interpretation. I feel this is more a soap opera approach which is neither great nor terrible. It certainly is interesting and I did binge watch all 10 episodes. I suspect the creators hope for a second season. There seems to be some nods to Batman, in that he traverses a narrow passage to and from his adventures as Zorro, and there is a cave involved. That it is set before multi-shot firearms is appropriate and keeps the shooting scenes realistic for the times. It can be fun to compare the dialogue with the subtitles, and note the differences. They threw in two characters playing Zorro, and made Zorro as a continuance rather than an individual. And remember, as they said, there is no gold to be found in California.
Worst soap opera ever
epicking26 January 2024
Wow ... just wow. Imagine sittting down to write a script for a TV show based on a 100 year old famous books series / story and come up with something like this AND then go find a Director that can possible make it even worse. Its something of a acomplishment. I was so fasinated by the bad wording, bad director and bad actor (mind you, the actor typically follows the directors direction, so you cant blame them) that I had to watch several episodes, but finally after E08, I had enough and laughing and crying over the whole cirkus.
Its all like a bad Latin Soap Opera. You know whi the Bad Guy is from the start based on his looks and dress and you know who the good guys are from the same.
Dont even bother unless you want a good laugh.
Its all like a bad Latin Soap Opera. You know whi the Bad Guy is from the start based on his looks and dress and you know who the good guys are from the same.
Dont even bother unless you want a good laugh.
Desperate Hoswives with Spanish Batman
gershomland28 January 2024
Trying to learn Spanish, started watching show in original Spanish, best cast of female characters is a show I've ever seen. Zorro mujera (female Zorro) is such a badass anti-hero; I'm genuinely shocked how much I like this show.
Even the Cinese female protagonist is admirable, funny to see her get miffed at dirty shoes.
And Spanish John Wick. Great love triangle.. So many characters to get to, but I'm not going to give up! I like this show too much to not make it to one hundred and eleven characters as of having written thatvl number, "eleven." I can do this, almost there, so close and I'm @
Even the Cinese female protagonist is admirable, funny to see her get miffed at dirty shoes.
And Spanish John Wick. Great love triangle.. So many characters to get to, but I'm not going to give up! I like this show too much to not make it to one hundred and eleven characters as of having written thatvl number, "eleven." I can do this, almost there, so close and I'm @
I'm BATMA...Zorro!
bldesign-4412327 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I docked the rating of this show a single star for each major issue. The CGI, the English overdub, and the writing. Details below.
The Ugly -
The CGI in this show is absolutely terrible. It is even more off-putting by the incredible scenery of Gran Canaria, where Zorro was filmed.
The English overdub for this show is almost as bad, if not worse, than the CGI. I don't know who was in charge of translating (even for the subtitles, because they're not 100% accurate) or directing the voice actors, but I'd say with no regrets, they should be replaced for the 2nd season, and blacklisted. I highly suggest that anyone considering watching this show do so with subtitles only.
The Bad -
This iteration is, at it's core, Batman. Here's the check list:
Murdered parent - Check Super rich - Check Has an Alfred - Check Bat Cave - Check Fantastic fighter and detective - Check
The writing for Zorro is predictable and cliché, and the show can sometimes feel sterile.
The Good -
This iteration of Zorro is, at it's core, Batman! Put aside the glaring downsides, and this show is fantastic. It's easily bingeable, and watching the hero struggle while finding himself is easily relatable. The scenery, cinematography, lighting, etc is really eye pleasing. Gran Canaria, where this show is filmed, is truly beautiful.
There are many people complaining about the acting, fight choreography, and other insignificant things, with absolutely no regard to the fact that this show is not filmed in the USA. It is not a Hollywood production. It was not filmed in Mexico or California. It is a foreign show, that is funded by an outside source. Don't miss out on a good show because you have expectations created by an industry that wasn't even involved.
The Ugly -
The CGI in this show is absolutely terrible. It is even more off-putting by the incredible scenery of Gran Canaria, where Zorro was filmed.
The English overdub for this show is almost as bad, if not worse, than the CGI. I don't know who was in charge of translating (even for the subtitles, because they're not 100% accurate) or directing the voice actors, but I'd say with no regrets, they should be replaced for the 2nd season, and blacklisted. I highly suggest that anyone considering watching this show do so with subtitles only.
The Bad -
This iteration is, at it's core, Batman. Here's the check list:
Murdered parent - Check Super rich - Check Has an Alfred - Check Bat Cave - Check Fantastic fighter and detective - Check
The writing for Zorro is predictable and cliché, and the show can sometimes feel sterile.
The Good -
This iteration of Zorro is, at it's core, Batman! Put aside the glaring downsides, and this show is fantastic. It's easily bingeable, and watching the hero struggle while finding himself is easily relatable. The scenery, cinematography, lighting, etc is really eye pleasing. Gran Canaria, where this show is filmed, is truly beautiful.
There are many people complaining about the acting, fight choreography, and other insignificant things, with absolutely no regard to the fact that this show is not filmed in the USA. It is not a Hollywood production. It was not filmed in Mexico or California. It is a foreign show, that is funded by an outside source. Don't miss out on a good show because you have expectations created by an industry that wasn't even involved.
Please do better. Storyline plots have a loooong way to go.
regina-1150521 January 2024
The area of filming is beautiful 10/10. The acting ..8/10. The plot- negative 2/10 ( -2/10) ....I want to give points because it was filmed in Spanish but the translation and close caption in English is misleading, it's not good. I speak both languages. FIRE your translators. Ok. Positive 2/10- the comical word play between actors and actresses give me hope but the writers have a long way to go. It's really bad. It's like someone was day dreaming about how they could change the heart of the storyline to be relevant and attract attention. So much unnecessary violence on film and poorly developed plots/relationships that I hope it's not remembered in the history of Zorro movies and film over years. The thought processes given to the characters tell me the writers are writing to get paid not to show creativity. This is Zorro .. you could do better. Please do better. No 2nd season for me at this rate.
Watchable, but not a 'strong' Zorro per se
michael_sluka3 February 2024
I'm old enough to have seen all the Zorro productions first hand since Guy Williams. On one hand, the numerous plot branches introduced here keep the 10 episodes from being repetitious, but at the same time, tend to diminish the 'hero' aspect of the Zorro lead, as he manages more to survive all of his antagonists than vanquish them. The original Zorros were cast as patsy Diegos contrasted with strong and noble Zorros. Here, the contrast is less stark.... Diego is more competent, except when interacting with 'Lolita' and Zorro is more fallible, both in fighting antagonists and character nobility. The acting itself is adequate with most of the principal actors, I just think the dialogue and screenplay construction doesn't do the Zorro concept full justice.
Great show, but the Nah-Lin character...
dariarachel22 January 2024
I will start with saying that being Puerto Rican, I saw the series in Spanish, which definitely helps carry the plot much better and nothing gets lost in translation. As a longtime fan of Zorro (I used to watch the old series from the 90s), and though corny, I enjoyed the Zorro films made. That being said, I loved the complexity of the characters and the throwback to the old Spanish (Verbs and pronouns that we don't use in PR we're a hoot reminding me of school days). The only thorn on my side was Nah-Lin. She was incredibly annoying, like that person who sticks to their guns and has no intention in seeing reason even when it proves that it is the way to go. I do wish they keep making more episodes, as it really was a blast (for me, at least) - it was the perfect 'suspend reality and check your brain at the door' content I want to watch after a long day at work.
[5.9] A Zorro outside California!
cjonesas27 February 2024
A one point above-average series that I estimated to have an average ratings of "5.4", but after assessment it gets a near "6", which is a little higher than the shows' worth.
Besides the photography, some cinematography, setting, attention to the environment and era requirements, the costumes & guns (one of the best forte of the show), some acting, note-worthy Bernardo's, won't talk about Zorro's cause he's absolutely no Zorro besides some nice swashbuckling and to some extent the ever contrived and unhappy Lolita's, near nothing else is worth the spending on the production; even the storyline and plots were weak and unrealistic starting with the natives and the development surrounding them and the Red Snake and in parallel the Chinese / Russian characters.
Worth watching if you have nothing more thrilling under your click. It would be a mistake to green-light a second season.
Besides the photography, some cinematography, setting, attention to the environment and era requirements, the costumes & guns (one of the best forte of the show), some acting, note-worthy Bernardo's, won't talk about Zorro's cause he's absolutely no Zorro besides some nice swashbuckling and to some extent the ever contrived and unhappy Lolita's, near nothing else is worth the spending on the production; even the storyline and plots were weak and unrealistic starting with the natives and the development surrounding them and the Red Snake and in parallel the Chinese / Russian characters.
Worth watching if you have nothing more thrilling under your click. It would be a mistake to green-light a second season.
- Screenplay/storyline/plots: 5.5
- Development: 7.5
- Realism: 6.5
- Entertainment: 5.5
- Acting: 6.5
- Filming/photography/cinematography: 8
- VFX: 7.5
- Music/score/sound: 6
- Depth: 5.5
- Logic: 2.5
- Flow: 6
- Action/drama: 5.5
- Ending: 4.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
