Robert Rodriguez’s “Once Upon A Time In Mexico” concludes the Mexico Trilogy with a bang, or rather, with many bangs, explosions, and over-the-top action sequences. As a fan of Rodriguez’s work, from the gritty “El Mariachi” to the stylish “Desperado,” I approached this film with high expectations for his signature blend of action, humor, and visual flair. While it delivers on these fronts, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” sometimes teeters on the edge of being too much, even for its own good. It’s a wild ride, but at times, you might wonder if the train is about to jump the tracks.
A humorous still from “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” showing El Mariachi ready for action.
At its heart, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” is a tale of redemption for El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), a gunslinger haunted by loss and disillusioned with violence. Pulled back into the fray by the shadowy CIA agent Sands (Johnny Depp), El Mariachi is tasked with preventing a coup orchestrated by the nefarious cartel kingpin Barillo (Willem Dafoe). He assembles a team, including two fellow mariachis, portrayed by Enrique Iglesias and Marco Leonardi, adding an eclectic mix to the already vibrant cast. The narrative is a complex web of conspiracies and betrayals, featuring an FBI agent, a fugitive, and a separate Federale storyline, all masterfully woven together by Sands’ manipulative machinations.
RIPA poignant image of Salma Hayek in “Once Upon a Time in Mexico”, representing loss and grief.
The film is undeniably action-packed. Rodriguez doesn’t shy away from stylized violence, with gunfights that defy logic and physics. While some may find the sheer volume of action excessive, it’s part of the film’s deliberately exaggerated style. Characters seem to fall from rooftops and railings with alarming frequency, often after being shot, contributing to the movie’s high body count and darkly comedic tone.
Unnecessary.A dramatic gunshot scene from “Once Upon a Time in Mexico”, highlighting the film’s intense action.
Johnny Depp as Sands steals many scenes. His portrayal of a morally ambiguous CIA operative with a penchant for Puerco Pibil is both captivating and quirky. Sands’ love for this particular Mexican dish is so prominent in the movie that it almost becomes a character itself. Speaking of Puerco Pibil, Sands’ favorite meal in Mexico, the recipe is readily available, even courtesy of Robert Rodriguez himself.
Cover is optional.A behind-the-scenes shot from “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” showing the film’s dynamic action direction.
For those wanting to immerse themselves fully in the “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” experience, trying the Puerco Pibil recipe is highly recommended. Rodriguez even includes his recipe on the DVD extras and online. It’s a flavorful dish that requires marinating pork butt in a blend of spices and citrus, then slow-baking it to tender perfection.
Here’s a simplified version of the recipe:
Puerco Pibil Recipe Inspired by “Once Upon a Time in Mexico”
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs pork butt, cubed
- 5 tablespoons annatto seeds
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 8 whole allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 red habanero peppers, diced (seeds and membrane removed)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 8 cloves garlic
- 5 lemons, peeled & juiced
- 1 tablespoon tequila
- Banana leaves (or aluminum foil)
Instructions:
- Grind annatto seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, allspice, and cloves in a coffee grinder until fine.
- Blend orange juice, white vinegar, habanero peppers, ground spices, salt, garlic, lemon juice, and tequila until smooth.
- Marinate pork in the blended mixture for at least one hour.
- Line a baking pan with banana leaves or aluminum foil.
- Place pork mixture on top, cover with more banana leaves or foil.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 4 hours.
Serve with rice and enjoy a taste of “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” at home!
photo1Puerco Pibil preparation, showcasing the vibrant colors of the marinade.
It may not be the prettiest, but itA delicious serving of Puerco Pibil, ready to be enjoyed with “Once Upon a Time in Mexico”.
In conclusion, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” is a fitting, albeit slightly excessive, end to the Mexico Trilogy. It’s packed with action, humor, and memorable performances, particularly from Depp and Banderas. If you’re a fan of Robert Rodriguez’s style and enjoy films that push the boundaries of believability for the sake of entertainment, then this movie is definitely worth watching, perhaps while enjoying a plate of homemade Puerco Pibil.
