Mariachi Gringo

A Gem
A gem for all to see. Totally in the tradition of Mariachi movies of the black and white classics! Jose Alfredo Jimenez would be proud and Lila Downs was unsurpassable.

I don't normally do this...
I don't normally review movies on here, but I saw that one star review and couldn't believe someone would give this one star. This movie has great acting, great story about discovery and finding oneself. It also shows the beauty of Mexico and the meaning of Mariachi. If you are not comfortable with reading subtitles, don't rent it. If you know Spanish, then you are in luck. A lot of the dialogue is in Spanish when he reaches Mexico. I couldn't believe what I had just seen, and not afraid to admit I cried at the end. Well done, I will buy this movie when it comes out.

*Side Note* I originally rented this movie from Redbox because it said Comedy. I thought to myself, what could be more funny than a white guy trying to be a Mariachi, right? THIS IS NOT A COMEDY. In the end I was glad it wasn't a comedy, because it is a great movie.

Colorful. Musical. Life affirming.
Highly recommended. Wonderful performances and a story that is a breath of fresh air. The protagonist goes from a life of jello molds and blandness to a life of color, music and exciting tastes. A metaphor for anyone who feels like their life is going nowhere and how taking a leap of faith can take you from a black and white existence to a technicolor world. From Kansas to Guadalajara (a stand-in for Oz). And the story is unpredictable in the best possible ways, which makes it all the more refreshing. The film is worth it's weight in gold for the music alone. And for Lila Downs. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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