El Mariachi - 6

This is the first, and the best, in this trilogy by Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids and Sin City). It was made for $7000, which considering the quality is amazing. The plot is interesting and less convoluted than the following two films. It also uses no name actors as opposed to the sequels (Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico) that play on the star power of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. The story is about mistaken identity that turns a mariachi (musician/guitar player) into a sophisticated killer. In the end, tragedy becomes his motive for revenge and this is played out with cold callous precision in the sequels. This film shows the humanness and heart of El Mariachi, which drives the sympathy of the audience. It is also a plus that the body count is due to the story and not for action sake.