Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

Last updated:
June 27, 2025

Once Upon a Time in Mexico is the final installment in Robert Rodriguez’s action-packed “Mexico Trilogy,” following El Mariachi and Desperado. Released in 2003, this film continues the story of the mysterious mariachi-turned-vigilante and plunges him into a chaotic political conspiracy filled with revenge, corruption, and gunfights as stylized as they are explosive.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Political Conspiracy at the Heart of Mexico

The film kicks off with CIA Agent Sheldon Jeffrey Sands (Johnny Depp), a morally gray, fast-talking operative who recruits El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) to assassinate a corrupt Mexican general named General Marquez, who plans to overthrow the president. But Sands’ real goal isn’t to save democracy — it’s to cause chaos. A corrupt drug lord named Barillo (Willem Dafoe) is backing the coup, and Sands sees an opportunity to play multiple sides for his own benefit.

El Mariachi’s Personal Vendetta

El Mariachi initially resists the mission until Sands dangles a powerful incentive: Marquez is the same man who murdered El Mariachi’s wife Carolina (Salma Hayek) and their daughter. Through stylized flashbacks, we see glimpses of their tragic end, which fuels Mariachi’s thirst for vengeance. The story becomes deeply personal for him, transcending politics.

The Multiple Players Enter the Game

Meanwhile, other characters with their own agendas are drawn into the chaos:

Lorenzo (Enrique Iglesias) and Fideo (Marco Leonardi), Mariachi’s fellow gun-slinging musicians.
Añez (Eva Mendes), a possibly double-crossing agent working under Sands.
Billy Chambers (Mickey Rourke), a former FBI agent and reluctant ally of Barillo.
As the Day of the Dead festival approaches, all their stories converge in a sprawling narrative where trust is a luxury no one can afford.

Sands’ Downfall

Sands’ overconfidence catches up with him when Barillo captures and blinds him, removing his eyes in a brutal scene. However, in classic Robert Rodriguez fashion, Sands refuses to go down easily. Using his wit, auditory instincts, and a tricked-out gun hidden in a bag of fake money, he becomes a literal blind gunman, continuing to sow chaos and seek vengeance.

Movie Ending

In the explosive climax, General Marquez and Barillo make their move to overthrow the president during a Day of the Dead celebration. But El Mariachi and his two trusted companions—Lorenzo and Fideo—launch a full-scale counterattack, riddling the palace with bullets and destroying Marquez’s forces.

El Mariachi finally gets his revenge, killing General Marquez in a tense confrontation that’s more emotional than flashy. There’s no grand monologue — just catharsis. Barillo, on the other hand, meets a gruesome end when Billy Chambers, in a moment of redemption, turns on him and ensures he won’t escape justice.

The president is saved, and peace is (momentarily) restored to Mexico. Mariachi, having completed his revenge, fades into the crowd — a lone gunslinger once more. Sands, still blind but very much alive, walks into the sunset in his own bizarre, irreverent fashion.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Once Upon a Time in Mexico does not feature a post-credits scene. The film ends traditionally, wrapping up all major plotlines without teasing future installments (fitting, since it was billed as the trilogy’s conclusion).

Type of Movie

Genre: Action / Crime / Thriller
Style: Neo-Western, stylized violence, fast-paced narrative
Tone: Darkly comic, gritty, pulpy, revenge-driven

Cast

Antonio Banderas as El Mariachi
Johnny Depp as Agent Sands
Salma Hayek as Carolina
Eva Mendes as Añez
Willem Dafoe as Barillo
Mickey Rourke as Billy Chambers
Danny Trejo as Cucuy
Enrique Iglesias as Lorenzo
Marco Leonardi as Fideo
Rubén Blades as Jorge Ramirez

Film Music and Composer

The music was composed by Robert Rodriguez himself, with contributions from Tito Larriva, Salma Hayek, and Los Lobos. The score blends mariachi sounds, Spanish guitar, and Latin rock, infusing the film with a distinct Mexican atmosphere that complements its action and drama.

Filming Locations

Shot largely in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, Mexico, the authentic architecture and vibrant colors of real Mexican towns add depth and realism to the otherwise hyper-stylized narrative. The Day of the Dead visuals—skeletons, face paint, and parade imagery—are drawn directly from local traditions and give the climax cultural resonance.

Awards and Nominations

The film didn’t receive major industry awards, but it was recognized for its action and musical elements:

BMI Film Music Award – Robert Rodriguez (2004)
Nominated for Best Latin Theme Song at the ALMA Awards

It gained a cult following over time, especially among fans of stylized action and Rodriguez’s unique filmmaking approach.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Robert Rodriguez directed, produced, edited, and scored the film — a true one-man show.
Johnny Depp improvised much of his dialogue, including the famous “Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN’T?” line.
Antonio Banderas did many of his own stunts, including weapon choreography.
The budget was relatively modest (around $29 million), but Rodriguez used digital filming to keep costs low and speed up production.
The film was one of the first major studio movies to be shot entirely in digital HD, paving the way for future filmmakers.

Inspirations and References

Inspired by Spaghetti Westerns, particularly Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy.
Strongly influenced by Mexican folklore and classic revenge tales.
The trilogy itself is a homage to El Mariachi (1992), Rodriguez’s debut film made for just $7,000.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no alternate ending has been officially released, several deleted scenes exist, including longer backstories for Barillo and Carolina. One particularly notable scene shows a more emotional exchange between Mariachi and Carolina before her death, which was cut for pacing reasons.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There is no official novelization, but the film serves as a loose continuation of El Mariachi and Desperado. Fans of the trilogy may notice that Once Upon a Time in Mexico leans more into ensemble storytelling than the first two films, focusing as much on Agent Sands and other players as on El Mariachi himself.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Sands eating puerco pibil and then killing the chef for “being too good at it.”
The Day of the Dead shootout at the presidential palace.
El Mariachi’s guitar case transforming into a rocket launcher.
Sands shooting enemies blindfolded using only his hearing.

Iconic Quotes

“Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN’T?” – Agent Sands
“I never tried to be a hero.” – El Mariachi
“You know what I hate? Being in the dark about something I’m being paid to know.” – Agent Sands
“They killed the woman I loved… and I played the guitar.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The song Carolina sings in Desperado is subtly woven into the score as a motif.
Sands’ obsession with puerco pibil is based on Rodriguez’s real-life love for the dish.
The film includes cameos from friends and collaborators of Rodriguez, including members of his favorite bands.
Each character has a distinct musical motif, reinforcing their personality.

Trivia

Johnny Depp’s character was so popular that fans requested a spin-off (which never happened).
Filmed back-to-back with other Rodriguez projects in a short timeframe.
It’s one of the few American films to feature three Latino leads in a major action franchise.
The film was marketed heavily on Johnny Depp’s rising star power following Pirates of the Caribbean.

Why Watch?

If you’re into gritty, stylish action with a pulpy flair, this film delivers. It’s a visual feast filled with gunfights, vengeance, political intrigue, and characters who are as memorable as they are unpredictable. Rodriguez brings his comic-book sensibilities to life with kinetic energy, over-the-top action, and a genuinely unique visual style.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

Desperado (1995) – the immediate prequel
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) – for classic Western vibes
Sin City (2005) – another stylized Rodriguez action film
Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) – for revenge-driven action and stylized combat
John Wick (2014) – for modern, stylized gun-fu cinema

Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

Detailed Summary