Brando and Anthony Quinn as brothers during the Mexican Revolution
In the Mexican state of Morelos, 1909-1911, Emiliano Zapata (Marlon) rises up as a leader of the revolution against dictator Porfirio Díaz, who supported the elites that monopolized land and water resources for sugarcane production. Zapata warily cooperates with candidate Francisco Madero, who was supported by Pancho Villa and made vague promises about land reform.
"Viva Zapata" (1952) is a Western with the setting of the Mexican Revolution directed by the man who also teamed up with Brando for “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “On the Waterfront.” It was unfortunately made in B&W, but a colorized version is available for those interested (which is the version I watched).
This was the first of four Westerns done by Brando, followed by “One-Eyed Jacks,” “The Appaloosa” and “The Missouri Breaks.” It’s superior to “Appaloosa,” but not great like “Jacks” or as creative as “Breaks” (and understandably so, since it’s based on history).
Winsome Jean Peters is a highlight on the feminine front.
To see what happens a decade after the events in this movie, check out "For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada” (2012), which chronicles the Cristero War.
It runs 1 hour, 53 minutes, and was largely shot in Texas (Roma, Del Rio, Delores, San Ygnacio, Rio Grande City, McAllen and Laredo); as well as Durango, Colorado (the train sequences); New Mexico; and Century Ranch, Malibu Canyon, California.
GRADE: B
