Watch El ojo de vidrio

El Ojo de Vidrio is a Mexican movie from 1969, directed by René Cardona Jr. The story is an adaptation of a famous novel by Vicente Riva Palacio, a prolific writer from the 19th century who was also a diplomat, historian, and politician. The movie is set in Mexico during the colonial period, in the early 18th century, and revolves around the life and adventures of a legendary bandit with a glass eye, known as El Ojo de Vidrio.

The main character, played by the popular Mexican actor Antonio Aguilar, is a charismatic and cunning outlaw who roams the countryside of central Mexico, stealing from the rich and helping the poor. His nickname, El Ojo de Vidrio, comes from a wound he suffered in battle, which left him with a glass eye, but also enhanced his sight and perception. El Ojo de Vidrio is a complex and contradictory figure, at once a ruthless criminal and a romantic hero, admired and feared by his followers and his enemies alike.

The plot of the movie follows El Ojo de Vidrio's confrontations with the colonial authorities, who want to capture him and hang him for his crimes. The governor of the region, played by Manuel Capetillo, is a corrupt and cruel ruler who uses his power to enrich himself and oppress the people. El Ojo de Vidrio sees himself as a defender of the weak and oppressed, and he takes his revenge on the governor by stealing his treasures and humiliating him in public. However, his actions also attract the attention of the governor's daughter, played by the iconic singer and actress Flor Silvestre, who falls in love with the bandit and becomes his ally.

The movie is full of action, romance, and humor, and features many memorable scenes and characters. El Ojo de Vidrio's gang includes a band of loyal and eccentric outcasts, such as a dwarf, a blind man, a flamenco dancer, and a native warrior. The bandit also has a nemesis in the form of a ruthless and cunning bounty hunter, played by Mario Almada, who is determined to capture him and bring him to justice. The landscapes and settings of the movie are also impressive, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Mexican nature and architecture.

One of the main themes of the movie is the struggle for justice and freedom against oppression and tyranny. El Ojo de Vidrio represents a popular hero who challenges the authority of the colonial regime and fights for the rights of the people. He is a symbol of resistance and rebellion against an unjust and corrupt system, and his exploits inspire the imagination and the hopes of the common folk. However, the movie also shows the limitations of such heroic ideals, as El Ojo de Vidrio's actions often result in violence, pain, and sacrifice. The bandit's fate is ambiguous and tragic, as he pays a high price for his defiance and his romanticism.

Another important theme of the movie is the power of love and passion. El Ojo de Vidrio is not only a bandit but also a lover, who enjoys the company of women and the pleasures of life. His romance with the governor's daughter is a source of tension and drama, but also of tenderness and humor. The movie portrays love as a force that can transcend social boundaries and overcome prejudice and hatred. El Ojo de Vidrio's relationship with Flor Silvestre's character is a reminder that even in the midst of violence and injustice, there is room for beauty and tenderness.

Overall, El Ojo de Vidrio is a classic Mexican movie that combines adventure, romance, and social commentary in a colorful and entertaining way. The movie has become a cult classic, popular among Mexican audiences for its charismatic characters, its catchy music, and its nostalgic portrayal of a bygone era. Despite its age, it still resonates with contemporary issues of inequality, corruption, and resistance, and remains a timeless tribute to the daring and charm of Mexican outlaws.