Watch Viva Zapata!

Viva Zapata! is a drama film released in 1952 that chronicles the rise of Emiliano Zapata, who was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution during the early twentieth century. Directed by Elia Kazan and written by John Steinbeck, the film stars Marlon Brando, Jean Peters, and Anthony Quinn in the lead roles. The movie is set in Mexico during the early 1900s, during the final years of the reign of President Porfirio Díaz. The rule of Porfirio Díaz was characterized by its authoritarianism and its domination by the upper class, which led to widespread poverty and landlessness among the peasants. This desperate situation provided the perfect backdrop for the revolution, which was led by a number of different factions.

One such faction was led by Emiliano Zapata, played by Marlon Brando. Brando's portrayal of Zapata is beautiful, and he masterfully captures the complex pain and emotions of the character. The movie initially depicts Zapata as a simple peasant and farmer who is spurred on to act against the government after his brother is mistreated by a local landowner. Through sheer determination and by enlisting the support of other peasants in the region, Zapata begins to win minor concessions from the government.

However, after being betrayed by a political figure, and after his troops are massacred by government forces, Zapata becomes more radicalized and turns to violence as a means of achieving his goals. Throughout the movie, Brando's Zapata remains an enigma, and it is difficult to fully gauge the depths of his anger and frustration.

The movie also features a love interest for Zapata in the form of Jean Peters' portrayal of Josefa, a beautiful young woman who speaks out against the injustices faced by the peasants. Peters brings a quiet strength to the role, and she does an excellent job of capturing the sense of moral outrage that characterized many of the revolutionary leaders.

However, the standout performance in the movie undoubtedly belongs to Anthony Quinn, who plays the role of Eufemio, Zapata's right-hand man. Quinn is magnetic and charismatic, and his portrayal of the complicated and conflicted Eufemio is one of the best things about the movie. Eufemio's eventual betrayal of Zapata is heart-wrenching, and Quinn brings a nuanced and humanizing touch to the character.

The film is visually stunning, and the stunning Mexican landscapes that serve as the backdrop for the action are breathtaking. The cinematography is also impressive, and the frequent use of long shots and sweeping vistas emphasizes the scale of the struggle that Zapata and his followers were engaged in.

Overall, Viva Zapata! is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that does an excellent job of portraying the complexities of a revolutionary struggle. The acting is top-notch, the visuals are stunning, and the story is both engaging and thought-provoking. It is a must-watch movie that serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.

Viva Zapata! is a 1952 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.