Set in the time of the Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910 and ended in 1920, it is clear to see that all the men for the most part dressed alike. Those who were farmers wore loose fitting clothes, usually white I believe based on the black and white picture. It is a commonality to see men in the fields wearing sombreros. The men of power, further up on the ladder, wore much more elaborate clothing. These men tended to parade around with military clothing as well, more than likely decorated to show their standing in the ranks. For the women the clothing is similar. Those of impoverished farm families didn't have nice clothing. It is seen to be basic, a step back from what was to be expected of Latin American women during the time of "Progress". Yet, we also see women that come from more affluent families that wear lace, have lavish hand fans, and well as many other privileges. Yet when it came to protecting what was rightfully theirs, areas of land, men and women fought side by side. It was common to see a woman with a gun defending herself against enemies who intended to overtake a town or village.
Like every man, Zapata has a heart for one woman, Josefa. Ask her and she will tell you that of course she like Zapata, yet she doesn't want to live a life on the run and she want to marry a "rich" man. Typical woman. Always in it for the money and seeking no adventure in life. Josefa seems to be the only person who doesn't know what her admirer is knowledgeable about. We find out that Zapata is the best judge of horses in the area. He has picked horses for leaders to serves in governmental issues. Due to his incredible judge of horses, it is expected that he too have a horse of great quality. Although, we later see that he willingly gives it to a young boy as a reward. I'm not sure I would've so willingly given away the best horse I ever had.
After the fall of Díaz, Francisco Madero takes over. Here we begin to see a change in Zapata. We see that he is the leader of the initial rebellion and is so very easily brought to anger when seeing injustices. For a girl who dreams of a wedding all the time I was excited to see that after Zapata was appointed to General by Madero he is able to impress not only Josefa but her family as well. I would love to say they ran away and lived happily ever after, but that is far from the truth. Zapata only wants loyalty, therefore, he demands it! After becoming General he comes to realize that he doesn't want to be the "conscience" of all people. That is much too overwhelming for him. Reflecting back on the Zapata we are introduced to we can see that his value of land reform has changed slightly, but overall the remains true to reform.
Just like every group has a Zapata, there is also to be found in every group a Fernando Aguirre. The "bad" guy/girl. Aguirre is the totalitarian of the social revolution. He is driven by power! POWER! POWER! POWER! He is said to be ideologically adrift. Aguirre has no home, land, love, family, woman, etc. He goes from one leader to the next, always seeking recognition and power. He is a initial supporter of Francisco Maderno but soon begins to support Zapata. He say: "Unless you consolidate your victory now and rule with a hand of iron, all this will have been for nothing." Aguirre is in a roundabout way saying now is the time to take over and conquer the world. Okay, maybe I stretched that a little bit but essentially that is what he wants!
By the end of the film we see that through all the struggles Zapata has changed. He believed that because of his rank those people's need, his people, were of no great importance. We see a similar version of the first scene at the end of the film. Only it isn't Días who is in charge. It is our one and only Emiliano Zapata. Men, farmers, from his village come to tell him about the complaint they have on his brother, Eufemio Zapata. Land had just been distributed to all those living in the area, but due to his ranking of General Eufemio took it upon himself to take back the land and live in the house. Over the course of the film you see that the brothers are always together, although their priorities aren't always aligned with each other. This is to me the best part of the movie! We begin to see the true colors shine through. Here Zapata is faced with a young man, much like he was during Díaz'a presidency, who talks back and tells him that the men of the village cannot wait. There has to be a solution to Eufemio's madness. Much like Díaz, Zapata too circles the name of the man, Hernadez! Also, keep in mind Eufemio is quite often seen with some sort of alcohol. WARNING: MAY CAUSE SEVERE LACK OF JUDGEMENT. At this time we also see the raw character of our totalitarian Aguirre. Once in the back office Zapata point blank tells Aguirre that he isn't concerned with what he is going to do next. For he is so easily predictable. Zapata knows that now Aguirre will go off and find the next man who hold an office of power and he will slither in like a snake. (POWER!)
Confronting Eufemio was not an easy task for Zapata it appears. After all it is his brother who was there every step of the way and fought every minute Zapata did. It is a clear depiction that power and authority can change anyone. Zapata wasn't going to stand for it anymore, therefore, he kicked his brother out. Remember how I spoke of priorities, this is a very clear example. Emiliano wanted peace to come back to the land, but Eufemio was only worried about his booze and a woman, which happened to be one of his friend's wives. Emiliano Zapata gave great advise to the men who lived on this land. He informed them that if they planned to keep the land they would have to defend it with their lives. Zapata also stated; "There are no strong men without faults..." and "The strong people is the only lasting strength."
In conclusion it was a great movie. Elia Kazan did an amazing job capturing the ambience of Zapatismo. Kazan presented the film which was an incoherent connotation to American-style democracy/anti-Soviet ideas, but the film still went over successfully with the rebellious and discontent people. It "wrestles in an interesting and provocative way with the contradictions and the conservatism of the rebellion."
After the fall of Díaz, Francisco Madero takes over. Here we begin to see a change in Zapata. We see that he is the leader of the initial rebellion and is so very easily brought to anger when seeing injustices. For a girl who dreams of a wedding all the time I was excited to see that after Zapata was appointed to General by Madero he is able to impress not only Josefa but her family as well. I would love to say they ran away and lived happily ever after, but that is far from the truth. Zapata only wants loyalty, therefore, he demands it! After becoming General he comes to realize that he doesn't want to be the "conscience" of all people. That is much too overwhelming for him. Reflecting back on the Zapata we are introduced to we can see that his value of land reform has changed slightly, but overall the remains true to reform.Just like every group has a Zapata, there is also to be found in every group a Fernando Aguirre. The "bad" guy/girl. Aguirre is the totalitarian of the social revolution. He is driven by power! POWER! POWER! POWER! He is said to be ideologically adrift. Aguirre has no home, land, love, family, woman, etc. He goes from one leader to the next, always seeking recognition and power. He is a initial supporter of Francisco Maderno but soon begins to support Zapata. He say: "Unless you consolidate your victory now and rule with a hand of iron, all this will have been for nothing." Aguirre is in a roundabout way saying now is the time to take over and conquer the world. Okay, maybe I stretched that a little bit but essentially that is what he wants!
By the end of the film we see that through all the struggles Zapata has changed. He believed that because of his rank those people's need, his people, were of no great importance. We see a similar version of the first scene at the end of the film. Only it isn't Días who is in charge. It is our one and only Emiliano Zapata. Men, farmers, from his village come to tell him about the complaint they have on his brother, Eufemio Zapata. Land had just been distributed to all those living in the area, but due to his ranking of General Eufemio took it upon himself to take back the land and live in the house. Over the course of the film you see that the brothers are always together, although their priorities aren't always aligned with each other. This is to me the best part of the movie! We begin to see the true colors shine through. Here Zapata is faced with a young man, much like he was during Díaz'a presidency, who talks back and tells him that the men of the village cannot wait. There has to be a solution to Eufemio's madness. Much like Díaz, Zapata too circles the name of the man, Hernadez! Also, keep in mind Eufemio is quite often seen with some sort of alcohol. WARNING: MAY CAUSE SEVERE LACK OF JUDGEMENT. At this time we also see the raw character of our totalitarian Aguirre. Once in the back office Zapata point blank tells Aguirre that he isn't concerned with what he is going to do next. For he is so easily predictable. Zapata knows that now Aguirre will go off and find the next man who hold an office of power and he will slither in like a snake. (POWER!)Confronting Eufemio was not an easy task for Zapata it appears. After all it is his brother who was there every step of the way and fought every minute Zapata did. It is a clear depiction that power and authority can change anyone. Zapata wasn't going to stand for it anymore, therefore, he kicked his brother out. Remember how I spoke of priorities, this is a very clear example. Emiliano wanted peace to come back to the land, but Eufemio was only worried about his booze and a woman, which happened to be one of his friend's wives. Emiliano Zapata gave great advise to the men who lived on this land. He informed them that if they planned to keep the land they would have to defend it with their lives. Zapata also stated; "There are no strong men without faults..." and "The strong people is the only lasting strength."
You can't kill an idea. Zapata became a hero and is believed to be out there still living in the mountains keeping watch other his people and their lands.
In conclusion it was a great movie. Elia Kazan did an amazing job capturing the ambience of Zapatismo. Kazan presented the film which was an incoherent connotation to American-style democracy/anti-Soviet ideas, but the film still went over successfully with the rebellious and discontent people. It "wrestles in an interesting and provocative way with the contradictions and the conservatism of the rebellion."
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