Once Upon a Time in Mexico Ending Explained

Main Plot

"Once Upon a Time in Mexico," directed by Robert Rodriguez, follows the story of El Mariachi, a legendary guitar-playing vigilante, who is pulled out of seclusion by CIA agent Sands. Sands enlists El Mariachi to thwart a coup planned by the drug lord Barillo, who aims to assassinate the President of Mexico. As El Mariachi seeks vengeance for personal losses inflicted by Barillo, he becomes entangled in a web of corruption, betrayal, and violence. The film weaves together multiple storylines, including Sands' manipulative schemes and the involvement of various other characters with their own motives. The narrative builds towards a climactic confrontation, blending action, intrigue, and a touch of dark humor.

Characters

Antonio Banderas plays El Mariachi, a guitar-playing vigilante seeking revenge against a corrupt general who killed his wife and daughter.
Salma Hayek plays Carolina, a skilled gunslinger and love interest of El Mariachi, aiding him in his quest for vengeance against corrupt forces.
Johnny Depp plays CIA agent Sands, who manipulates various factions to incite chaos and overthrow a corrupt Mexican government.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," directed by Robert Rodriguez, the film culminates in a series of climactic confrontations and resolutions. El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) successfully thwarts General Marquez's (Gerardo Vigil) coup attempt against the Mexican President (Pedro Armendáriz Jr.). With the help of his allies, including the retired FBI agent Sands (Johnny Depp), El Mariachi orchestrates a plan to disrupt the coup, leading to a chaotic and violent showdown in the streets. Sands, who has been double-crossed and blinded, manages to survive and exacts his revenge on those who betrayed him. Meanwhile, El Mariachi confronts Marquez, avenging the death of his wife and daughter. The President is saved, and the coup is foiled, restoring a semblance of order to the country. In the aftermath, El Mariachi walks away, having fulfilled his mission of vengeance and justice. The film closes with him disappearing into the distance, symbolizing his return to a life of solitude and the end of his vendetta. The resolution ties up the narrative threads, leaving the protagonist to continue his journey, albeit with a sense of closure.