Films Starring Antonio Banderas

Frida (2002) Brilliant colours that bring Frida Kahlo's Mexico City to vibrant life combine with a captivating performance by Salma Hayek to make director Julie Taymor's FRIDA a fascinating film. Starting and ending with Frida on her deathbed, the film spans the famous painter's life from her teenage years to her death at the young age of 47. From start to finish, Frida is portrayed as a relentlessly energized, self-righteous, headstrong, assertive woman. She had liberal views and a socialist political stance. She was bisexual and promiscuous. She drank and abused painkillers, sang and danced, and fearlessly poured her pain and beauty into her paintings. At the age of 18, Frida was horribly injured in a bus accident. Though she learned to walk again, she lived her life in physical agony, enduring multiple surgeries, and eventually needing a wheelchair. Yet her condition did not stop her from having an exciting, tumultuous life as the wife of famed artist and womaniser Diego Rivera, who mentored her in her own work and encouraged her passions. While Frida's life is the main focus, her work is always present and the action of the film often fades into paintings and vice versa. However, the film only hints at the recognition and worldwide display that her painting received after her death. Taymor has created a lively and dramatically emotive film with FRIDA, capturing her endearing resiliency with colour, music and, of course, art.

Take The Lead (2006) Based on a true story, the film centres on the dashing Pierre Dulaine, an idealistic New York City ballroom dancer who was the subject of the runaway documentary hit MAD HOT BALLROOM (2005). After spying the desperate and violent actions of a young and angry high schooler named Rock, Dulaine becomes intent on channelling his talent into the service of troubled youth, and almost immediately approaches Rock's tough but well-meaning high school principal (Alfre Woodward) with the idea of teaching ballroom dancing to detention students.

Femme Fatale (2002) A contemporary film noir about an alluring seductress named Laure Ash. A sultry former jewel thief and con woman trying to live the straight life, Laure is suddenly exposed to the world--and her enemies--by a voyeuristic photographer, Nicholas Bardo, who takes a sudden interest in her. Seen as a dangerous individual dressed in black, Nicholas is always hounding her, attempting to reveal Laure for what she really is--a born manipulator. As Nicholas tries to determine her true intentions, he begins to uncover some dangerous secrets. Her shadowy life of deceit had also spawned vengeful co-conspirators who will neither forget, nor forgive her lies. Laure's shady past comes back to haunt her, and soon thereafter, Nicholas becomes ensnared in her surreal quest for revenge.

Shrek The Halls (2007) This animated TV special features the Shrek characters putting their own spin on holiday traditions.

Desperado (1995) With DESPERADO, director Robert Rodriguez presents the sequel to his 1992 low-budget action flick, EL MARIACHI. This film continues the story of the brooding no-name Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), whose guitar case is stocked with high-powered weaponry. The musician is in a sleepy Mexican town seeking revenge against the much-feared, ruthless Bucho (Joaquim de Almeida), a drug dealer who once shot El Mariachi in his strumming hand and killed his girlfriend. When Bucho hears that the guitarist is looking for him, he sends his men out to forestall the attack--which leads to many well-choreographed and bloody shootouts. The high-octane, fight-filled film also stars Salma Hayek, Cheech Marin and Steve Buscemi.

Shrek the Third (2007) When his new father-in-law, King Harold (John Cleese) falls ill, Shrek (Mike Myers) is looked at as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away. Not one to give up his beloved swamp, Shrek recruits his friends Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) to install the rebellious Artie (Justin Timberlake) as the new king. Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), however, rallies a band of royal girlfriends to fends off a coup d'etat by the jilted Prince Charming (Rupert Everett).

Spy Kids 2 - The Island of Lost Dreams (2002) The spy kids are back in this highly inventive sequel to the original smash hit. Once again, cinematic multi-tasker Robert Rodriguez (SPY KIDS 2's director, writer, producer, director of photography, editor, and composer) brings his high-octane, technicolor brand of antics and special effects to the screen. This time the kids are a little older and a lot more experienced as they fight to save the world and secure their reputation as the best in town. After proving themselves as top-notch spies like their parents (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) in the original SPY KIDS, Carmen and Juni Cortez (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) are now at the top of the new OSS kids division. That is, until they meet a new sibling spy team, Gary and Gerti Giggles (Matthew O'Leary and Emily Osment), and their position is threatened. In a race to save the world, the rival spies travel to the Island of Lost Dreams, a world that resembles the Bermuda Triangle, which is populated by fantastical genetically altered creatures, brought to life by the resident mad scientist, Romero (Steve Buscemi). However, on the mysterious island none of the kids' high-tech James Bond-inspired gadgets work, so they must rely on their own cunning and family smarts to save the world. Viewers of all ages will enjoy this delightful sequel full of tongue-in-cheek humor, wacky creatures of all shapes and sizes, and nonstop action.

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010) The film revolves around different members of a family, their tangled love lives and their attempts to try to solve their problems.

Spy Kids (2001) Gregorio and Ingrid are the two greatest secret agents the world has ever known: masters of disguise, mavens of invention, able to stop wars before they even start. Working for separate countries, they are sent to eliminate their most dangerous enemy...each other. But in an exotic corner of the world when they finally come face to face, they fall in love instead and embark on the most dangerous mission they have ever faced: raising a family. Now, nine years later, after their retirement, having exchanged the adventure of espionage for parenthood, Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez are called back into action. When their former colleagues, the world's most formidable spies, start disappearing one by one, the Cortez's are forced to take on techno-wizard Fegan Floop and his evil, egg-headed sidekick, Minion. But when the unthinkable happens and they too disappear, there are only two people in the world who can rescue them...their kids. Armed with a bag of high tech gadgets and out-of-this world transportation, Carmen and Juni will bravely jet through the air, dive under the seas and crisscross the globe in a series of thrilling adventures on a mission to stop Floop, save their parents...and maybe even the world. Sometimes the biggest heroes are the smallest ones.

Two Much (1995) An art dealer attempting to stay ahead of his creditors, finds himself looking for financially well-off women to bail him out. Luckily, two such women come to his rescue...

And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself (2003) Starring Antonio Banderas as the legendary Pancho Villa, Bruce Beresford's star-studded production brings to life a truly surreal story. In the early 1900s, Villa, the enthusiastic Mexican revolutionary, was looking for a way to support his cause. Enter master filmmaker D.W. Griffith (Colm Feore), who was trying to take cinema to a whole new level. The resulting partnership resulted in the film THE LIFE OF GENERAL VILLA, a picture that bravely blurred the line between fiction and reality. In the process, Villa became a cultural sensation, giving both men the acclaim that they desperately seeked. Written by Larry Gelbart, AND STARRING PANCHO VILLA AS HIMSELF is another finely crafted production.

Ruby Sparks (2012) A novelist struggling with writer's block finds romance in a most unusual way: by creating a female character he thinks will love him, then willing her into existence.

The Mambo Kings (1992) Two ambitious Cuban brothers come to New York to make a name for themselves as musicians during the mambo craze of the 1950's. By day they work hard at manual labour, at night they are transformed; but the pressures of fame threaten to drive them apart. Academy Award Nominations: Best Song (Beautiful Maria of My Soul).

Chevolution (2009) In 1960, Cuban photographer Alberto 'Korda' Diaz captured a photo of Che Guevara during a mass funeral. History conspired to enable this dynamic portrait to explode on the world scene where it became an international symbol of protest and dissent. It is considered to be the most reproduced image in the history of photograpy. Chevolution is a film about a photograph. It explores how the Che image traveled from Korda's studio in Havana to the streets of Europe and beyond and how this portrait with its enigmatic gaze became a symbol for countless visions for change.

The Skin I Live In (2011) Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas), an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault. In addition to years of study and experimentation, Robert needed a further three things: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig. Scruples were never a problem. Marilia, the woman who looked after him from the day he was born, is his most faithful accomplice. And as for the human guinea pig...

Law Of Desire (1987) Law Of Desire (1987): At its core 'Law Of Desire' features a fabulous trio: the famous Madrid director Pablo (Poncela) for whom men are prepared to die, his new love-crazed boyfriend Antonio (Banderas) and Pablo's flamboyant and gorgeous transsexual sister Tina. Pablo is suffering because Juan, his lover, shares his steamy passion but not his commitment, and has returned to his village in southern Spain. Trying to forget him, Pablo is seduced by the tall, dark, handsome and heterosexual Antonio who, in the space of 24 hours, goes from having his first gay affair, to being Pablo's demanding (and threatening!) lover. Pablo makes the mistake of dismissing Antonio as inconsequential but Antonio intends to pursue his passions to their ultimate conclusion...

Shrek Forever After (2010) Rumpelstiltskin tricks a mid-life crisis burdened Shrek into allowing himself to be erased from existence and cast in a dark alternate timeline where Rumpel rules supreme.

Evita (1996) Evita is based on the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Actually, the film is more of an opera, with only short moments devoted to dialogue. Evita is the friendly, family version of the proper name Eva, and this film tells the story of Eva Peron (1921-52), a woman whose name evokes powerful feelings in her native Argentina. Throughout this film, as in the musical, the story is explained and commented on by a character known as Che, played here by Antonio Banderas. The film begins with the news of Evita's death, and then turns to a much earlier scene at her father's funeral. Eva (Madonna) was an illegitimate child (one of many) of a rural landowner and her seamstress mother. Hers is not a wealthy childhood by any means, and she is constantly discriminated against because of her lowly birth. She is refused admission to her father's funeral for this reason. This scene is contrasted with her own funeral, a spectacular affair, not different from the funeral of a beloved head of state. Eva Peron leaves her village at age 15, in the arms her lover Agustin Magaldi (Jimmy Nail), a traveling singer. With his help, she goes to Buenos Aires and begins her campaign to become a performer, actress, and public figure. Many men help her during these years, and she is reported to have given her favors freely. That changes when she becomes involved with Juan Peron (Jonathan Pryce). In 1944, when they meet, Peron is an ambitious young army officer, serving in the right-wing government of the time. When he falls afoul of the government and is imprisoned, Eva uses her position as a celebrity and radio performer to get him released. Peron marries his feisty mistress when he is freed from prison. Eva is a formidable supporter, and her help is crucial to his later becoming head of state. Once Juan Peron becomes the President of Argentina, Eva expects better treatment from Argentina's high society, but they snub her brutally. She, in response, diverts government money from society-led charities, and starts the Eva Peron Foundation. As its president, she works tirelessly to directly better the lot of Argentina's poor. For this work, and for having risen from poor origins to glory, she is beloved by huge masses of her fellow citizens, if not by those in high society. She also arranges for the enfranchisement of women in Argentina. Thus, her death of uterine cancer at age 33, while she was at the height of her power and influence, strikes the whole world as tragic.~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide

Never Talk To Strangers (1996) Criminal psychiatrist, Sarah Taylor, throws herself headlong into a passionate affair with a stranger whilst working on a serial rapist's case. Her life is thrown into chaos when a stalker invades her life...

Labyrinth of Passion (1982) In Labyrinth of Passion, Celia Roth portrays Sexi, a nymphomaniac punk rocker whose gynecologist father (Fernando Vivanco) specializes in artificial insemination. Spanish heartthrob Imanol Arias is Riza Niro, the gay son of the Emperor of Tehran, who has fled his father's island to have some fun in Madrid. The two meet and eventually fall in love, but that's just the tip of the iceberg in this whirlwind comedy. A very young Antonio Banderas plays one of Riza's lovers and Almodóvar himself appears as a lead singer of a band in one of the film's hilarious concert scenes, singing "Grang Ganga" and "Suck it to Me."

Bordertown (2006) A journalist investigates a series of murders near American-owned factories on the border of Juarez and El Paso.

Spy Kids 3: Game Over - 2D version (2003) The Spy Kids are back again. This time, their trademark action delivers a motion picture event that pushes family fun to the next level. Secret agents Juni (Daryl Sabara) and Carmen Cortez (Alexa Vega) set out on their most mind-blowing mission yet: a journey inside the virtual reality world of a video game where awe-inspiring graphics and creatures come dangerously to life. As they face escalating challenges through increasingly difficult levels of the game, the Spy Kids must rely on humour, high-tech gadgets and the bonds of family in order to stop a power-hungry villain (Sylvester Stallone) set on controlling the youth of the world. Also featuring familiar faces Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino and Ricardo Montalban in an incredible all-star cast.

Baton Rouge (1988) A gigolo seduces a wealthy woman and with the help of her psychiatrist, conspires to murder the woman's husband and frame her for the crime. But the plan backfires, setting off a chain of deceit and double-crosses.

The Big Bang (2011) Late one night, Los Angeles private investigator, Ned Cruz (Antonio Banderas) gets a visit from a recently paroled Russian boxer with an intriguing job offer: find Lexie, his missing girlfriend and the 30-million dollar stash of diamonds she's hiding.... Read More... As Detective Cruz sets out to find her, the clues send him into the city's seediest corners, from a Hollywood action star with a dirty little secret (James Van Der Beek), to an enterprising porn producer who takes a personal interest in his own work (Snoop Dogg), and a kinky waitress with an unusual fetish for particle physics (Autumn Reeser). Lexie proves to be as elusive as she is beautiful and Cruz becomes obsessed with finding her. With time running out, Cruz discovers the trail leads to reclusive billionaire (Sam Elliott), and his physicist (Jimmi Simpson), intent on recreating The Big Bang underneath the New Mexico desert. Tailed by a trio of cops also looking to find the missing diamonds, and with the body count piling up, Cruz soon realizes that what appeared to be a standard missing person's case is anything but, and could quite possibly bring about the end of the world as we know it.

Haywire (2011) A black ops super soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission.

Shrek 2 (2004) After returning from their honeymoon and showing "home movies" to their friends, Shrek and Fiona learn Fiona's parents have heard their daughter has married her true love and wish to meet the husband and invite him to their kingdom, called Far Far Away. The catch? Fiona's parents are unaware of the curse that struck their daughter and assumed she married Prince Charming so are a bit shocked to learn their son-in-law is a 700-pound ogre with horrible hygiene and a talking donkey.

Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration (1998) British superstar composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is feted in this 50th birthday benefit gala produced by Lloyd Webber's own theatrical company at London's historic Royal Albert Hall. The tribute includes highlights from Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage hits, including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, and Sunset Boulevard.An eclectic performing cast filmed live during the event features Tina Arena, Michael Ball, Antonio Banderas, Boyzone, Sarah Brightman, Glenn Close, Julian Lloyd Webber, Marcus Lovett, Lottie Mayor, Dennis O'Neill, Donny Osmond, Elaine Paige, Ray Shell, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Bonnie Tyler.

The House of the Spirits (1994) Based on Isabel Allende's novel and set in a South American country beset by constant turmoil and bloody power struggles, this film follows three generations of the Truebas family from the 1920s through the 1970s. Just as the nation around them is at odds with itself, the family painfully and passionately experiences its own evolution. The talented cast includes Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Jeremy Irons, and Winona Ryder.

The Mask Of Zorro (1998) Don Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins) recruits Alejandro Murieta (Antonio Banderas) to become his replacement as Zorro, the legendary hero. Together, they infiltrate the circle of Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson), the fiercest of the Spanish tyrants. Armed with his mask, sword, whip and jet-black stallion, Tornado, the new Zorro embarks on a mission to stop Don Rafael's plot to buy California, set right 20 years of wrongs, bring justice to the people ensnared by greed, and win the heart of Elma (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Don Diego's daughter.

Black Gold (2011) Set in the 1930s Arab states at the dawn of the oil boom, the story centers on a young Arab prince torn between allegiance to his conservative father and modern, liberal father-in-law.

Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (1985) This colorful hit put director Pedro Almodovar on the international map and cemented the reputation of its star, Carmen Maura. The film is a peppy little soap bubble as TV actress Pepa (Maura) wakes up to find a note from her lover, Ivan (Fernando Guillen), informing her he is leaving. Desperate to tell him some important information, Pepa almost kills herself with sleeping pills, burns her bed, and spends most of the movie trying to track him down. Her adventures put her in contact with Ivan's insane ex-wife (Julieta Serrano), his handsome son (Antonio Banderas), and the son's fiancee (Rossy de Palma). They all descend on her penthouse apartment in a deliriously comic extended scene, complicated by a pitcher full of narcotic gazpacho and her friend Candela (Maria Barranco), a ditzy beauty wanted by the police for associating with Shiite terrorists. Through it all, the indefatigable Pepa fights gallantly against her crushing heartbreak. As a testament to the resilient beauty of women, this free-spirited film rings true and is a treasure. Also appearing are Chus Lampreave, Kiti Manver, Yayo Calvo, and Guillermo Montesinos as the hilarious driver of the Mambo Taxi.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) With ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez follows the further adventures of El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), the guitar-and-gunslinging hero who has been leading a quiet life, but longs to get revenge for the murder of his love (Salma Hayek). When quirky CIA agent Sands (Johnny Depp) roots out El Mariachi for a special assignment, he comes out with all pistols blazing. Soon, a retired FBI agent (Ruben Blades), a drug kingpin (Willem Dafoe), a criminal on the run (Mickey Rourke), and a double-dealing fed (Eva Mendes) are all in on the action, which involves a plot to kill the Mexican president and shift the balance of power in Mexico.Handling the writing, direction, cinematography, and just about everything else, Rodriguez has crafted a tribute to the spaghetti Western films of Sergio Leone by placing his outlaw hero from DESPERADO and EL MARIACHI in an epic setting populated by numerous characters. Although it can be challenging to keep track of the unfolding subplots, the scenes involving Depp's badly dressed secret agent are the most intriguing and entertaining. Meanwhile Banderas eases back into the lead as the vengeful Mariachi, and Hayek and Blades make the most of their small but significant roles.

Imagining Argentina (2004) In Buenos Aires during the Peron era, an Argentine playwright has a preternatural ability to see what will happen to people's loved ones -- many of whom are missing, or soon will be -- when he looks into their faces. Ultimately, he must turn this power inward, when his activist journalist wife disappears.

The White Dove (1989) A man living in a Spanish town falls for a woman being sexually abused by her father. Attempting to stop the abuse tragedy soon follows...

Puss in Boots (2011) "Puss in Boots" -- based on one of the most beloved characters of the Shrek Universe -- tells the hilarious and courageous (daring, bold, brave) tale of Puss' early adventures as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the street-savvy Kitty to steal the famed Goose that lays the Golden Eggs.

Matador (1986) This twisted, brave, funny film from Spanish director Pedro Almodovar takes an unflinching look at the link between sex, death, and religion. Antonio Banderas stars as Angel, a sensitive student of matador Diego (Nacho Martinez), whose goring at the horns of a bull has left him obsessed with killing. In order to prove his manhood to Diego, the misguided Angel tries to rape his model girlfriend (Eva Cobo), and when that fails, he confesses to a string of murders he didn't commit. Maria (Assumpta Serna), a mysterious, attractive lawyer, takes his case but winds up falling for Diego, revealing some dark secrets of her own. The pair begin a beautifully doomed romance as a police inspector (Eusebio Poncela) begins to fathom who the real killer, or killers, may be. This was the fifth film from the talented Almodovar, and it reveals a true genius at work in his use of symbolic color, structure, metaphor, and homage to Hitchcock and Welles. MATADOR is fast-moving, disturbing, erotic, and undeniably brilliant in a way most American audiences may not be prepared for but should certainly seek out. Almodovar regulars Carmen Maura, Julietta Serano, Chus Lampreave, and Veronica Forque costar.

Four Rooms (1995) Check into Four Rooms - the funny, fast-paced comedy from the creators of Pulp Fiction. It's New Year's Eve at the Mon Signor hotel and a hapless bellboy named Ted (Tim Roth) is in for the wildest night of his life. While delivering room service, Ted meets up with a series of outlandishly eccentric guests - from a pair of pint-size pranksters bent on destruction to a demented movie star who makes Ted an outrageous offer he can't believe... or refuse! Directed by four of Hollywood's hottest filmmakers - including Quentin Tarantino - and featuring hilarious performances from Antonio Banderas, Marisa Tomei and Madonna, this hysterical romp is five-star fun!

Crazy In Alabama (1999) Lucille, with only her hatbox and its mysterious contents, travels across America intent on finding fame and fortune in Hollywood. Her twelve-year-old nephew, Peejoe, left behind in Alabama, possesses one explosive secret he has difficulty keeping...

The Body (2001) In this message film about the struggle between politics and religion, a priest is sent to Jerusalem to investigate the remains of what could be the body of Jesus Christ. An Israeli archaeologist named Sharon (Olivia Williams) analyzes an ancient tomb discovered by a Palestinian shopkeeper who was digging in his backyard to build a basement under his shop. Tensions begin to mount between the Israeli and Palestinian communities when scientific research reveals that the remains resemble those of the unrisen body of Jesus Christ. The Vatican sends the Reverend Matt Gutierrez (Antonio Banderas) to look into the legitimacy of the findings and also to alleviate some of the growing worry in the Christian community. But the situation is more dangerous than anyone could have predicted and the lives of the shopkeeper, Sharon, and Matt are all threatened as Sharon gets closer to proving the relevance of her discovery. The screenwriter of MALICE, Jonas McCord, makes his feature debut with this action-packed drama that communicates the message, God has no place in politics. The film was produced by Banderas's company, Green Moon Productions.

Interview with the Vampire (1994) Anne Rice's best-selling romantic horror tale about the origins of a centuries-old vampire inspired this popular, atmospheric chiller. One of director Neil Jordan's major Hollywood productions, the film stays close to its source material, retaining the frame of a young reporter (Christian Slater) interviewing a man who claims to be a 200-year-old vampire. The man, Louis (Brad Pitt), shares his story, beginning in 18th-century New Orleans with his first encounters with the charismatic and decadent vampire Lestat (Tom Cruise). Lestat converts Louis to blood-sucking and immortality, but Louis fails to adopt Lestat's cavalier attitude, instead tormenting himself with guilt over his new nature. The two vampires remain deeply, if reluctantly, connected over the years, while becoming intimately involved with others of their kind, including Claudia (Kirsten Dunst), a mature immortal in a young child's body. Fans of the novel raised numerous objections, particularly after Rice initially spoke out against the casting of Cruise as Lestat; further casting difficulties followed the death of River Phoenix, whose role as the interviewer was assumed by Christian Slater. Rice later recanted her objections, and the combination of thrills and gothic romance proved popular with audiences.~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1990) I'll never love you . . . ever! the sexy and attractive Marina (Victoria Abril) states emphatically to the love-struck Ricky (Antonio Banderas). You know she means what she says because when she makes this statement she is handcuffed and lashed to a bed, not exactly the proper way to warm anyone up for romance. Yet in Pedro Almodovar's Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! the way to a woman's heart is depicted as being held in captivity until the Stockholm Syndrome kicks in. The film concerns the plight of Marina, a B-movie diva trying to adjust to her recent success after years of porno films and drug addiction. But then into her life comes Ricky, a part-time handyman and full-time mental patient, who, during one of his past escapes from the mental ward, had spent the night with Marina -- who gave in to him during one of her less-discerning moments. Since then, Ricky has been thinking of her constantly. Determined to win her affections, he kidnaps Marina, holding her captive in her own apartment and trying everything to convince her to love him -- then they could marry and have a big family. All Ricky's attempts to woo Marina fail. Finally, after taking a severe beating from some street thugs, he strikes a chord in Marina's nurturing heart so that when her sister Lola (Loles Leon) finally discovers her plight, Marina no longer wants to be rescued.~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Philadelphia (1993) At the time of its release, Jonathan Demme's Philadelphia was the first big-budget Hollywood film to tackle the medical, political, and social issues of AIDS. Tom Hanks, in his first Academy Award-winning performance, plays Andrew Beckett, a talented lawyer at a stodgy Philadelphia law firm. The homosexual Andrew has contracted AIDS but fears informing his firm about the disease. The firm's senior partner, Charles Wheeler (Jason Robards), assigns Andrew a case involving their most important client. Andrew begins diligently working on the case, but soon the lesions associated with AIDS are visible on his face. Wheeler abruptly removes Andrew from the case and fires him from the firm. Andrew believes he has been fired because of his illness and plans to fight the firm in court. But because of the firm's reputation, no lawyer in Philadelphia will risk handling his case. In desperation, Andrew hires Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a black lawyer who advertises on television, mainly handling personal injury cases. Miller dislikes homosexuals but agrees to take the case for the money and exposure. As Miller prepares for the courtroom battle against one of the law firm's key litigators, Belinda Conine (Mary Steenburgen), Miller begins to realize the discrimination practiced against Andrew is no different from the discrimination Miller himself has to battle against. The cast also includes Antonio Banderas as Andrew's partner, Joanne Woodward as Andrew's mother, and Stephanie Roth as Joe's wife.~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Thick as Thieves (2008) A veteran thief recruits a younger crook to help him pull off one final job in order to repay his debt to the Russian mob.

Against The Wind (1947) An Ealing spy thriller set in World War II London. It involves a group of very different people working together in an attempt to confuse the enemy and further the war effort.

The 13th Warrior (1999) Director John McTiernan takes viewers back to 900 A.D. in THE 13th WARRIOR. After courting "an untouchable" Muslim princess, Ahmed (Antonio Banderas) is banished and sent North as an emissary. When traveling from Baghdad to Saqaliba, he stumbles into an encampment of Vikings. At first repulsed by their Nordic ways, Ahmed soon grows fond of the Northerners and joins their party.When news is brought that a horde of flesh eating monsters are ravaging the land, the mystic Oracle ordains that a group of 13 must travel to fight their evil doings. Twelve Nordes rom the party are chosen, Ahmed, a Muslim, is picked as the thirteenth. Knowing that defeat is eminent, the 13 warriors must undergo indeterminable odds to battle and rid the land of the horrific flesh eaters.The 13th Warrior is an epic tour de force created by two of Hollywood's most ingenious: Michael Crichton (JURASSIC PARK, LOOKER) and John McTiernan (PREDATOR, THE LAST ACTION HERO). Its sheer epicness and style make it an astonishing spectacle. Never before has such detail and large scale beauty been present in a Viking film.

Assassins (1995) An ageing professional assassin who's looking to get out of the business becomes prey for his psychotic, up-and-coming protege, mirroring the hit-man's own ascension fifteen years earlier.

My Spy (2008) When an uptight federal agent's (Colin Hanks) sexually liberated mother (Meg Ryan) enters into an affair with a man (Antonio Banderas) suspected of being involved in an international art-theft ring, it's up to the fresh-faced agent to keep an observant eye on the couple in question in writer/director George Gallo's lighthearted romantic comedy

Of Love and Shadows (1994) Irene Beltran, a young journalist in Cuba, takes on an assignment with magazine photographer Fransisco who is working for the underground revolutionaries. Together they uncover a hideous state crime and fall in love...

Original Sin (2001) In Cuba, at the end of the 19th century wealthy Luis Vargas (Antonio Banderas) a successful coffee sales man is finding it hard to find true love. When he arranges a marriage with an American girl Juliet (Angelina Jolie) he is bowled over by her beauty and passion. But when a detective turns up looking for Juliet, Vargas learns that all may not all be as it seems and that Juliet is hiding a deadly secret. Not knowing who to believe Vargas is forced to breaking point trying to uncover the truth.

Miami Rhapsody (1995) Gwyn Marcus soon discovers that marriage and fidelity don't always go hand-in-hand, particularly in her own family. Comical situations follow as Gwyn attempts to sort out her complicated affairs...

Play It To The Bone (1999) Shelton turns his sports-minded attention to the world of boxing in this road trip comedy. Cesar (Banderas) and Vince (Harrelson) are down on their luck boxers living in Los Angeles, reminiscing over their near brushes with the big time. When they receive a call to fight in Las Vegas, they jump at the opportunity. Accompanied by Grace (Davidovich), Vince's former girlfriend who's now dating Cesar, the quirky triangle is completed and the journey begins. By the time the boxers finally step into the ring for the film's climax--after a series of comic misadventures--it is very apparent that they are doing this for more than just the money. What better way to exercise personal demons than to beat them out of each other?

The Other Man (2008) After many years of marriage a man's wife dies. Shortly afterwards, a letter arrives for her from another man. Obsessed with finding out the truth, the husband writes back, impersonating his dead wife. Soon he discovers a love which he cannot understand.

The Legend Of Zorro (2005) Catherine Zeta Jones captivated audiences and shot to stardom via her role as Elena in the 1998 take on the Zorro legend, MASK OF ZORRO. This sequel, set in 1850, finds her married to Alejandro, aka Zorro (Antonio Banderas, also returning to reprise his character from MASK OF ZORRO), and demanding he stop all the derring-do and spend time with their smart-as-a-whip 10-year-old son, Joaquin (Adrian Alonso). The boy has some serious acrobatic skills, but is unaware of his father's secret identity. He can only look askance as his parents separate and Dad starts spending too much time with his hard-drinking horse, while Mum lets herself be wooed by the odious Count Armand (Rufus Sewell). It's up to little Zorro Joaquin to get to the bottom of things and get his folk-hero parents back into action. Jones is a stunning sight in her elaborate lace-and-linen ensembles, and there's some complex DA VINCI CODE-style secret society skullduggery, but otherwise this sequel has more in common with classic old Walt Disney comedies like THE APPLE DUMPLING GANG or Robert Rodiguez's SPY KIDS than with the 1998 movie. The swordfighting and death-defying action sequences are all totally bloodless, and director Martin Campbell, who also helmed the 1998 film, keeps the dialogue very contemporary and child-friendly throughout.

Ballistic - Ecks vs Sever (2002) In the mystifying opening sequence of BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER, a double kidnapping takes place on a rainy night in Vancouver with a minimal amount of wasted time and a maximum amount of violence. A little boy is picked up at the airport by his mother (Talisa Soto), whose car is stopped minutes later by thugs who steal the boy and say they're taking him to his father. Rounding the corner, the thugs see a car explode in front of them, and a dump truck smashes into a wall of other cars, spraying fire. A hooded martial arts expert takes out the thugs with some impressive kicks and swirls, then grabs the boy and leaves. Secret agent Sever (Lucy Liu) is the kidnapper here, an angry, heavily armed nut who literally goes ballistic for unknown reasons. Using automatic weapons and other highly explosive artillery, she annihilates at least a hundred policeman in the next scene, outside a shopping mall. A retired secret agent, Ecks (Antonio Banderas), is the only man who can stop her, and when he does--temporarily--the two join forces against the real culprit, Robert Gant (Gregg Henry). Gant has crafted a dangerous assassination weapon that triggers death at the push of a button once it is injected into its victim's bloodstream. And that weapon is living inside the little boy. To save him, and stop the weapon from being used again, Ecks and Sever must get Gant. BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER is a super-violent nonstop action extravaganza with a high-octane musical score by Don Davis. It is directed by Kaos.

Dali (2010) A chronicle of the life of surrealist painter Salvador Dali, with a focus on his success in America and his later misfortunes.