BRING ME THE HEAD OF THE MACHINE GUN WOMAN (2012)

Directed By: Ernesto Diaz Espinoza 
Written By: Ernesto Diaz Espinoza & Fernanda Urrejola 
Cinematography By: Nicolas Ibieta 
Editor: Ernesto Diaz Espinoza & Nicolas Ibetia 


Cast: Ferrnanda Urrejola, Matias Oviedo, Jorge Alis, Sofia Garcia, Alex Rivera


A powerful Chilean gangster uses everything in his power to stop the woman that wants to kill him, a sexy mercenary known as "The Machine Gun woman". The staggering sum of cash he offers for her head sets in motion an army of hitmen. And also, by accident, bursts in the life of naïve DJ Santiago, a common youth that will have to steel his guts against the underworld, and above all, survive the irresistible - and bloodthirsty - Machine Gun Woman. Just from the title and poster this film lets you know what kind of film it is. Especially when you have a character who like so many movie tough guys has her action uniform on for most of the film. This her's is more revealing and distracting. Which I am sure helps her get the upper hand on her victims.

Though it has a limited budget. It also has an inventiveness that keeps it endlessly entertaining even though it has such a short running time for a feature. It shows what can be done with ideas, passion and skill not necessarily a big budget.

I can admit it isn't anything we haven't really seen before, but it is so much fun you don't mind the way it is put together. --The film obviously owes a debt to more the grindhouse movies of the 70's and With it's production values. It more looks like a product of the 80's. Though they is by design.

Though the title character is our hero. She isn't your typical grade A hero. She is more a mercenary taking out whoever, whenever for the right price. Luckily most of the people she assassinates are evil.

It even gives a shout out to a character in another Chilean action film. Which is the name of the character and the film. MANDRILL Also Written and directed by Ernesto Diaz Espinoza Another one really worth watching. Both of these film are obviously influenced by other more popular genre films. As they are both homages to those films while defining themselves. To be alongside those type of films. Though are more noteworthy coming after. As if made at the time would seem like copycat cash in's.

The film has recognizable influences it's like of EL MARIARCHI, BRING ME THE HEAD OF ALFREDO GARCIA, MACHETE, SPAGETTI WESTERNS and GRAND THEFT AUTO. Were all thrown into a blender and mixed once poured this is what would come out. Though it is still better in it's limited budget then MACHETE KILLS. Though not as gritty as any of those films, nor of course as authentic as some of them.

It's hilarious as the main hero seems to always get out of dangerous situations by luck and being a klutz. As he keeps going the film refers to his adventures by introducing them as missions and telling us if he failed or accomplished them. Just as you would with each new level in grand theft auto.

The action sequences, While not spectacular are at least noteworthy for their fury, humor and surprisingly graphic violence at times, Though luckily not disgusting. That doesn't stop the film at times from being or feeling vulgar. Though it's not always as it just seems to want to have some hope in this dreary hard bitten world of the characters. Though soon the film adapts to it's surroundings.

The film also introduces the cliche of the villain who has many henchmen and will kill them at will and makes me wonder, In these type of films why they stay so loyal. I guess as it is in the world where you know your boss doesn't really know you and doesn't care but asks for your loyalty though you know theirs is kind of shaky and will terminate you in a moments notice. Not caring about your responsibilities and situation.

It does offer surprises once in awhile as no one is off limits, nor totally innocent. At times it seems willing to shock with the death of a character you thought too innocent to be killed. Just to throw you off. Then stays pretty basic when it comes to those characters.

It has equal Laughs and action. The film really surprised me as you don't expect much when you go in and it gives so much back. I really hope for a sequel or further films from director Ernesto Diaz Espinoza


Grade: B-