Bandidas

Maria Alvarez is a fierce peasant and Sara Sandoval a poised heiress who plays by the rules. When a ruthless robber baron swoops in and strips them of everything they value, the unlikely pair decides to strike back. They team up not to mourn or plead but to outsmart their foe with wit, daring and humor. Across sun scorched towns, dusty train yards and crowded cantinas, they pull off audacious heists while learning to rely on each other. As they push past class lines and gender norms, their partnership proves a force more dangerous than money and more loyal than fear. Their plan hinges on timing and trust, turning an unlikely feud into a partnership that tames power.

Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, Bandidas was released in 2006. The project traces its concept to Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, and it pairs Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek in a bright tongue in cheek Western caper.

Beyond its modest box office, Bandidas stands out for pairing Cruz and Hayek in a bilingual action comedy Western, a rare pairing that drew attention to Latina leads in genre cinema. The film's brisk pace, color saturated visuals, and cheeky lineup left a small but lasting imprint on fan culture and mid 2000s pop cinema.

Critics greeted it as a breezy, entertaining ride that leans into humor rather than tough realism. The main themes mix friendship across social divides with a stubborn refusal to bow to men's expectations. It treats empowerment playfully, balancing caper energy with affectionate satire of classic Western tropes.

The film did not receive major nominations from the major awards bodies, and it stayed a lively crowd pleaser rather than a prestige title. Critics praised the performances and the duo's chemistry, but it wasn't positioned as an awards season favorite.