Overview
A passionate peasant rises against oppression, igniting a revolution that tests his ideals.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- solemn
- politically charged
- tragic
- classic cinema evening
- historical film marathon
What critics said
Critics generally admired the film's vitality, political scale, and performances while finding Kazan's direction and Steinbeck's script uneven in achieving intimacy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Zapata fights for communal land rights, gains political power, and recognizes the danger of reproducing the old regime's distance from ordinary petitioners.
The film repeatedly returns Zapata to the complaints of villagers and measures leadership against direct responsibility to Morelos peasants.
The black-and-white photography frames Zapata's rural uprising, military confrontations, and political ceremonies with austere historical grandeur.
Zapata's opposition to Díaz and later discomfort with office make the film's biographical portrait a critique of power itself.
Films like Viva Zapata!, and why
The Battle of Algiers
historical revolution drama centered on a charismatic insurgent confronting authoritarian power and compromised leadership
Lawrence of Arabia
epic biographical war drama about a revolutionary leader balancing political ideals against military power
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
classic western treatment of social injustice, rebellion, and the moral costs of leadership
Burn!
politically charged historical drama about revolution, land, and betrayal within a changing regime
Movie Details
- Director
- Elia Kazan
- Release Date
- 1952-02-07
- Runtime
- 113 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (252)
Cast
- Marlon Brando
- Jean Peters
- Anthony Quinn
- Joseph Wiseman
- Arnold Moss
- Alan Reed
- Margo
- Harold Gordon
- Lou Gilbert
- Frank Silvera
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Viva Zapata! about?
- A principled Mexican land reformer becomes the reluctant face of revolution and confronts the corrupting distance between power and the people.
- What is Viva Zapata! like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Viva Zapata! as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Viva Zapata! violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Viva Zapata! as moderate.
- What did critics think of Viva Zapata!?
- Critics generally admired the film's vitality, political scale, and performances while finding Kazan's direction and Steinbeck's script uneven in achieving intimacy.
- Which films are like Viva Zapata!?
- Films with a similar feel include The Battle of Algiers, Lawrence of Arabia, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and Burn!.
- How long is Viva Zapata!?
- Viva Zapata! runs 113 minutes.
- Where can I watch Viva Zapata!?
- In United States, Viva Zapata! is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
