La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta is a Mexican western series that revives the heyday of the spaghetti western. This is mainly due to the way in which it is filmed and acted. To start with that last point. It is especially noticeable with the white American actors that this is not the A segment. Everyone does their best and it's not bad, but it doesn't rise above mediocrity. Steve Wilcox (S.O.Z: Soldados o Zombies) does his best in his role as the leader of the California state militia. Liam Sharpe (Strings Attached) does the same as Private Oliver. However, it is clear that the better actors from the United States have no desire to play in a Mexican western. Partly for this reason, the army from the United States is represented by a very small contingent of soldiers. Of the American actors, only Michael Wilson Morgan gets a big compliment for his role as 'reverend' Christopher Kelly.
The above is especially unfortunate for the outcome of La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta because it is otherwise a solid, but also interesting western. This is partly due to the story, the background and the filming itself. The story is based on a character who actually existed. Joaquín Murrieta (Juan Manuel Bernal, Monarca) is a kind of Robin Hood from the west. In the series, he fights against the Americans because he feels guilty for his betrayal of his Mexican soldiers during the war against the United States. Joaquín has deserted in the heat of battle. This version of the story is in stark contrast to reality. At least, as far as it is known because it is unclear whether Joaquín was the bandit as claimed. The annals of history leave a lot of room for interpretation. The television series has made good use of that space.
La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta deserved a higher rating, but unfortunately some episodes just weren't good enough.
What is strong about La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta is the interesting story. Sometimes presented with a wink, but also with explicit violence and nudity. This time the story is told from a Mexican perspective, which provides a nice insight into their culture. In addition, the different tribes of the Apaches are portrayed much better than in most westerns. In addition, the acting talent on the Mexican side is a lot better. Bernal plays a nice role as Joaquín. The extremely skilled Chinese knife puller Adela Cheng is excellently played by Becky Zhu Wu. Gustavo Carr (Alpha Males) portrays a convincing farmer seeking revenge after the horrific murder of his family. What is also striking is that shooting with pistol, rifle, bow and arrow doesn't always result in hits. It takes some getting used to, but it is a much better representation of reality than the one we usually get served. At that time, the adjustment of weapons was bad.
The imagery is old-fashioned good. It fits well with this western. The tone is set by the desolate atmosphere. The desert, the heat and the bright sun provide bright and sharp images. Clearly no expense has been spared on the image quality. The poverty, hatred and powerlessness of the Mexicans who suddenly live in the United States after the war is palpable. No wonder Joaquín is adored by the locals. He and his comrades are a sign of resistance. A beacon of hope in an otherwise turbulent and dark time.
The imagery is old-fashioned good.
La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta deserved a higher rating, but unfortunately, some episodes just weren't good enough. Because of that, it just becomes a bit illogical at times. Certainly, the metamorphosis that Joaquín Murrieta undergoes is very far-fetched. From gunfighter and bandit to a somewhat whiny old man. Someone who suddenly no longer understands the art of collaboration, while he did before. Far-fetched and unnecessary. Now La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta is just a nice western. Especially if you like the old familiar spaghetti westerns, this season is definitely worth it.
About the writer, Karzal
Mike (1995) has been a member of MySeries since 2016 and is mainly active on the English version of the site. Since 2018, he has been actively translating news articles, columns, reviews and basically everything that ends up on the Dutch site. The original articles, columns and reviews were actually written by others. During the week Mike can be found at IKEA, where he is a national systems specialist and occasionally also in the classroom to teach an English lesson. In addition, Mike logically enjoys watching series and has actually been spoon-fed this from an early age. The genre doesn't matter, there is a place for everything in the otherwise busy life.
