The Mask of Zorro

The Mask of Zorro is classic struggle between good and evil. Don Diego de la Vega is a hero to the Mexican peasants and commoners who he defends against the Spanish government his real identity is unknown. The people know him only as Zorro (he is dressed in black which represents mystery and the unknown). He is a denied hero because his status is essential in making heroism possible. He goes on the common archetypal journeys, the warrior’s journey to save his people and to rid the land of danger and the quest for vengeance. He goes through many test of strength, he is a skilled swordsman. The devil figure is the cruel governor Don Rafael Montero. Zorro's secret identity is revealed and his home is attacked, leaving him imprisoned, his wife dead and his daughter seized to be raised as Montero’s child. His wife’s death is his unhealable wound. Twenty years go by before he finally escapes the prison. He vows revenge and become the mentor for Alejandro Murrieta to one day takes his place as Zorro. They discover that Montero has a secret gold where peasants and criminals are used for slave labor. His plan is to buy California from Santa Anna stealing gold from their land. Alejandro and Don Diego steal a map to the gold mine. This frightens Montero that Santa Anna would discover what he was doing so he decides to get rid of the evidence by blowing up the mine along with all the workers. Alejandro and Don Diego manage to rescue the workers and kill Montero and Don Diego convinces his daughter that he is her real father. Peace is restored to the land.