The Mask of Zorro - Wikiquote (2024)

The Mask of Zorro is a 1998 action film by Sony Pictures starring Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Its sequel was 2005's The Legend of Zorro.

Don Diego[edit]

You know there is a saying, a very old saying: when the pupil is ready the master will appear.
A nobleman is nothing but a man, who says one thing and thinks another.
Lesson number one: never attack in anger.

Alejandro[edit]

That is the way they are dancing in Madrid these days... Don Rafael, you'll have to excuse me, I have to catch my breath. Your daughter is a very spirited dancer.
All this sword play, and riding around on horses, it gives me a frightful headache.

Captain Love[edit]

You're doing very well. Your brother would have shot himself by now.
Strange I'd say, it's the second time I've shot this man while he was flying through the air.

Elena[edit]

He was vigorous and young. (smiles then looks serious) He was very vigorous, Father.

Dialogue[edit]

Don Diego: You have passion Alejandro, and your skill is growing. But to enter Montero's world, I must give you something which is completely beyond your reach.

Alejandro: Ah, yes? And what is that?

Don Diego: Charm.

Alejandro: ...And what is that?

Alejandro: I miss my brother, sir.

Don Diego: Your brother is dead. We lose the ones we love; we cannot change it. Put it aside.

Alejandro: How? How can I do what is needed, when all I feel is... hate.

Don Diego: You hide it. With this. (he holds up the Zorro mask)

Soldier: Hey... I thought you were tied up.

Joaquín: That is because you are stupid.

Don Rafael: Did you send men to the hills? Double the guard at the walls?

Captain Love: Yes, yes, of course. After all, it's only one man...

Don Rafael: It isn't just "one man", damn it! It's Zorro!

Alejandro: Do you surrender?

Elena: Never, but I may scream.

Alejandro: I understand. Sometimes I have that effect.

Don Diego: You should not trade something like that for a mere glass of whiskey.

Alejandro: Why not? You think I could get two?

Alejandro: I would have killed him.

Don Diego: No, not today. He is trained to kill. You seem trained to drink. Oh yes, my friend, you would have fought very bravely, and died very quickly. Who then would avenge your brother?

Alejandro: I would have found a way. I've never lost a fight.

Don Diego: Except to a crippled old man just now.

Elena: Forgive me father for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession.

Alejandro: Three days? How many sins could you have committed in three days? Come back when you have more time, please.

Elena: What?

Alejandro: I mean, go on my child.

Elena: I have broken the fourth commandment, padre.

Alejandro: You killed somebody?

Elena: No, that is not the fourth commandment.

Alejandro: Of course not. Tell me, in what way did you break the most sacred of commandments?

Elena: I dishonored my father.

Alejandro: That is not so bad. Maybe your father deserved it.

Don Diego: Convince Montero that you're a gentleman of stature, and he will let you into his circle.

Alejandro: Me? A gentleman? This is going to take a lot of work.

Don Diego: Yes.

Alejandro: Weren't you the one chasing some legendary bandit recently?

Captain Love: He was hardly legendary.

Alejandro: So you caught him?

Captain Love: It's only a matter of time.

Alejandro: Well the bandit might have escaped. But we will all think twice before going to confession.

Captain Love: The lady and I were trying to dance.

Alejandro: You were trying. She was succeeding.

Don Diego: Do you know how to use that thing?

Alejandro: Yes. The pointy end goes into the other man.

Alejandro: Look at me. I look like a butterfly. This is the most stupid thing I've ever done.

Don Diego: I doubt that.

Alejandro: We'll never get away with this.

Don Diego: Yes we will. A nobleman is nothing but a man who says one thing and thinks another.

Alejandro: Here. This is the canyon. That is where the mine is. They have 20… 30 guards at most. Nothing that Zorro can't overcome.

Don Diego: I'm not going with you. Alejandro looks at him confused I'm not going with you. There's something I must do. It’s a personal matter.

Alejandro: And the prisoners?

Don Diego: There's nothing more I can do.

Alejandro: Nothing you will do?

Don Diego: I gave my life to them. My wife was murdered before my eyes, and my child was raised by my enemy.

Alejandro: Montero? Elena... She's your daughter!

Don Diego: She was.

Alejandro: So, you will simply take your revenge.

Don Diego: No, my daughter. And don't pretend she means nothing to you.

Alejandro: She does. But you taught me to see beyond personal feelings. Was that all a lie?

Don Diego: You are too young to understand.

Alejandro: To understand what? Betrayal? All the work, all the training, all the wise words, FOR WHAT? To smile in the face of a killer while you make your own plans?

Don Diego: I taught you everything you need to survive. Now I must look to my own heart. Elena is all I have left. I am not going to lose her again.

Alejandro: What about California? What about the people?

Don Diego: They still have Zorro.