Driver takes the chase off-road and ends up taking an ill-fated jump, flying through a corrugated metal wall border, before flipping over the border into Mexico. The car comes to rest just in front of Mexican police who are patrolling the border. They take Driver into custody, liberating him of the obviously stolen money.
Our resident anti-hero is unceremoniously dumped into prison, without a name, fingerprints, or charges. It is not just any prison, it is a prison where, if you have the money, your family can come live with you (essentially allowed to come and go as they please).
The prison has its own economy, its own shops, and even a heroin hut (in case you need some help dealing with, you know, prison). This prison even has its own crime boss overseeing everything; he can even leave the prison for dinner or sporting events, so long as he returns. Needless to say, corruption is rampant, but that really isn't the story here (something else interesting to note is that this prison is based on an actual Mexican prison).
The story is actually pretty simple. Driver finds himself in prison, no money, no way out, a 40-year smoking habit, and no cigarettes. He quickly sets about learning the lay of the land and with the help of a 10-year-old boy, also with a smoking habit, begins to figure out the hierarchy. He uses the knowledge to manipulate the bad guys to facilitate his escape. Oh, he also uses his knowledge to find out where his money is and get it back from those corrupt cops.
What makes the movie work is the attitude and style. There is no denying that the movie as a certain swagger to it. Gibson walks through the film with a smirk and a wink, not always in control of the situation, but always looking for the upper hand. It is an homage to a bygone era of violent cinema (perhaps the Man with No Name films?). The movie is violent, especially in the latter portion.
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Article comments
1 - Josselyn
What are you talkin' 'bout? It's a great title. As for violence? Pft. Sure, Gringo has some violence in it, what movie doesn't these days? Overall, the violence is minimal.
It's a good movie, much more entertaining than a lot of the movies in theaters these days.
2 - Jennifer
Not even close to Payback. I always love Gibson movies but this one was an average one.