Why? Are ya kiddin? Watch da movie. ^_^
Alright, but seriously...
Something about their relationship seems a little different then usual. I mean, there's something underneath all that tension and bickering; a kind of familiarity. Ya know they've known eachother a long time, it's there. Ya can just kinda see it in everything they do. They know how they act and react to eachother, they know exactly what da other is gonna do. They also know what that means most of da time, which is what prompted Tulio's spaz fit after Miguel ran off ta be an uke amidst da people of El Dorado. Hee hee.
Anyway, they have their own promise and handshake and everythin. They're able ta signify ta eachother through subtle gestures and movements what they need or want ta do. They're able ta play off eachother masterfully and improvise at da drop of a hat. They're able ta touch eachother without freaking out. That doesn't come with just casual friendship...it musta taken em a long time ta build that kinda thing up.
Anyway, something about how Miguel reacted ta Tulio and Chel said more then just da betrayal of a friend. Da long awkward pauses, da intentional aggressive attacks on one another, da moments where yer SURE he's gonna say somethin, but then he doesn't, and all da time they look at eachother, or off inta da distance...that goes a bit deeper. I guess that's what I mean. It goes deep. Their relationship I mean.
Not ta mention that Miguel really needs Tulio. I mean, he needs him. Not necessarily emotionally, but Miguel would constantly be gettin inta trouble without him. He depends on him ta get him outta situations they find themselves in, and trusts him completely with taking care of him. Of course, Tulio seems to have accepted taking responsibility fer Miguel, somethin he's sometimes bitter about and da like (Don't move! Just stop! Stop!), but Miguel knows him well enough not ta take him seriously. They know about this relationship, they know this kinda co-dependence thing is going on.
I think they really really need eachother. In terms of balancin eachother out. I think Chel is a bit too much like Tulio in terms to have a lasting relationship with him...I think it would freak him out, ta hafta constantly outthink someone like her. And their relationship seems mainly ta be built on physical attraction, rather then his relationship with Miguel of mutual codependence.
I dunno, it's just so OBVIOUS. Everythin about them seems ta bespeak this silent, underscored relationship da two have. All their movements, expressions, their gestures. Even their petty bickering. There's something underneath it all, so present through da movie it's hard not ta see it. So here I am ta make that clear. ^_^
At least, that's my opinion. ^_^

Actually, a nice person named Earthenwing emailed me with this info...

On your Why? page, I'd like to point out somthing that pretty much every website overlooks. In The Road to El Dorado, Tulio and Miguel are SUPPOSED to be in a relationship. Do you ever watch your television with the captions on? The captions for movies are usually written out from the original script, not the dialog that actually makes it to the theatre. Often the captions will be revised at a later date to fix the last minute changes made before the film was released. Which is why in some, but not all versions of the Road to El Dorado captioning, there are PET NAMES. Miguel calls Tulio 'darling'. Do you call your best friend darling? I think not. In the finalized version of the script, the pet names were present, and the script was sent to the executives to be reviewed one last time. Though it had passed all the creative folk's standards (a tulio/miguel relationship added much depth to the storyline, no?) the executives wouldn't have it. They said that 'modern audiences are open minded, but not THAT open minded. So the words were quickly snipped out of the dialog, but still remained on the script text. Thus, they remained in the captioning, at least until the revision occured. Though I'm not sure why they thought just taking out a single word would counteract that entire aspect of the movie. Apparently it did, though. Most people don't even consider the possibility of a homosexual relationship being in a program unless the character says loudly and repeatedly that they're gay but even then, a lot of people just don't get it. ... Ya gotta research the movies that are slashy. A lot of times the creative crew will come forward with the facts even when the executive folk dont. :)

And a email later...

I think the whole 'darling' thing is the reason it had the pg13 rating in the first place. Don't really see why, tho. I mean, chel and tulio do a whole lot worse than utter the word 'darling' but THAT still made it in on a PG level. They were making out in a temple! But then, thats probably the cleanest thing that's happened in that temple for a long time, soooo.... ;)
Um, I don't know what versions have the original script captions. The tape might, I should probably rent a copy and find out. All I know is that the first time I saw the movie was on one of the movie channels, like HBO or something, and it only had the script captions on the first few run throughs. The captions on the tape are done seperatly from the TV ones, tho, so I'm not sure if they would be the same. *sigh* It's hard to prove slashiness when the evidence ran away ;)
Actually, the first time I watched this movie I had the volume down to nil cause my mom was asleep, so I really only knew what they were saying by the captions. Miguel said something like "dinner is served, darling" and I was all WHOO HOO!!! Woke my mom up anyway ;) I love it when slash admits it's slashy!

God, I would die fer a screencap of that. ^_^ That'd be fantastic.

So, ever wanted a pretty comprehensive look at all da little physical signs, da touches, da looks and strange phrases, through The Road to El Dorado that hint at somethin more? Look no further, I got it all here fer yas inna semi-chronological format. ^_^

Hee hee, actually, before da movie even starts, a little interestin tidbit of information is that Tulio and Miguel's voice actors recorded their lines in da same room at da same time. Very atypical of american animation (standard in japanese though). Neat, huh? That's prolly why all their bickering sounds so natural.
Hee hee, Tulio's aztec god version has a ponytail! ^_^ Tulio's first and Miguel sits behind him.
Durin Cortez' little rant about da new world, Altivo looks very unimpressed. I just thought that was kinda funny.
Heh, they're wanted fer 100 doubloons. In case ya were ever curious. ^_^ I think it's also rather amusing that da first thing they say is "PARTNERS!" and then they do their little song and dance, with nudging and kicking (of da butt!) and such. ^_^ Hee hee hee. This also all takes place in 1519.
When they do their little song and dance at da beginnin, there are some odd looks passed between da two, but that may just be a coincidence. ^_^ Hee hee, I also love how they have a song and everythin fer their scams.
There's of course, da great "Oh, not the face, stop it." bit with da map. Leading up ta that there's quite a few looks from Tulio kinda like "Dear lord, not this again" when Miguel gets all excited over da map, which he looks over like he can understand what it says. ^_^ He also grabs Tulio and pulls him over rather authoritativly ta look at it.
Anyway, there's da "not the face" bit, which musta been done before. ^_^ Hee hee, Miguel does look awfully cute when he makes that face. Not ta mention da faces he makes after that, notably da panting dog face. Interestin little note - when da map is pulled away from em both, there's a yipe of a dog. ^_^
There's also just how close and enthusiastic Miguel gets when he describes "This could be it, this could be our fate!". ^_^ He puts quite a lotta emphasis on it.
After da pirates are all like "OUR DICE" Tulio turns ta Miguel and mutters somethin like "I'm going to KILL you" and Miguel just smiles apologetically. And plays guitar. Hee hee hee hee. Here's somethin interestin I just picked up lately - when Tulio's about ta roll, he mumbles something like (scuse my language) "Cmon baby, papa needs that crappy map...". I never noticed that before cause it went by so quickly. Amazing, huh? Well, not really.
Interestin how Miguel is easily able ta charm da ladies, but Tulio seems ta have a bit more trouble. Maybe it's da guitar.
I also love when they win their roll, Miguel only grabs da map. Priorities!
Durin their mock argument, when Miguel's like 'You DARE impugne my honor!?" He has a smile on his face. ^_^
During their sword fight, Tulio calls him a mincing, prancing twit when Miguel's jumpin around, which is kinda interestin. ^_^ I wonder how often they've practiced that battle.
After they land after da whole scam bit, they start congratulatin eachother rather sincerely, or at least that's what it looks like. Heh.
There's da whole brig scene. Need I explain? I will anyway. Again, their relationship must be pretty long at least cause Miguel knows exactly what Tulio's doin by thumpin his head. Then again, of course they'd hafta be tagether long enough ta get a wanted poster fer BOTH of them, but I'm gettin off-topic. Tulio pulls him down (they look so cute in this scene, just lying next ta eachother, but that may just be me) and begins explaining. Anyway, Miguel trustingly follows Tulio's idea until it begins ta fall flat, but then again doesn't really attack him directly, still leaving responsibility in "You're the one with all the plans." That part is also great cause Tulio makes as if he's gonna hit Miguel, but deliberatly misses him and only brushes his hair aside instead. I love their expressions in that scenario. ^_^
Did anyone else notice da scratches on da wall above Miguel's head? Ya can see it in some of da above screenshots. Did they make em or was someone else there? Cause if they did they've been in there fer some time.
And then there's one of da greatest moments, when Tulio lifts Miguel up ta talk ta Altivo. Hee hee. I especially love how Tulio nudges Miguel's butt with his head when he gets really frustrated with his behavior. More close touching! And Miguel doesn't even really notice or think it's peculiar. There's something odd about that in itself, don't ya think? ^_^ Also, right before he lifts him up, Miguel stands and quite confidentally steps over Tulio's back while goin somethin like "Wait wait, I got a plan".
Also, when Tulio's all like "Well, it's not a prybar." Miguel just shrugs and gives this apologetic look.
Another little note - when Miguel is like "Oh, he wants his apple" he gives it ta Tulio ta give ta Altivo. Hmm. Why?
Also, when Altivo jumps off and consquently Miguel jumps off, Tulio immediately goes after him. Understandably of course. He sounds quite irritated at him, but that's very typical of Tulio tho. ^_^ More interestin here is that when they're on da boat and they reach out ta eachother, there's a very defined and distinct shot of Miguel grasping hands with Tulio and pullin him up. They thought it important enough ta devote a distinct camera shot too. ^_^ Hee hee.
Another little interestin bit is when Tulio and Miguel are all floundering underneath da boat, Tulio raps out a command like "Loop the rope under the horse!" and Miguel just responds with a very quick "Yes" and goes under. It's kinda weird that he didn't add anythin else onta da end of that. Could Miguel have appreciated da seriousness of da situation? Naaah.
Another slight note about da whole boat scene is da matter of shoes. Tulio lost his shoes at some point in da brig (how I ask? Mysteries) but Miguel has his shoes when he gets on da boat. But at some point, maybe when he jumps in after Altivo, he loses em. Little odd note.
And of course, with da fantastic "Excuse me, were you going to say WORSE?" Miguel gets this really sad expression on his face. It's really quite amusing. ^_^ There's of course, da great "You made my life rich" scene, but what could I add ta that? Leaning back ta back, talking about death, talking about how they feel and stuff like that...it's great just by itself. It really is. Interesting little note: when Tulio does da "I never had enough gold" line, Miguel smiles for a moment. I guess he expected that. ^_^ And when Miguel is like "Our greatest adventure is over before it began, and no one will even remember us." Tulio looks really, really sad.
I really love their totally different reactions ta landing on da sand. Their entire landing sequence was great. It's also where I got da title fer this little shrine. ^_^ Another little note, when Tulio realizes where they are, he glances at Miguel, who's lookin downward at that moment.
"But YOU don't want to go, so let's..." - A funny line unless ya read a bit too much inta it. Does that mean Miguel woulda only gone on da adventure if Tulio woulda gone with him? Hmm, dependent much? ^_^ Hee hee. God, it's weird fer me ta watch almost any animated movie now cause watchin RteD over and over again and watchin it THIS carefully made me notice like, all da details in everything I see now. ^_^o
"Wait wait! New Plan!" - When Miguel sneakily begins talkin ta Tulio about lookin fer El Dorado and pokes at them rowin back ta spain, Tulio falls fer it and starts talkin about a new plan (with a lot of touching and rather close contact). Miguel looks really pleased with himself when Tulio falls fer it too. Miguel sure is manipulative. ^_^ Second...no...third...I think this is da third time he gets Tulio ta go along with what he wants...wait, no. Okay, first he got Tulio ta bet fer da map, then he got Tulio ta jump off da building...hmm...I don't think da episode with Altivo gettin da keys involved too much manipulation, so yeah...that'd be three. He's tricked Tulio inta doin what he wants three times. Weird huh? I bet Miguel does that a lot. I'm gettin kinda off topic here. Da point is there's more physical contact in this scene, with Tulio holding Miguel's shoulders and leanin in reeeeal close while he explains da new plan.
"Here you go" - Another cute thing: In da whole Trail we Blaze sequence, Miguel cooks fer Tulio. Hee hee. Not only that, but he cooks da fish that bit him originally. I think this is where Miguel was originally supposed ta go "dinner is served, darling" but they cut it out. Sob. That woulda been great. I bet Miguel cooks fer him a lot.
"I'm not coming on!" - Rather bizarre response ta Miguel's "Oh come on!", don't ya think? Doesn't necessarily mean anything, but I just thought I'd make a note of it.
In Trails We Blaze there's a lot of insinuated closeness and da like, fer instance with da leeches. Miguel looks like he's about ta warn Tulio ta stay outta da water, and of course has ta take care of Tulio when he (kinda stupidly) gets leeched all over. Weirdly enough, Leeches don't really hurt. Maybe they're evil leeches or somethin. But again, more contact and closeness, even in pulling parasites from one another's backs.
Another interestin note durin da Trail We Blaze sequence, when they cut ta that scene of treeroots where everyone's zippin back and forth and disappearin and reappearin and what have you, along with shots of them mouthing da others name (both Tulio and Miguel do it, I think Miguel does it twice), at da very end of it, when Altivo neighs ta get their attention, Tulio and Miguel SERIOUSLY look like they're about ta hug. I'm not kidding.
Of course, there's da infamous hot springs scene. Do I even need ta get inta detail about that? ^_^ Except that Tulio doesn't even take out his ponytail then. When does he take it out? I bet his hair has a big permanent wave in it now from that.
Also kinda cute is when they're in da fog. Tulio hangs onta Altivo's tail, and Miguel hangs onta Tulio's vest. It's cute fer some reason. I also think it's cute how Miguel leads Tulio over da waterfall in da Lion King-esque way. Hee hee.
Another interestin bit in da Trails We Blaze bit is when they get ta da crying women place. At that point, from Tulio's expression apparently he was gettin inta it too, cause he looks quite pleased with himself when it's on da map. Oddly enough, Miguel just gets this kinda look like "That Tulio of mine". Weird cause later on Tulio gives da same kinda look! I thought I'd make a note of it cause Miguel' bizarrely posessive look shows up later.
There's something oddly familiar and comfortable in da way that Tulio wakes Miguel up. Da snap and then da smooth motion inta wakin Miguel up...he's done it before. There's something extremely familiar about how he does it and how Miguel reacts when he wakes up. It's definitly happened before. I also think it's kinda cute inna bizarre way, but again that may be me.
And then there's the "GET ON THE HORSE" scene. Miguel looks genuinely disappointed at finding out El Dorado isn't there, but he seems a bit more hurt by Tulio's sarcastic reaction ta it. Da pleading tone (I also think he says Tuli, like an endearing little name, but that could just be me) in his voice right before Tulio freaks out at him is interesting, don't ya think? He only does that pleading tone once. Of course, there's da fact that Tulio can control him so easily into gettin on da horse, and Miguel just sulks and pouts but doesn't say anything. He also cringes visibly when Tulio's like "And? And what?". Another little telling thing about this conversation is how Tulio coughs after he tells Miguel ta cut it out, like he's tryin ta change da subject. Very peculiar. ^_^ He also pulls Miguel up on da horse.
When Chel appears, Miguel has his hand on Tulio's shoulder. Could be just cause Altivo was bucking, but then again...
"We're tourists. Tour-ists." - Miguel's hiding behind him. At least, that's what it looks like. Hee hee.
Aha! When they walk through da waterfall, Miguel again has his hand on Tulio's upper arm. ^_^ He reaches out ta him when they see da waterfall and then he has his hand on his arm.
Another interestin note is when they show up in El Dorado and are just waitin fer Tzekel-kan ta show up, Miguel says somethin like "Tulio, before we go, I want you to know I'm sorry about that girl in Barcelona."
And then Tulio says something like "So you...you f-"
But then he gets cut off. ^_^o However, da way that Miguel says it doesn't necessarily denote he slept with Tulio's girlfriend or somethin. Ta me it seems more like he scared her off. Mwa ha ha. Or even better, Tulio's angry that Miguel cheated on him. Hee hee hee hee hee. Hee.
Another slight note - when Tzekel-kan asks what he should call them, Tulio nudges Miguel first, who responds with da overly dramatic "I am Miguel" bit. ^_^
"Of course we do!" "We do?" - Durin this sequence, Tulio is originally goin along with Miguel's scam before he begins mentionin disasters and stuff, and ya can watch him gettin increasingly worried as Miguel continues on. At da "We do?" bit, that's when Miguel realizes he's gone a bit TOO far and Tulio looks angry. Then Tulio grabs his shoulders and is like "Divinity! One moment.". Miguel at this point already knows whats comin, ya can see it on his face.
"Miguel, you know that little voice? YOU DON'T HAVE ONE" - Their entire conversation/argument here is great. There's a great deal of arguing and Miguel pre-emptively backs away from Tulio when he's about ta begin shouting. He knows it's coming. Of course, then there's Miguel bonking Tulio's forehead. Hee hee. There's something very subtle underlying that conversation, but it could again, just be me.
Tulio nudges Miguel afterwards and THEN Miguel holds his arms out. Weird, huh?
Little side-note - Apparently, Miguel started/starts da volcanic eruption/s (I'll start another one!) and Tulio stops them. I dunno what that means, but it's just a note. Miguel also cringes when Tulio yells Stop, but everyone does so I'm not sure that counts.
"Alright...temple!" - Same reaction Miguel had ta Cuba. ^_^ He seems quite jazzed about a temple, but who wouldn't be, really? ^_^ Also interestin here is that they both exchange these very lechy looks. Miguel first, then Tulio. Hee hee.
When they get up there (little thing - when they're climbin da stairs, Miguel's on all fours), they both go at da same time "Both" in response ta da question of a feast or a sacrifice. They look at eachother fer a bit, then again restate both. ^_^ Hee hee THEY CAN READ EACHOTHER'S MINDS well no not really.
Of course, there's their little victory dance after they get ta da temple. Hee hee. I really thought they'd hug at least once, but maybe they thought that'd be too suggestive fer a PG audience. Either way, there's a great deal of touching there as well. They could just be happy, but heck, that's not why this shrine exists. ^_^ Not ta mention their oddly suggestive "Hey" "Hey hey" exchange. ^_^
Another little note, when they talk about being gods, they put da other one's name first. "Miguel and Tulio!" "Tulio and Miguel!"
When Chel does da "Kk kk? You serious?" thing, Miguel looks really, really hurt. He looks at Tulio fer a minute as if expectin him ta do something, but he still looks really hurt.
"What makes you think we need your help?" - I think Miguel says this, but either way this line comes across as very angry. Almost kinda "back off" vibes comin off it. Weird huh?
"No, don't think so." - When Chel is like "I'm coming with you", Miguel is nodding, but when Tulio shakes his head and pulls away, Miguel follows his lead and shakes his head too. Hee hee.
"Deal!" "NOT YET" - More touching there, notably Tulio grabbing Miguel's hand and such. Miguel sure is trusting of Chel initially. He's such an uke. ^_^ Another note here is that when Tulio touches Chel's face initially, she flinches away from him.
If da hot springs scene wasn't enough, when they change before da feast is enough ta confirm they're rather comfortable being naked and/or taking clothes off around eachother. Tulio only expresses discomfort at Chel watching, not Miguel. Later on with da "This may be more difficult then I thought", he grabs his robes cause they're falling and Miguel again, touches his face. They're very comfortable around eachother, those two. ^_^
Another odd thing about this scene is that first Tulio is shown as da smarter, more capable one with da "What would it be saying about Chel?" thing, but then it abruptly switches when they get in their god robes, with Miguel takin da initiative and becomin really confident and suave. It's really sudden and kinda weird if ya think about it. ^_^
Another note fer da whole "What would it say about Chel?", Miguel responds with da adorable "Rawr" kinda thing, which gets Tulio ta shake him (rather enthusiastically) ta get his attention back. ^_^ He again emphasizes "We are partners." and Miguel's like "We're partners." Hee hee. Tulio brings up da partner thing a lot. Also another note here is da tone of voice Miguel has when he's like "Chel is...off limits?". It's a very submissive tone with a kinda "please tell me I'm right" thing under it. Like he's tryin ta please him. Wouldn't surprise me tho. ^_^
Da lyrics fer da movie version of "It's Tough to Be a God" are notably different then da Elton John version on da CD. Lemme see...some notable changes I noticed this time through was... At da beginning...

Tulio: I just don't cut it...with the cherubim.
Miguel: Tulio, what are you talking about!

Miguel: Being worshipped is a breeze! Which rather suits us in the interim
Tulio: The interim the interim it's me and him oh my god!

Tulio: And who am I to bridle if I'm forced to be an idol? If they say that I'm a god, that's what I am!
Little note fer this - Miguel pulls him up onta da statue.

Tulio: I can see us being sacrificed or stuffed!
Miguel: You have a point, that's very good thinking
Note fer this line - There's a really funny shot of Tulio leanin in conspiratorially ta Miguel who looks totally wasted. ^_^ Hee hee.

Miguel: El Dorado on a plate!
Tulio: Thank you.
I may have them reversed here, but ya get da idea.

Miguel: Local feelings should not be rebuffed!
Tulio: Never rebuffa never rebuff the local feeling no my friend no!

Both: Count your blessings, keep them sweet, here's my advice (It's great advice!)
Be a symbol of perfection, be a legend, be occult
Take the praise, take a collection while the multitudes exult!
Miguel: And a supernatural habit
Tulio: We'd be crazy not to grab it
Both: So sign on two new gods for paradise! Paradiiiiiseeeeeeeee!

Ya can compare em ta da actual lyrics here.
Okay, okay, here's a big thing I noticed. During da "It's Tough to be a God" sequence, when Tulio and Miguel start trippin (as in things start changin colors and weird stuff happens; fer me da exact point I consider em trippin is when they flounce down da stairs and there are all those peeps holdin up pictures of em and it's all whacked out colors) they go back ta their normal clothes. They wake up da next day with their normal clothes on, not their godly robes. Did they change? Did da people of El Dorado change them when they passed out? Even more importantly, they're sleepin in da same bed. ^_^ This is da big thing. There are two thrones in their temple, but no bed that they show EXCEPT when they wake up from da Festival. This bed is also a little carry thingy (I ferget what they're called), which is used after they thwart Tzekel-kan's ceremony. Now, I'm not sure about this, but if ya had two gods visit yer place, both male, would ya put them in da same bed tagether? I would, but I don't count. ^_^ I guess it's obvious even ta da people of El Dorado. Not only that, but they showed no weirdness or reaction ta sleepin in da same bed at all (pretty close ta eachother no less), no weird "um...okay"s or anything. It's probably normal fer them. ^_^ ::wink wink nudge nudge::
Also, while we're talkin about their temple and da like, why does it have a pool? ^_^ Or a bath, either way ya wanna look at it. Hee hee hee hee hee. It has two couches, tho. Yes, I think those are couches, they seem way too narrow fer beds. And most beds don't look like that. Hmmm.
I also thought Miguel's "He's back" was rather odd. Did Tzekel-kan bother them beforehand? Da only time they met up with him was at da beginnin when he wanted them ta do a miracle, and then he left them in their room. Then they met Chel, and then they had da ceremony dealy and woke up da next day. Miguel's pretty freaked (or at least seems freaked) of Tzekel-kan fer some reason even tho they only met once. Why? Did somethin happen durin da festival or (more likely) did Tzekel-kan bother them while they were sleeping? Kinda up in da air, really.
When they're both tryin ta gather their wits after they wake up, Miguel looks really outta it. It's kinda funny in this weird way.
"It's NOT going to be good." "Thank you." - Miguel gets this weird look durin this exchange.
Also odd is how Tulio seems ta be pleased when Tzekel-kan is like "A proper tribute!". I wonder what he thought it was?
"Tulio, we've got to do something." - Miguel depends on him so much. He trusts him ta take care of Tzekel-kan while he goes and catches da sacrifice dude (totally unrelated theory - I think Chief looks really surprised because that sacrifice is either related ta him or Snakeface. They look very similiar. Anyway.). He also relies on Tulio ta make up somethin ta get em outta this, which prompts a hilarious glance in his direction. I always get a kick out of da "Can't do it...not today." from Miguel. I think there's somethin about his voice.
I also love their gasp at all da gold and da little melty noise Tulio makes when Chief asks if it suits them. Miguel there is da first one ta regain his composure. Hee hee.
"To err is human, to forgive-" - Thap. ^_^ Hee hee, Tulio just baps him on da back of da head. I think it's cute in this bizarre way. That's prolly just me tho.
"Nice going, Chel." - When Tulio says that and leans towards her, Miguel looks rather upset/surprised. Weird, hmm? BUT even better here is right when they walk away, it really REALLY looks like Tulio put his arm around Miguel. I'm not kiddin, go check it out! ^_^ It's only fer a few seconds tho.
"...ascend in a horizontal position..." - Another bit is when they're talkin ta da Chief, and Tulio's explainin their plans and stuff. When he goes inta da bit about ascensendin horizontally, ya can see Miguel giggling ta himself about it. ^_^ Read it any way ya like, hee hee hee.
"Three days is fine." - Miguel nudges him, which I guess somehow made Tulio go along with it. Cause he was about ta argue or try ta negotiate a faster boat buildin time with Chef, but Miguel nudged him and he left it at that. Kinda odd, but whatever.
"No, it is NOT fine." - Why was Tulio holding earrings at all? ^_^o
Of course, there's their infamous argument about staying still. Although Tulio definitly has some influence and power over Miguel (from the Get on the Horse scene), Miguel also knows that Tulio wouldn't hurt him, which is why I think he doesn't consider Tulio's threats seriously at first. It's only when Tulio begins yelling and cutting him off repeatedly does Miguel get da idea that he's being serious. But this whole conversation smacks of familiarity; da way it's played out seems like it's been done before, many times, on different topics, no less. Definitly somethin there. Another interestin bit is when he goes "DON'T EVEN BREATHE" and then he stops and gets this very weird expression on his face and his voice changes ENTIRELY. Then he goes "Alright?" I'm not even kiddin, it really almost looks like a come on. ^_^ Hee hee.
Also great is how AMAZINGLY FEMININE Miguel looks when he's like "But Tulio, look at this place-" and music swells and it really seems like he's about ta burst inta song. Very Monty Python. At least ta me. ^_^o But Miguel looks really really girly.
Also telling is how reluctant Miguel is ta leave Tulio after promisin initially and how vague he is about it. When Chel is like "Beautiful, isn't it?" then ducks behind da wall again (why does she do that?), and Miguel's like "yeah.." and she's like "You really shouldn't miss it", then Miguel gets this kinda "I'm a good little uke who doesn't go anywhere without permission" look and is like "But oh I couldn't..." and then he gestures vaguely. Hee hee.
I also think it's rather amusing how badly Tulio freaks out when Miguel disappears. I love da phrase "Miguel's loose!". He's definitly dealt with this before. I just think it's hilarious about how terribly hysterical he gets when Miguel's gone. Technically, this is da first time in da movie they've been separated, hasn't it? Hmmm. That may explain why Tulio ends up on da couch moaning/crying. ^_^ Hee hee.
"You worry too much." - It's when Chel reaches his lower back that Tulio freaks out. And I mean, he freaks out as in he looks really frightened. Especially when he says "Big trouble!". It's almost as if he thinks he'll get caught. Also interestin is Chel's completely non-surprised expression while Tulio tries ta explain why he won't/can't do it. And then of course he does. ^_^o Hee hee.
"I'm not asking you to trust me." - Tulio at this point looks really freaked and looks around. I wonder who he's lookin out fer. Maybe da priests. Hee hee. Maybe.
Durin da Without Question sequence, Miguel seems ta constantly be sneakin off somewhere. Where is he goin? Maybe he feels guilty about leavin Tulio. But he's constantly sneakin away from other crowds or things he runs inta until he gets distracted. Maybe he's just excited. It also seems that Miguel needs constant attention, cause he's constantly runnin back and forth and stuff. It'd make sense, considering his behavior and stuff. He demands love and attention from Tulio! Ha ha! And when he doesn't get it, he runs off! Maybe. I dunno. I also think that Without Question might have different lyrics then da CD version, but I didn't really pay attention.
Chel calls Tzekel-kan the "High Priest". Just a note.
"I have just seen Lord Miguel among the people." "Really?" - Da kind of tone in Tulio's voice is da same kinda tone that my parents got whenever a teacher would tell em that I had done somethin wrong. Da kinda "Oh, is that so? Well, I'll just hafta do somethin about that" kinda tone that means yer really screwed. Kinda interestin that Tulio gets that tone fer Miguel.
"Blood! Of course! This is very important business, I shall discuss this with Lord Miguel" - Hee hee. Hee hee hee. Yeah. Also odd is that it looks like Tzekel-kan was really crying when he left. Weird.
There's of course, da scene when Tulio runs inta Miguel while he's playin ball with da kids. Miguel gets that look cause he knows he's screwed. Of course, when Tulio begins shouting at him, he tries ta defuse it like he did before with da "Stay still!" argument, cause he obviously doesn't understand why he'd be upset. Doesn't work really, and of course, Miguel is also rather surprised when Tulio begins ta agree with Tzekel-kan. This is da second time that Tulio shouts at Miguel seriously (with da same amount of severity as Get on the Horse), but Miguel doesn't back down here fer some reason. Odd. Another bit is da "What do you THINK you're DOING?" and Miguel's carefree response "Lieing low." This prompts Tulio ta make a motion as if ta strangle him, then puts his hands on his shoulders instead.
"I BLAME YOU." - Of course, there's da hilarious reaction Miguel gets ta Tulio's angry face at da beginnin of da ball game. Also interestin is how Tulio assumes that Miguel knows how ta play, cause "So what is the object of this game praytell" doesn't really sound like a rhetorical question and when Chel speaks, Tulio turns in slight surprise.
"The first....avoidance...maneuver" - Miguel again gets that "Oh that Tulio of mine" proud posessive look.
"But Tulio, we're the gods" - Interestin little note - after Tulio's avoidance maneuver dealy, Miguel suddenly gets a lot more confident and bonks Tulio's arm with da ball affectionatly (or so it seems ta me). I think Tulio was messing with his sleeve before this too, tho I'm not sure why.
Hee hee, they lean on eachother when they're tired. So cute. ^_^ Also when Tulio says somethin like "How long does this go on?" they're hangin off eachother quite a bit. Hee hee. Quite a bit indeed. Hee hee hee hee.
And when they're winning, they're all like "Who's the god?" "You the god!" "No, who's the god?" "No, YOU the god!" and it's just so terribly cute. ^_^
Another interestin note is at da very last climactic scene in da ball game, when Miguel does his back flip and such, they both fall off da horse. How did Tulio fall off?
"Congratulations on your victory" - Tulio here is leanin towards Miguel, like he just pulled back from a hug or was about ta hug him or somethin.
"Well I'd be HAPPY to point them OUT to you" - Tzekel-kan glances over at Chief fer a second. And I mean, only a second. But it's DEFINITLY there as a not-so-subtle hint. ^_^o There sure is some bad blood between em. I wonder why?
"The gods are speaking for themselves now!" - Tulio looks really shocked at Miguel. I mean really shocked and almost kinda scared. Hmmm.
Also, after Miguel's proclamation and such, Tulio tries ta reprimand Miguel fer a minute, but finally gives up and gets this very proud, affectionate smile on his face, like "Oh that Miguel of mine" kinda look. It's really cute. ^_^
They get separated again after da ballgame, but this time Tulio isn't scared or worried or anythin. Hmm. Three days went by or so, so how long did it take? Was Miguel just not observant, or was Tulio just too busy? Did Tulio and Chel try ta hide their relationship, or was Miguel aware of it da entire time and just surprised when they said they'd leave without him? So many questions.
Another interestin scene is at da boat when Miguel is talkin ta Chief Tani. He can't lie nearly as well/smoothly as Tulio can. I think he expects Tulio ta fill in gaps when he makes stuff up, and he can't quite pull it off without him.
There's da sad and mournful look on his face when he looks at da exit, da sigh and da slumping of his shoulders when he says in this dejected voice "I can't, I have to go back with Tulio" ...and of course, there's da infamous line "We're partners" which gets terrible connotations if ya read too far inta it. Hee hee hee hee. There's also da fact that Chief seems ta know a bit more then he lets on and doesn't question Miguel's dependence on Tulio. I think Chief knows that they love eachother or have SOMEthin goin on. It makes da most sense, considering. Prolly why he doesn't really regard them as a threat and prolly arranged fer them ta be sleepin next ta eachother in da bed thingy and knew nothin would happen.
Also great is da "Big plans in da other world, huh."
And Miguel sighs all sadlike and is like "Yep...big plans." Such sad acceptance! Not ta mention he looks INCREDIBLY feminine in this scene, particularly when Chief says that he can stay. He gets these big huge girly eyes. I'm not kidding. ^_^
"I want you to come to Spain with me and Miguel" - Chel looks surprised here. I guess she really didn't think he'd want her ta go. But why? Rather odd, don't ya think?
When Miguel is standin in da doorway after Tulio says "Forget Miguel", he responds with "Well, forget Miguel" - then he sniffles - "Forget Tulio". Maybe it's an innocent pause, but da pain on Miguel's face and da pauses when he walks away reveal too much. ^_^ Hee hee.
Another interesting little detail - when Tzekel-kan summons up da big jaguar, da big statue thingy behind him falls on da floor and cracks. It, interestingly enough, cracks right between da aztec-y versions of Miguel and Tulio. FORESHADOWING!
There's of course, da conversation Tulio and Miguel have that night durin a festival, which Miguel enters super-sulky mode, unseen until now! This time it's Tulio who has no idea how serious Miguel is. That whole conversation is rather bizarre...I'm not sure why Miguel pauses so oddly or emphasizes weird words...it's really strange.
Great point here - when Tulio looks over at Chel playin with da kids, Miguel looks really, really, REALLY jealous.
"We can't stay here! We've got a plan, remember?" - If Tulio really meant it about leaving Miguel behind, why does he mention this? I really don't think he meant it. I think it was a spur of da moment thing. Also, Tulio looks kinda hurt/surprised at da thought of staying and at da look on Miguel's face. He also looks rather hurt when Miguel's like "Why don't we forget the plan, hmm?". I wonder how he woulda responded ta that if da big jaguar hadn't shown up.
There's of course, their classic girly screams. ^_^
One part that always cracks me up is when Tzekel-kan is makin da quotey finger things for "the truth of your 'divinity'", and all I can picture is da big jaguar doing da same thing. It's really quite funny. ^_^
Interestin note - when Chel falls and is like "TULIO", both Tulio AND Miguel throw rocks ta ward off da jaguar. Miguel just such a big softie. ^_^o Even he wouldn't let her get eaten if he coulda helped her. Chel doesn't seem ta think he'd help her tho, she never calls out HIS name. Weird.
Anyway, when they're runnin away from da giant jaguar, right before they dart through da openin ta da volcano (Fer some reason I'm rememberin back ta their initial "miracle" but I don't think I can relate those two together), Miguel grabs Tulio. They don't really show why very clearly, I think it was ta shelter him when they dove through, but it's kinda random. There's a lotta that kinda stuff in da chase. Another example would be when Tulio shouts "MOVE! MOVE!", he grabs Miguel's shirt and pulls him up, and when da Jaguar sinks underneath da lava and they've landed onna ledge, Tulio reaches over and puts his hand on Miguel's back, prolly about ta ask "Are you okay?" before da Jaguar comes up. That sounds da most likely ta me.
Another little note here - when they're runnin through that chamber and Miguel grabs Tulio, da passageway they're in looks REALLY similiar ta some of da scenes in The Prince of Egypt. Heh heh.
When they skid up ta da edge, they hang onta eachother's arms, and when Tzekel-kahn was like "You are NOT gods!", they pause and stuff just staring. Interestinly enough, it takes Tulio longer ta begin improvisin then it did at da beginnin with da loaded dice. There's a ton of physical contact here, violent contact, but it's there. Actually, that's what makes this scene interesting.
Okay, Tulio pulls him up, instantly slippin inta da fake fight mindset and stuff, but Miguel doesn't wanna play along. He doesn't say anything tho. But interestingly enough, Tulio decides ta continue along with it. He throws Miguel pretty roughly, prolly ta try and get it across that they need ta be serious here or else they're screwed. More violence then in da original fake fight, excepting swords. Miguel of course reacts with a direct comment on what's wrong and why he's upset, but Tulio is still in his fake fight mindset. Da point where Tulio breaks outta it and begins arguing with him somewhat seriously, or at least on da same level as Miguel, is when he starts yelling at Miguel about buying his own con. Not ta mention Miguel sounds very hurt when he shouts back "That's not true!" beforehand.
"How DARE you!" - How dare he what? Not play along? What is Tulio talkin about here? Miguel didn't even say anything. Maybe..."You're not a god? You lied to me?" then there's a pause where I guess Miguel was supposed ta say something. So I guess da How dare you came from that, but it doesn't seem like it. It almost seems kinda like a "How DARE you defy me!" kinda thing, but that could just be me. And when Miguel is like "It was HIS stupid plan!" Tulio looks shocked.
Anyway, much shouting. Another part I've noticed is how Miguel's voice changes/cracks/breaks when he says "At least I'm not dating mine!". He sounds different there then in da entire argument, in fact throughout da entire movie. Something about that hurt, or affected him and couldn't make him say it seriously. I always notice that.
Another great part in this - "...you had just LISTENED to me!" - Miguel began walking off, but he stopped fer some reason and sulked off ta one side. Tulio smacks him upside da head at this point. "Well now you've got the gold AND Chel, so what do you need ME for?" Miguel smacks Tulio in da back of da head. Weird note - durin this line, it's Tulio who turns away and looks sulky. They then round on eachother.
"Well maybe I DON'T need you anymore!"
"Well then why don't you just go back to Spain and I'll stay here and we'll BOTH get what we WANT."
"Fine with ME, pal!"
Of course, it disintegrates ta pushing and such, but da thing about this I think is interesting is when they begin ta hit eachother. Notably, Miguel slaps Tulio fully across da face, pretty hard it looks like. Tulio's response ta this, however, is a much more controlled, not nearly as hard or serious slap. I always wondered about that...Tulio held back. Why? If Miguel was gonna go all out, why wouldn't he? Maybe he didn't wanna hurt him, so that's why he held back. Of course, Miguel doesn't and punches Tulio pretty hard it seems. And then at that point the two of them sock Tzekel-kan, and it really was a show. Or was it? There's something weird about that. Miguel apparently knew, from da beginnin, that da entire thing was gonna be a trick ta get Tzekel-kan (also knew da correct timing fer da punch - I bet they've done this before), but I guess he used it as an excuse ta get some of his own bad feelings out, no doubt what surprised Tulio originally. Not as much as his throwing of Miguel surprised his partner tho. ^_^o
Anyway, of course they make it and Tulio...it's kinda weird. Durin da fight it seems he realizes that Miguel is really, really upset at him, but afterwards he doesn't seem ta think of it that way. Is he glossin over it or tryin ta pretend it wasn't serious? Either way, Miguel's look is enough ta confirm it as serious, at least fer him. When he sees how angry Miguel is, he looks really hurt.
Another thing that always seemed strange was how Miguel left Tulio behind ta be with da People of El Dorado, thus leavin Chel ta pull him up. Ya could read that really metaphorically, but I just think it's weird cause it kinda seems unlike Miguel. Even odder is da strangely determined and calm look on Tulio's face when he says he's fine. I swear ta god, he's already plannin on gettin Miguel back. He also kinda ignores Chel in this fer some reason (heh heh, some reason).
Even odder is when they cut ta Miguel, bein carried away by da crowd, he shrugs. Not even in an angry way. It's da same kinda shrug he had in response ta "It's not a prybar." Why? Why? It's weird...did Miguel already stop bein angry? Maybe he couldn't have been angry surrounded by so many loving people. It's really weird.
And now we reach one of da most obvious sequences of all! FRIENDS NEVER SAY GOODBYE!
Fantastic.
Just FANTASTIC.
Okay, enough of that. I'm gonna try and recall this scene mostly from memory, but that should be okay cause it's quite memorable (at least ta me! MWA HA HA). Anyway, it begins with Tulio lookin off ta da distance and lookin real real dramatic. And sad. And tired. Very emotionally worn.
Why? Makes ya wonder. I mean, whether or not Tulio and Miguel talked after what happened. If they did, there woulda been quite a few (screamin) arguments, altho it seems ta be a more direct cut. There is of course, da change from night ta day, so SOME time did elapse.
Anyway, Miguel has da same kinda sad expression on his face as well when it cuts ta him, altho he sighs and looks a bit more depressed then tired.
Tulio finds da map amidst his piles of gold and, specifically noting that Miguel is watching, rips it apart. Miguel looks quite hurt by this and retaliates by destroying a small golden image of Tulio "accidentally" (note - that little statue of Tulio? It has his name written underneath it! Seriously, look!). One-upping like this continues until Tulio finally leaves da temple, where it finally stops and segues into just plain sad stuff. This strikes me as more of da petty bickering and mean-spiritedness that comes with a romantic breakup, rather then a friendly one. Another thin is that Tulio, when he's walkin away with da bag on his shoulder after bonkin Miguel with it, pauses fer a moment as if ta say something, lookin really sad and pensive while doin so, but then sees Miguel in his god robes and decides not to. Tsk, Miguel, if ya had just waited, maybe it woulda been easier.
Another great part is when they stand outside and they exchange sad longing glances. Tulio looks over at Miguel, who was about ta say somethin ta him but instead turns away, tryin ta look angry and failing miserably, sinkin inta a pathetically sad look before turnin ta talk ta him again, only ta find Tulio already walkin down da stairs. There's so much tension! I could cut it with a knife! ^_^
Anyway, after they make it down, Tulio says goodbye ta everyone, includin Altivo and such. He looks extremely tired and worn out durin this entire scene and seems very far away, like he doesn't really care or is just too tired/hurt ta care. Da most interestin thin is when Miguel makes it down and just stands next ta Chief Tani (I think that's an okay abbreviation fer Chief Tannibok, right?) and looks sad. Chief, who I really really think knows EXACTLY what's goin on between da two of em, gestures towards Tulio as if ta say "Go! What are you doing? Don't just stand here, say SOMEthing."
So Miguel goes up and does it. He stands there and says "Good Luck" in this choked voice. And Tulio looks really emotional as well and just responds with "You too." If ya think about deep moments, this is a really strange one. If ya consider before hand when they were about ta die, they were a lot more honest and open with eachother ("You make my life rich", remember?), but now suddenly they can't communicate at all. It's very awkward and it looks like its hurting both of them. Either way, Tulio stares at his boat of riches and stuff and goes toward it with Chel. About da boat, actually, there seems ta be an empty space on it. Check it out yerself - it's like Miguel should be standin there, but he isn't. Symbolism? ^_^ As Sheena said "That space needs to be filled with LOOOOOOOOOVE"
Oh yeah, I almost fergot. Miguel and Chel finally meet up! Miguel, interestingly enough, doesn't seem all that angry at her. He's prolly more angry/upset at Tulio, or at this point has gotten past anger and now is just depressed. EITHER WAY, He tries ta decide what he should do in terms of Chel, shown by his moment of indecision in either shaking hands or hugging or anything, and Chel has ta take da initiative and kiss him goodbye. Miguel really doesn't seem ta notice this or care at all in terms of da fact he was kissed by a hot chick. Anyone else think that's weird? He may just be too depressed at this point tho. Da sad look in his eyes...pure speculation here, but I think he may also have resigned himself inta hopin this'll make Tulio happy, therefore it doesn't really matter how he feels. This would kinda justify his later actions, but I'll get inta that later. Also interestin is how Chel very very clearly gets a look on her face that says somethin like "Are you going to be okay?" and slightly purses her lips, as if expectin Miguel ta kiss her goodbye. Rather odd.
Anyway, there's of course da song itself, if that weren't glaringly obvious. I mean really...replace friends with lovers. It's great. ^_^
ANYWAY, at this point Cortes has been wanderin around long enough and finally found Snakeface ta lead him ta El Dorado. When this news is brought ta Chief, he rallies his peeps fer battle, but Miguel looks quite panicked and tells them they can't fight em.
Da more important thing here is when he's like "We need a plan" and of course, he turns ta Tulio. Good ol Tulio, who apparently hasta think fer some time about this before decidin ta try and figger somethin out.
So he sets up his little model set of da gates and da boat. He starts trippin out (prolly cause he isn't bangin his head on somethin) and then Chel yells "Tulio!". Tulio jumps. Excepting huge jaguars and tyrannical spanish conquistadors, when has Tulio ever been scared? Especially by another person? I think that's kinda weird...inna odd way, it's almost like he, just fer a second, takes Miguel's place in their relationship.
ANYWAY enough weird speculation, back ta stuff. They set everythin up and Miguel stands and watches as Tulio sails away. Miguel again, looks quite emotionally wounded while Tulio stares up at him, looking remarkably masculine. This is kinda weird fer him, not ta mention that fer no real particular reason, he brushes his hair back. I swear ta god he knows what's gonna happen. He knows that Miguel can't RESIST HIM hee hee.
Of course, da plan doesn't go off quite as well as it was planned, and da tower falls a bit prematurely. Miguel, seeing Tulio in danger, instantly and without a second thought, jumps on Altivo ta try and save da day. He totally forsakes his promise ta da El Dorado peeps fer Tulio, everythin, all da arguin and stuff, he fergets it and goes fer it. And he makes it of course (or else da movie would be way too depressing). Anyway, after he lands after lookin like a pretty god boy which he is, Tulio acts like his old self fer once and tells Miguel ta go back. But Miguel says, in this bizarrely calm and serene way, that he won't let Tulio have all da fun in this very calm, serious voice. It's weird. Then there's this pause, with Tulio fer once looking extremely touched, and I really expected em ta hug or SOMEthing, but I guess not. Da emotion and timin fer it was there tho. That could just be me. Also interestin here is that Miguel had those earrings on. Were his ears pierced? Are they clip-ons? Who knows.
Anyway, after da whole thing with da boat and stuff and they land, I think it's Tulio who goes "We made it!" and he again reaches towards Miguel (note - he says "We made it!" and begins ta celebrate and he only knows that he and Miguel made it. Not Chel. Odd, hmm?) and stuff and again, about ta hug but Chel pulls em apart.
Right before Tulio starts laughing, Miguel gets another one of those proud/posessive looks. ^_^ Even cuter is when Tulio's like "And it was so much gold!" and starts crying, ya can see Miguel about ta reach out ta him before he cuts him off with "I'm fine, I'm fine."
There's also an extremely long pause before Miguel can compose himself later on ta hold out his hand and ask Tulio if they're partners again. There's so much on his face there, so much that's just inside, but Tulio accepts anyway. I think he knows. Anyway, they run off inta da distance and are back ta their old tricks and stuff.

Yup. That's what I noticed while I took notes while watchin da movie. Thank ya, thank ya. Screenshots are courtesy of da sites listed in my Links section. ^_^

And Actually, someone sent me some stuff about da end of da movie which I will put up here because I CAN. This is from DangerMouse.

The very end of the movie, I wasn't the least bit surprised when Chel took off on the horse and left them both behind. It's clear the entire time she had one goal in mind - get out of El Dorado. At last, she found a way to do just that.

An interesting scene takes place after Miguel's little jaunt in El Dorado, right before the memorable "Forget Miguel" line. Chel wants half of the gold. Tulio refuses, saying she can come to Spain with him and Miguel and have ten percent. Chel then decides she'll take a third and not go to Spain.

Why didn't Tulio take this deal? It would leave him and Miguel with two-thirds to split between them. THEN, he says to forget Miguel, basically saying he'd take all the gold and Chel and go back to Spain with that. Now, he was probably kidding, on some level, but Chel, little temptress that she is, makes it so Tulio confuses his lust for gold with lust for other things and badness goes on from there. We never see what happens in that scene right after Miguel leaves. For all we know, Tulio pushed Chel away and went, "Ick. Girl cooties."

Also, if Chel stays with them, the gold is never really gone. If they go back to Spain and leave a third of it behind, then they won't get it back. It's possible Tulio was conning Chel at the same time, that he would take her back to Spain with him and get to keep the money anyway, even if he says she can have half, but lost sight of that because Chel wanted him to.

Regardless of all this, at the end of the movie, the only gold our boys have left is what's dangling from Chel's ears and what's hammered to Altivo's feet. So, Chel jumps on the horse, they get on behind her, she very purposely knocks them both off and rides away, leaving them behind.

She got what she wanted. She got her gold, she got out of El Dorado, and now she has a horse. No more need for Tulio anymore.

If you ask me, in the entire movie, Chel was conning them both. She had to go after Tulio because Miguel's just a big old softie and already agreed to stay away from her. If he had started hooking up with Chel, there's little doubt Tulio would have put a stop to that. However, Miguel's personality simply leaves him pouting and unhappy, but never really telling Tulio how he feels about being replaced.

So, at the end of the moive, Chel's got the gold and the horse and Miguel and Tulio have each other.

Sounds like a happy ending to me. ^_^