Tag: lucha libre

directed by Roger Ross Williams

I see Gael García Bernal, I press play to watch whatever he’s in. Ever since “Amores perros” (known in English as “Love’s a Bitch”) I’m a big fan of Gael’s acting. In today’s film, he plays the role of Saúl Armendáriz, a wrestler from the 80s. He’s living a rather simple life and shares it with his mother only. The man doesn’t hide the fact that he’s homosexual and his mother is very much supportive, which is something that amazed me in their relation. You know, very often when we get stories about LGBT+ people, they often have this one thing in common – lack of acceptance from their family. Indeed, Saúl’s father is not present in his life, but the fact that his mom is there and she shows her unconditional love is something adorable. Back to Saúl – he takes part in lucha libre matches – which is basically wrestling in masks. The wrestlers protect their identity by covering their faces, so the audience don’t really know that it’s Saúl hiding behind that mask. Since the man isn’t very confident, he always participates in matches as the one who’s about to lose. Yeah, everything is well planned before the match even starts, which isn’t really surprising. One day, Saúl meets Sabrina (Roberta Colindrez), a trainer, who sees a lot of potential in the man and encourages him to get rid of his wrestling label. Inspired by her, Saúl begins his journey to become an exótico – so shortly speaking a drag wrestler. Do people fully accept exóticos? Nah. Do they want to see an exótico win? Also nah. But who cares? If that’s how you feel, go ahead and do your thing Saúl! Or should I say Cassandro, because that’s the wrestling name he’s about to use from now on. This film is based on a true story, so obviously there are some fictional elements, but generally I think it’s a decent biographical drama. One thing that I wouldn’t change is where Saúl got his wrestling name from. In the film it’s said that it’s inspired by an actress that his mother loved. However, the truth is a bit more complex, yet way more consistent with the character of Saúl. Apparently, the name Cassandro comes from honouring a brothel owner that was also financially supporting poor people. And tell me that’s not a better story to share! Anyway, as a person who doesn’t understand wrestling and generally this kind of activities, I enjoyed the whole film. Maybe I’m not being objective because Gael is starring in it, but I believe that it’s a comforting story of a man that chose to express himself and found his own peace. And that’s what I wish you all.

My rating: 7/10
S.