Cassandro
Handlung
Im grellen Scheinwerferlicht der staubigen Wrestling-Ringe in den dunklen Ecken Mexikos betritt Saúl Armendáriz als Cassandro die Bühne, eine extravagante und charismatische Persönlichkeit, die das Publikum weltweit fesseln sollte. In El Paso, Texas, als Kind einer mexikanischen Einwandererfamilie geboren, wuchs Saúl mit einer Leidenschaft für Lucha Libre auf, einer Art professionellem Wrestling, das für seine hochfliegende Akrobatik und farbenfrohen Kostüme bekannt ist. Mit seiner charakteristischen Pompadour-Frisur und funkelnden Outfits stürmte Cassandro als Amateur-Wrestler die Szene und widersetzte sich den Konventionen, indem er sich zu seiner Homosexualität bekannte und sie durch seine extravagante Kleidung zur Schau stellte. Als er an Popularität gewann, wurde Saúls Alter Ego Cassandro zu einer Sensation, die ihm den Spitznamen "Liberace der Lucha Libre" einbrachte – eine Anspielung auf die Showmanship des legendären Pianisten Liberace. Mit Cassandros wachsendem Ruhm wuchs auch sein unerschütterliches Engagement für seine Identität und seinen künstlerischen Ausdruck. Er nutzte seine Plattform, um Akzeptanz und Inklusion zu fördern und die Machismo-Kultur herauszufordern, die in Mexikos Wrestling-Szene vorherrschte. Sein unentschuldbares Flair und sein Mut inspirierten eine neue Generation von Wrestlern, Fans und LGBTQ+-Personen, ihr wahres Selbst anzunehmen. Durch Cassandros kometenhaften Aufstieg befasst sich der Film mit Saúls persönlichen Kämpfen und untersucht Themen wie Identität, Selbstakzeptanz und die Kraft der Kunst, gesellschaftliche Erwartungen zu überwinden. Als Cassandros Stern immer heller strahlte, wurde er zu einem Hoffnungsträger für diejenigen, die sich ausgegrenzt oder missverstanden fühlten, und bewies, dass Authentizität und Individualität zu internationalem Ruhm führen können.
Kritiken
Emersyn
Gael García Bernal is as reliable as ever, but the presentation of the other characters, including the wrestling itself, feels rhythmically off in the final act. The ultimate focus and resolution are quite unclear.
Jace
#Sundance2023# Adding a star for the male lead's charisma. A well-made sports biopic, but Mexican wrestling itself isn't a widely popular sport, and Cassandro is an even more unusual figure within wrestling, making this theme inherently intriguing. The portrayal of the relationship between the male lead and his mother is very delicate, with many subtle details captured beautifully, which further highlights the protagonist's own identity struggles. The ending is slightly cliché, but doesn't fully succumb to it. In the Q&A after the screening, the director mentioned that they originally planned to make a documentary about Cassandro, but after meeting with Gael García Bernal, they decided to write a more expressive film.
Eva
The real-life figure stood tall amidst controversy, rejection, and numerous divisive conflicts, injecting "true self" and a different kind of energy onto the traditionally hyper-masculine wrestling stage. Just reading his biography beforehand piqued my interest. As the absolute protagonist, Gael García Bernal delivers a truly outstanding performance (even reminding me of his boxing-related project with Diego Luna last year). However, the film itself suffers from a slightly sluggish pace and a lack of energy, and is also somewhat like a straightforward documentary.
Jace
Following a fairly standard and conservative biopic formula, *Cassandro* answers the question that many bigger-budget, similar films gloss over: why does this particular story need to be told right now? Unlike the trite and tiresome narratives of mainstream white men, Saúl's life-long professional journey delves deeply into the still-present dangers of extreme homophobia. It brilliantly showcases how the creation of a fictional persona can be a natural sanctuary and defense for those marginalized by intersecting prejudices, all while gloriously displaying the liberating power of professional wrestling as a localized embodiment of superhero culture. The wrestler's improbable rise becomes a vibrant tapestry, encompassing a spectrum of narrative identities and the diverse ways individuals shape themselves within their communities. It tears down the veil of...
Aitana
"Cassandro" is a vibrant and energetic biographical drama that brings to life the incredible true story of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler who rose to international stardom as the flamboyant and charismatic Cassandro. With its dynamic blend of colorful characters, high-flying action sequences, and emotional depth, this film is a thrilling and inspiring ride from start to finish, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of self-expression.
Lola
Cassandro is a compelling blend of wrestling, self-discovery, and bold creativity. The story of Saúl Armendáriz and his Cassandro persona feels like a Mexican version of Rocky, with a twist of reinvention that's both inspiring and culturally rich. It's not just about the wrestling matches—it's about breaking barriers and finding your voice in a world that might not always accept it. A must-watch for fans of underdog stories and those who appreciate the power of self-expression.
