Cassandro
Intrigue
Sous les feux des projecteurs qui illuminent les rings de lutte poussiéreux des bas-fonds du Mexique, Saúl Armendáriz entre en scène en tant que Cassandro, un personnage flamboyant et charismatique qui captivera le public du monde entier. Né à El Paso, au Texas, dans une famille d'immigrants mexicains, Saúl a grandi avec une passion pour la lucha libre, un style de catch professionnel connu pour ses acrobaties aériennes et ses costumes colorés. Avec sa coiffure pompadour signature et ses tenues étincelantes, Cassandro a fait irruption sur la scène en tant que lutteur amateur, défiant les conventions en assumant son homosexualité et en l'affichant à travers ses vêtements flamboyants. Au fur et à mesure qu'il gagnait en popularité, l'alter ego de Saúl, Cassandro, est devenu une sensation, lui valant le surnom de « Liberace de la Lucha Libre » – un clin d'œil au talent de spectacle du légendaire pianiste Liberace. Au fur et à mesure que la renommée de Cassandro grandissait, son engagement inébranlable envers son identité et son expression artistique augmentait également. Il a utilisé sa plate-forme pour promouvoir l'acceptation et l'inclusion, défiant la culture machiste qui imprégnait la scène de la lutte mexicaine. Son flair et son courage sans faille ont inspiré une nouvelle génération de lutteurs, de fans et de personnes LGBTQ+ à embrasser leur véritable identité. À travers l'ascension fulgurante de Cassandro, le film plonge dans les luttes personnelles de Saúl, explorant les thèmes de l'identité, de l'acceptation de soi et du pouvoir de l'art à transcender les attentes de la société. Alors que l'étoile de Cassandro continuait de briller de mille feux, il est devenu une lueur d'espoir pour ceux qui se sentaient marginalisés ou incompris, prouvant que l'authenticité et l'individualité peuvent mener à la célébrité internationale.
Critiques
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.
