Cassandro
Plot
As the lights shine bright on the dusty wrestling rings of Mexico's underbelly, Saúl Armendáriz steps into the spotlight as Cassandro, a flamboyant and charismatic persona that would captivate audiences worldwide. Born in El Paso, Texas, to a Mexican immigrant family, Saúl grew up with a passion for lucha libre, a style of professional wrestling known for its high-flying acrobatics and colorful costumes. With his signature pompadour hairdo and sparkling outfits, Cassandro burst onto the scene as an amateur wrestler, defying conventions by embracing his homosexuality and flaunting it through his flamboyant attire. As he gained popularity, Saúl's alter ego Cassandro became a sensation, earning him the nickname "Liberace of Lucha Libre" – a nod to the legendary pianist Liberace's showmanship. As Cassandro's fame grew, so did his unwavering commitment to his identity and artistic expression. He used his platform to promote acceptance and inclusivity, challenging the machismo culture that pervaded Mexico's wrestling scene. His unapologetic flair and bravery inspired a new generation of wrestlers, fans, and LGBTQ+ individuals to embrace their true selves. Through Cassandro's meteoric rise, the film delves into Saúl's personal struggles, exploring themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the power of art to transcend societal expectations. As Cassandro's star continued to shine bright, he became a beacon of hope for those who felt marginalized or misunderstood, proving that authenticity and individuality can lead to international stardom.
Reviews
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.
