In the larger-than-life world of lucha libre, there are “technicos” (good guys who fight for truth, justice, and the rule-abiding way) and there are “rudos” (villains who lie, cheat, and steal victories). There’s also a third category that’s neither hero nor heel, however, and that’s the “exotico.” A relatively late addition to Mexican wrestling’s stable of archetypes, these male luchadors often dressed in drag and played camped-up caricatures of feminine men. They were the target of taunting by homophobic crowds, a sort of toxified comic relief...
- 9/21/2023
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Plot: A gay amateur wrestler in El Paso reinvents himself as an “exotico” wrestler named Cassandro and becomes an unlikely star.
Review: Cassandro is based on an unlikely but very cool true story. Gael Garcia Bernal plays Saúl Armendáriz, a struggling amateur luchador who reinvented himself as a flamboyant wrestler named Cassandro. He was an “exotico”, which was a stereotypically gay class of wrestler that was typically demolished to the delight of homophobic audiences. But, Cassandro was different. His winning personality and physical prowess won over his audiences, and he became something that was almost unheard of in Mexico, an exotico who won matches.
It’s an excellent role for Bernal, who gets a juicy role he can sink his teeth into. The character allows him to show his flair for comedy, his psychical prowess in the well-choreographed wrestling scenes, and heartfelt poignancy at times too. Much of the movie...
Review: Cassandro is based on an unlikely but very cool true story. Gael Garcia Bernal plays Saúl Armendáriz, a struggling amateur luchador who reinvented himself as a flamboyant wrestler named Cassandro. He was an “exotico”, which was a stereotypically gay class of wrestler that was typically demolished to the delight of homophobic audiences. But, Cassandro was different. His winning personality and physical prowess won over his audiences, and he became something that was almost unheard of in Mexico, an exotico who won matches.
It’s an excellent role for Bernal, who gets a juicy role he can sink his teeth into. The character allows him to show his flair for comedy, his psychical prowess in the well-choreographed wrestling scenes, and heartfelt poignancy at times too. Much of the movie...
- 9/15/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
From raging bulls to aging wrestlers, the ring has long provided a place for films to grapple with themes of masculinity. Roger Ross Williams’s rousing wrestling biopic Cassandro tells the story of a man, Saúl Armendáriz (Gael García Bernal), who rose to the very top of the industry by grabbing its outdated gender conventions and flipping them on their heads.
The film begins in the world of 1980s lucha libre, where the most aggressive brand of machismo has everyone in a chokehold. The wrestlers throw homophobic barbs at each other in the locker room before the matches begin, and the crowd takes up those same slurs after the bell rings. In both cases, the person most often on the receiving end is the night’s exótico, a wrestler defined by their flamboyant femininity. Naturally, the exótico is never allowed to win, as they’re here to be defeated by...
The film begins in the world of 1980s lucha libre, where the most aggressive brand of machismo has everyone in a chokehold. The wrestlers throw homophobic barbs at each other in the locker room before the matches begin, and the crowd takes up those same slurs after the bell rings. In both cases, the person most often on the receiving end is the night’s exótico, a wrestler defined by their flamboyant femininity. Naturally, the exótico is never allowed to win, as they’re here to be defeated by...
- 9/11/2023
- by Ross McIndoe
- Slant Magazine
September. Labor Day, come and gone. Fall… theoretically. Back to school, back to theaters. That’s right: despite Hollywood’s ongoing labor shutdown, new product continues to leech out from the national Don’t-Miss Indies reserves, spilling its way onto screens in art houses cinemas worldwide. And yeah, a piping hot pumpkin-spice latte probably sounds like the last thing you want to consume after a long, hot day on the picket line. But you gotta admit: it’s nice to have the option.
Scouts Honor: The Secret Files Of The Scouts Of America
When You Can Watch: September 6
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Director: Brian Knappenberger
Executive Producers: Diane Becker, Nan Goldin, Amy Ziering
Why We’re Excited: “The length certain people were going to [in order to] try and get you to shut up got me the angriest.” So says one of the 80,000+ documented survivors embroiled in the Boy Scouts of America...
Scouts Honor: The Secret Files Of The Scouts Of America
When You Can Watch: September 6
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Director: Brian Knappenberger
Executive Producers: Diane Becker, Nan Goldin, Amy Ziering
Why We’re Excited: “The length certain people were going to [in order to] try and get you to shut up got me the angriest.” So says one of the 80,000+ documented survivors embroiled in the Boy Scouts of America...
- 9/6/2023
- by Su Fang Tham
- Film Independent News & More
There is no shortage this September of new (and old) things to watch on Prime Video! The Amazon streamer is adding over 300 new TV series and films to its library this month, from highly anticipated season premieres to classic movies.
Included in the list this month are many Amazon Originals, including the highly anticipated “Cassandro,” starring Gael García Bernal, and the Season 2 premiere of the high fantasy series “The Wheel of Time,” starring Rosamund Pike.
But if you’re looking to revisit old favorites, Prime Video will be adding hundreds of movies to its library, including the “Bourne” franchise, “The Birdcage,” and many, many others.
Not sure where to start? Check out The Streamable’s picks below for what’s coming to platform this month!
30-Day Free Trial $8.99 / month amazon.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Prime Video in September 2023? “The Wheel of Time” Season 2 | Friday, Sept.
Included in the list this month are many Amazon Originals, including the highly anticipated “Cassandro,” starring Gael García Bernal, and the Season 2 premiere of the high fantasy series “The Wheel of Time,” starring Rosamund Pike.
But if you’re looking to revisit old favorites, Prime Video will be adding hundreds of movies to its library, including the “Bourne” franchise, “The Birdcage,” and many, many others.
Not sure where to start? Check out The Streamable’s picks below for what’s coming to platform this month!
30-Day Free Trial $8.99 / month amazon.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Prime Video in September 2023? “The Wheel of Time” Season 2 | Friday, Sept.
- 8/31/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
While our massive, 60-film fall movie preview gives a hint at what to expect this season, it’s time to dive deeper into September. With films from Ethan Coen, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Luca Guadagnino being ripped off the month’s release calendar because studios don’t want to pay actors and writers fairly, it means the fall’s first offerings are a bit lighter––thankfully giving some truly independent productions further room to shine.
12. The Storms of Jeremy Thomas (Mark Cousins; Sept. 22 in theaters)
What do films like David Cronenberg’s Crash, Jonathan Glazer’s Sexy Beast, Jerzy Skolimowski’s Eo, Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive, Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor, Nagisa Ôshima’s Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, and (many) more have in common? They were produced by Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas. A new documentary by cinephile Mark Cousins, The Storms of Jeremy Thomas, explores the making of his most notable films.
12. The Storms of Jeremy Thomas (Mark Cousins; Sept. 22 in theaters)
What do films like David Cronenberg’s Crash, Jonathan Glazer’s Sexy Beast, Jerzy Skolimowski’s Eo, Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive, Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor, Nagisa Ôshima’s Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, and (many) more have in common? They were produced by Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas. A new documentary by cinephile Mark Cousins, The Storms of Jeremy Thomas, explores the making of his most notable films.
- 8/31/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
With the summer movie season now quietly winding down, the fall movie season is upon us and while we expect a handful of release dates to change as writers and actors fight for what they deserve, it’s time to look at what’s on the horizon. As we do each year, after highlighting the best films offered thus far, we’ve set out to provide an overview of the titles that should be on your radar.
Featuring 40 films, the below preview includes both the best we’ve already seen (with full reviews where available) and the anticipated with (mostly) confirmed release dates over the next four months. A good amount will premiere over the next few weeks at Telluride, Venice, TIFF, and NYFF, so check back for our reviews. Dates below are theatrical releases unless otherwise noted.
Astrakan (David Depesseville; Sept. 1)
Astrakhan fur is unique: dark, beautiful, and stripped exclusively from newborn lambs,...
Featuring 40 films, the below preview includes both the best we’ve already seen (with full reviews where available) and the anticipated with (mostly) confirmed release dates over the next four months. A good amount will premiere over the next few weeks at Telluride, Venice, TIFF, and NYFF, so check back for our reviews. Dates below are theatrical releases unless otherwise noted.
Astrakan (David Depesseville; Sept. 1)
Astrakhan fur is unique: dark, beautiful, and stripped exclusively from newborn lambs,...
- 8/25/2023
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
Prime Video has debuted the trailer for the Sundance Official Selection feature ‘Cassandro.’
Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the character ‘Cassandro,’ the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” In the process, he upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life.
Based on a true story the film is directed by Roger Ross Williams and stars Gael García Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, and Raúl Castillo with special appearances from El Hijo del Santo and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
Also in trailers – “I will be writing in spite of it…” Trailer lands for ‘The Lesson’
The feature hits select cinemas on September 15th before hitting the streamer globally on September 22nd.
The post “I want to flip it…” Trailer fights its way in for ‘Cassandro’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the character ‘Cassandro,’ the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” In the process, he upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life.
Based on a true story the film is directed by Roger Ross Williams and stars Gael García Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, and Raúl Castillo with special appearances from El Hijo del Santo and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
Also in trailers – “I will be writing in spite of it…” Trailer lands for ‘The Lesson’
The feature hits select cinemas on September 15th before hitting the streamer globally on September 22nd.
The post “I want to flip it…” Trailer fights its way in for ‘Cassandro’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 8/23/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Gael García Bernal dreams of becoming a famous luchador (aka wrestler) in the trailer for Prime Video’s Cassandro, based on a true story.
Bernal’s Saúl Armendáriz is a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, Texas, who makes it to international stardom when he creates a character named Cassandro, also known as the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” Early in the trailer, viewers see Saúl struggling with the idea of becoming an exótico, a person who fights in drag, before he fully embraces the style.
The more-than-two-minute look at the movie, set against Celia Cruz’s “Yo Viviré,” shows Saúl’s interest in lucha libre began as a child when his father took him to a few matches. Since he began fighting two years prior, Bernal’s character is always labeled the “runt” of the match. “They don’t see nothing else,” he says.
When asked if he’s ever considered being an “exótico,...
Bernal’s Saúl Armendáriz is a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, Texas, who makes it to international stardom when he creates a character named Cassandro, also known as the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” Early in the trailer, viewers see Saúl struggling with the idea of becoming an exótico, a person who fights in drag, before he fully embraces the style.
The more-than-two-minute look at the movie, set against Celia Cruz’s “Yo Viviré,” shows Saúl’s interest in lucha libre began as a child when his father took him to a few matches. Since he began fighting two years prior, Bernal’s character is always labeled the “runt” of the match. “They don’t see nothing else,” he says.
When asked if he’s ever considered being an “exótico,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In select theaters September 15 and streaming globally on Prime Video September 22 is the upcoming film Cassandro.
Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the character ‘Cassandro,’ the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” In the process, he upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life. Based on a true story. Directed by Academy Award® winner Roger Ross Williams.
The film stars Gael García Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, and Raúl Castillo with special appearances from El Hijo del Santo and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
The film sits at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. It screened, and was one of the most buzzed about movies, earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.
In their review, The Daily Beast says “Led by a phenomenal performance by Gael García Bernal, Cassandro is a wild and entertaining story.”
Gael García Bernal in Cassandro.
Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the character ‘Cassandro,’ the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” In the process, he upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life. Based on a true story. Directed by Academy Award® winner Roger Ross Williams.
The film stars Gael García Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, and Raúl Castillo with special appearances from El Hijo del Santo and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
The film sits at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. It screened, and was one of the most buzzed about movies, earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.
In their review, The Daily Beast says “Led by a phenomenal performance by Gael García Bernal, Cassandro is a wild and entertaining story.”
Gael García Bernal in Cassandro.
- 8/22/2023
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"You're pushing things. The other wrestlers think you're getting too big." Let's goooo Cassandro!! Amazon's Prime Video has revealed the first official trailer for a film titled Cassandro, which originally premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. I watched this and loved it, still on my Best of 2023 list. It really won me over, and got me all emotional, too. Oscar-winning doc filmmaker Roger Ross Williams makes his fiction directorial debut with the real-life tale of Cassandro, the "Liberace of lucha libre," crafting an "engaging origin story" for an outsider turned unlikely superstar. Gael García Bernal embodies the two distinct sides of Saúl, capturing both his feelings of otherness and the boisterous ring persona who embraces & revels in his difference. The true story of Cassandro, the ''exotico'' character of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay wrestler from El Paso. The full cast includes Roberta Colindrez, Raúl Castillo, Perla De La Rosa,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Even if professional wrestling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, numerous stories behind the sports entertainment phenomena are usually quite engaging. Darren Aronofsky has been able to give a heartbreaking look into the complex life using various real-life inspirations for his film, The Wrestler. We will also be getting an equally rough drama with the upcoming Von Erich biopic, The Iron Claw. Even a lighter, more inspiring film like Fighting with My Family can prove to be just as compelling. Prime Video has just released a trailer for a film that gives us a look at the Mexican legacy of pro wrestling, the Lucha Libre, with Cassandro. The film is a biopic of real-life luchador, Saúl Armendáriz.
The official synopsis from Prime Video reads,
“Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the character ‘Cassandro,’ the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.
The official synopsis from Prime Video reads,
“Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the character ‘Cassandro,’ the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.
- 8/22/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
It's a question that has plagued professional wrestling for decades as it fought for legitimacy in the eyes of wider audiences: Can a sport with a predetermined outcome even be considered a sport in the first place? As those who follow /Film know, avid proponents of the larger-than-life storylines featured in wrestling would undoubtedly say yes, but perhaps there's a better way to approach that concern. What if a wrestling movie used such low perceptions from outsiders to challenge traditionally held beliefs about gender, sexuality, and expression?
That's exactly what seems to be happening with "Cassandro," the newest film from Prime Video, directed by Roger Ross Williams. The story follows Saúl Armendáriz, a gay aspiring wrestler who struggles to carve out a niche for himself in the Mexican wrestling scene. Starring "Y tu mamá también" heartthrob and scene-stealer in both "Old" and Marvel's "Werewolf by Night" Gael García Bernal, the...
That's exactly what seems to be happening with "Cassandro," the newest film from Prime Video, directed by Roger Ross Williams. The story follows Saúl Armendáriz, a gay aspiring wrestler who struggles to carve out a niche for himself in the Mexican wrestling scene. Starring "Y tu mamá también" heartthrob and scene-stealer in both "Old" and Marvel's "Werewolf by Night" Gael García Bernal, the...
- 8/22/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Gael García Bernal transformed into an iconic gay amateur wrestler, luchador Saúl Armendáriz, for “Cassandro,” based on Armendáriz’s legacy as the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.”
“Cassandro” follows Armendáriz as he upends not just the macho wrestling world but also his own life. The film is based on a true story, with “Life, Animated” Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams directing from a script he co-wrote with David Teague. The real-life Armendáriz served as a consultant on the film.
In addition to Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla de la Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, and Raúl Castillo also star, with with special appearances from El Hijo del Santo and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
Director Williams previously collaborated with Armendáriz for 2016 Prime Video documentary short “The Man Without a Mask.” Williams was inspired to fictionalize Armendáriz’s story to showcase the dichotomy of macho Mexican culture along with Armendáriz’s fandom.
“All of these macho guys were embracing him backstage,...
“Cassandro” follows Armendáriz as he upends not just the macho wrestling world but also his own life. The film is based on a true story, with “Life, Animated” Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams directing from a script he co-wrote with David Teague. The real-life Armendáriz served as a consultant on the film.
In addition to Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla de la Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, and Raúl Castillo also star, with with special appearances from El Hijo del Santo and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
Director Williams previously collaborated with Armendáriz for 2016 Prime Video documentary short “The Man Without a Mask.” Williams was inspired to fictionalize Armendáriz’s story to showcase the dichotomy of macho Mexican culture along with Armendáriz’s fandom.
“All of these macho guys were embracing him backstage,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The same month Roger Ross Williams premieres his new documentary Stamped from the Beginning at TIFF, his first feature of the year will arrive across the world. Set for a theatrical release on September 15 followed by a Prime Video global debut on September 22, Cassandro follows Saúl Armendáriz (Gael García Bernal), a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rises to international stardom, upending not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life. Based on a true story, the first trailer has now arrived for the Sundance selection.
Jose Solís said in his review, “Rather than reverting to a traditional biopic structure––i.e. a greatest hits (and losses) in someone’s life––Williams and co-screenwriter David Teague open almost in media res as we meet Saúl (Gael García Bernal), a wide-eyed young man who is head over heels in love with lucha libre. He spends his days crafting...
Jose Solís said in his review, “Rather than reverting to a traditional biopic structure––i.e. a greatest hits (and losses) in someone’s life––Williams and co-screenwriter David Teague open almost in media res as we meet Saúl (Gael García Bernal), a wide-eyed young man who is head over heels in love with lucha libre. He spends his days crafting...
- 8/22/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Cassandro Review — Cassandro (2023) Film Review from the 45th Annual Sundance Film Festival, a movie directed by Roger Ross Williams, starring Gael García Bernal, Bad Bunny, Roberta Colindrez, Raúl Castillo, Joaquín Cosio, Andrea Pazmino, Mark Vasconcellos, Perla De La Rosa, Yavor Vesselinov, Robert Salas, and El Hijo del Santo. The career of the [...]
Continue reading: Film Review: Cassandro [Sundance 2023]: Exótico Pro Wrestler Turns Tables and Breaks New Ground...
Continue reading: Film Review: Cassandro [Sundance 2023]: Exótico Pro Wrestler Turns Tables and Breaks New Ground...
- 2/4/2023
- by David McDonald
- Film-Book
Gael García Bernal stars in ‘Cassandro’ (Photo © 2022 Amazon Content Services LLC)
Cassandro, writer/director Roger Ross Williams’ joyous celebration of the indomitable spirit of Saúl Armendáriz, is the perfect vehicle to introduce the Lucha Libre world and its groundbreaking, barrier-busting gay star to a wider audience.
The film catches up with Saúl (played by Gael García Bernal) in the 1980s when he’s wrestling as designated loser El Topo (which translates to The Mole). Saúl’s in a rut, and the only way out is to transform into an exótico. But that transformation would require him to incorporate his homosexuality into a character in front of a large audience that includes his homophobic estranged father. It would also mean he’d be forced to continue to lose since the wrestling world – both in the ring and in the stands – doesn’t embrace homosexuals. Gay wrestlers are mocked and ridiculed and subjected to disgusting sexual slurs.
Cassandro, writer/director Roger Ross Williams’ joyous celebration of the indomitable spirit of Saúl Armendáriz, is the perfect vehicle to introduce the Lucha Libre world and its groundbreaking, barrier-busting gay star to a wider audience.
The film catches up with Saúl (played by Gael García Bernal) in the 1980s when he’s wrestling as designated loser El Topo (which translates to The Mole). Saúl’s in a rut, and the only way out is to transform into an exótico. But that transformation would require him to incorporate his homosexuality into a character in front of a large audience that includes his homophobic estranged father. It would also mean he’d be forced to continue to lose since the wrestling world – both in the ring and in the stands – doesn’t embrace homosexuals. Gay wrestlers are mocked and ridiculed and subjected to disgusting sexual slurs.
- 1/23/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
An emotional scene unfolded inside Park City’s Ray Theatre on Friday evening ahead of the world premiere of Cassandro.
The Sundance Film Festival selection from Prime Video marks the narrative feature debut of acclaimed documentarian Roger Ross Williams and casts Gael García Bernal in the title role as Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rises to international stardom after he creates the character Cassandro, aka the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.”
Armendáriz turned up to the premiere in a flashy ensemble fit for both the ring and the red carpet — a multi-colored leotard, bedazzled tights and a blue satin jacket with dramatic train. Armendáriz, who suffered a stroke that has left him with limited movement on one side of his body and the ability to only string together short sentences, was overjoyed and clearly emotional upon seeing Bernal and the filmmaker.
Emotional moment here at Cassandro...
The Sundance Film Festival selection from Prime Video marks the narrative feature debut of acclaimed documentarian Roger Ross Williams and casts Gael García Bernal in the title role as Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rises to international stardom after he creates the character Cassandro, aka the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.”
Armendáriz turned up to the premiere in a flashy ensemble fit for both the ring and the red carpet — a multi-colored leotard, bedazzled tights and a blue satin jacket with dramatic train. Armendáriz, who suffered a stroke that has left him with limited movement on one side of his body and the ability to only string together short sentences, was overjoyed and clearly emotional upon seeing Bernal and the filmmaker.
Emotional moment here at Cassandro...
- 1/21/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For nearly a century, exóticos have been the clowns of Mexican wrestling: silly, queer-coded characters in flamboyant drag who pranced about the ring for the amusement of homophobic crowds. These hoary stereotypes have long been a part of the tradition of lucha libre — the country’s second-most-popular sport after soccer. Since Mexican wrestling matches are treated like elaborate metaphors of good versus evil, exóticos always lost to their more macho adversaries. Until Cassandro, an openly gay fighter whose outsized personality and atypical success feel ready-made for the movies.
Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams not only knows it, but possesses special insights into Cassandro’s story, having profiled “The Man Without a Mask” Saúl Armendáriz for his 2016 short film of the same name. Thanks to the dream casting of Mexican star Gael García Bernal as “the Liberace of Lucha Libre,” “Cassandro” arrives with a kind of instant credibility, which Williams protects...
Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams not only knows it, but possesses special insights into Cassandro’s story, having profiled “The Man Without a Mask” Saúl Armendáriz for his 2016 short film of the same name. Thanks to the dream casting of Mexican star Gael García Bernal as “the Liberace of Lucha Libre,” “Cassandro” arrives with a kind of instant credibility, which Williams protects...
- 1/21/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Gael García Bernal nails his best role in years, giving a performance steeped in cheeky humor, resilience and radical self-belief — not to mention some amazingly nimble moves — as groundbreaking lucha libre wrestler Saúl Armendáriz in Cassandro. Seasoned documentarian Roger Ross Williams, who profiled Armendáriz in 2016 for the Amazon series The New Yorker Presents, makes an assured transition into narrative features with this entertaining biopic, which doubles as a gorgeous depiction of mother-son love and an exhilarating exploration of fearless queer identity in a macho environment.
While Williams (Life, Animated) and co-screenwriter David Teague (who adapted Ta-Nehesi Coates’ Between the World and Me for HBO) slightly fumble the ending, this is a film with enormous heart, vivid immersion into its culturally specific milieu and celebratory admiration for its flamboyant subject, images of whom both in and out of the ring grace the end credits. It should prove popular with both LGBTQ...
While Williams (Life, Animated) and co-screenwriter David Teague (who adapted Ta-Nehesi Coates’ Between the World and Me for HBO) slightly fumble the ending, this is a film with enormous heart, vivid immersion into its culturally specific milieu and celebratory admiration for its flamboyant subject, images of whom both in and out of the ring grace the end credits. It should prove popular with both LGBTQ...
- 1/21/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
2023 is shaping up to be quite the year at the movies for fans of professional wrestling, with Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White bulking up to portray the legendary Von Erichs wrestling dynasty in Sean Durkin’s A24 film “The Iron Claw.” But American entertainment wrestlers are not the only ones getting the cinematic treatment next year.
“Cassandro,” a new scripted film from Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Roger Ross Williams, tells the story of one of Mexican wrestling’s most unique heroes. Saúl Armendáriz was an American-born luchador wrestler who grew up near the U.S.-Mexican border in El Paso, Texas. As a young man with dreams of competing at the highest levels in wrestling, he soon moved to Mexico and began training in Ciudad Juarez. But while some thought his homosexuality would be a hindrance in such a machismo-driven industry, he soon rose to the top of the Mexican...
“Cassandro,” a new scripted film from Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Roger Ross Williams, tells the story of one of Mexican wrestling’s most unique heroes. Saúl Armendáriz was an American-born luchador wrestler who grew up near the U.S.-Mexican border in El Paso, Texas. As a young man with dreams of competing at the highest levels in wrestling, he soon moved to Mexico and began training in Ciudad Juarez. But while some thought his homosexuality would be a hindrance in such a machismo-driven industry, he soon rose to the top of the Mexican...
- 12/6/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
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