By José Alberto Hermosillo
“Cassandro” is one of the best biopics about an openly gay Mexican wrestler ever! (Actually, it is the only one. The original drama is inspiring and moving, with moments of shame and glory.
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| Gael García Bernal as Cassandro, Amazon Prime Video |
Saúl dreams of becoming a strong wrestler; one day, he might eventually win. He learns about the “exóticos,” a group of male wrestlers dressed in drag with feminine touches.
The “exóticos” are now a vital part of “Lucha Libre,” alongside the “Rudos” and “Técnicos” (bad and good guys). The exóticos inspired Saúl Armendáriz to become Cassandro.
Saúl left when he was thirteen. He and his mother, Yocasta (Perla de la Rosa), share a close yet condescending relationship. They dream of someday owning a big house with a heart-shaped swimming pool, but it’s tough for a peasant to escape the barrio.
Lady Anarquía trains him without pay; she will do it in exchange for something later, like friendship. They consider the idea of becoming exótico. However, he rejects it, saying they don’t let exóticos win. His new name idea also comes from a telenovela they watch on TV.
Saúl’s spectacular portrayal as Cassandro is set against the backdrop of the Spanish version of Gloria Gaynor’s worldwide hit “I Will Survive/Sobreviviré,” creating a stunning theatrical entrance for the newcomer.
Cassandro leaves his mark with his captivating moves in the ring, always striving to win, even against Gigántico. More battles lie ahead, including one of the most memorable with El Hijo del Santo (the son of the legendary Mexican wrestler, producer, and movie star El Santo) in Mexico City. Cassandro will keep fighting, rising to the top, only to hit rock bottom.
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| Cassandro’s signature move is a flying jump. |
The film Idiosyncrasy knows no boundaries. Crossing the border back and forth daily through the international bridge in El Paso, Texas, seems normal for locals.
Cassandro’s mother compassionately tells him to give water to the immigrants crossing the border through their backyard—you never know if they will be thirsty and hungry or be bringing little children.
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| Roger Ross Williams & film critic José Alberto Hermosillo. Copyright © Festival in LA, 2016 |
The award-winning documentarian Roger Ross Williams (“Love to Love You Baby,” “The Apollo”) embraces Latino culture as his own, making “Cassandro” his first narrative feature.
In 2016, Ross Williams directed the Oscar-nominated documentary “Life, Animated,” which vividly recounts the life of an autistic boy who communicates through Disney drawings. In “Cassandro,” Ross Williams courageously explores the diverse subcultures of Latino, Mexican, Chicano, LGBTQ+, and Macho Wrestling communities with great respect and understanding.
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| Brazilian composer Marcelo Zarvos |
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| Bad Bunny & Gael García Bernal in “Cassandro.” |
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| French documentary “Cassandro, The Exótico.” Available on Tubi. |
The 2018 French documentary about the life of the wrestler born in Ciudad Juárez and residing in El Paso, Texas, “Cassandro, the Exótico!” by Marie Losier, provides more understanding of the goals and the tremendous success of the epic fighter. The star of the gender-bending, cross-dressing Mexican wrestler states that he does not like to be labeled as the “gay exótico” for the way he dresses or for kissing his opponents in the fights. Everything is part of the amusement and well-choreographed show. He is determined to demonstrate his talent and professional skills, both inside and outside the ring, by training others to continue fighting.
As we dig deeply into the story and learn more about this “sui generis” character, Gael Garcia’s performance in the ring, with its kicking and flying phenomenon, is almost like watching the real Cassandro during his epic fights.
“Cassandro” is highly entertaining for those who like fights, enjoy queer movies, and genuinely love good cinema.
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| Cassandro and Gael Garcia, Sundance Film Festival 2023. |
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