Cast
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Gonzalo Vega
as Rodrigo Saracho
Blanca Guerra
as Lilia Montero
Wolf Ruvinskis
as Saúl Beltrán
Guillermo Orea
as López
Salvador Pineda
as Latin
Blanca Torres
as Rodrigo's mother
Ignacio Retes
as Old man in the building
Roberto Cobo
as Sultan
Alejandro Parodi
as Taxi driver
Ernesto Yáñez
as Mesie
Dolores Beristáin
as La lola
Agustín Silva
as Valdespino
Sergio Castillo
as Martin
Carlos East
as Aguirre
Rodolfo D'Alexandre
as Matías
Crew
Director
- José Luis García Agraz
Writer
- José Luis García Agraz
Producer
- Fernando Cámara
- Jorge Diaz Moreno
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Knock Out examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director José Luis García Agraz brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1984, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Knock Out took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Knock Out shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kansas City Confidential, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Knock Out subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Dark Corner and Journey into Fear explore similar territory, Knock Out stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 22, 1984
- Runtime: 1h 49m
