Cast
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Gael García Bernal
as Saúl "Cassandro"
Roberta Colindrez
as Sabrina
Perla de la Rosa
as Yocasta
Joaquín Cosío
as Lorenzo
Raúl Castillo
as Gerardo
El Hijo del Santo
as El Hijo del Santo
Bad Bunny
as Felipe
Gigántico
as Murder Clown
Yavor Vesselinov
as Pete
Leonardo Alonso
as El Mysterioso
Carmen Ledesma
as Rosie
Javier Escobar
as Masked Massacre
Lorenzo Constantini
as Cousin Thiago
Jorge Andrés Zerecero
as Young Saúl
Robert Salas
as Eduardo
Crew
Director
- Roger Ross Williams
Producer
- David Bloomfield
- Julie Goldman
- Todd Black
- Ted Hope
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Gael García Bernal is great in this entertaining biopic of the eponymous wrestler who rose from Texan oblivion and poverty to international acclaim. We learn fairly early on that he and his mother "Jocasta" (Perla De La Rosa) get by after his father abandoned them by working loads of different jobs and by him taking on the role of an "exotico" - a sort of "glamour" wrestler - in a makeshift garage where his job is to camp things up and then get beaten by a guy twice his size. Aside from the fact that it hurts, he decides that he wants a new home for him and his mum, and that he also has the skill to take things a bit further professionally. Together with his new-found, kick-ass, trainer "Sabrina" (Roberta Colindrez) he decides to create the new character of "Cassandro" to become the first of his creed to actually win! What now ensues is quite a messy film, technically - the editing and continuity are not very good, but the sheer charisma of the star as he portrays this openly gay man in a world that offers him little but hostility is frequently quite amusing and engaging to watch. There's a little bit of (complicated) love interest for him, too, but essentially it's Bernal hamming it up, Liberace style, in the ring where he is adept and pinning down (not an euphemism) gents far more substantial than himself. Like stories of boxing in general, it's illustrative of just how few opportunities there are for those trapped in a cycle of poverty to escape the mundanity of their lives - especially when their sexuality doesn't exactly conform either; and it also demonstrates well just how a community thrives on and values these makeshift, almost bare-knuckle, events. I knew nothing at all about the "Lucha Libre" culture so that proved quite an eye-opener too - particularly when reconciled with a strong but not overwhelming gay storyline. Maybe it doesn't need to be seen in a cinema, but I did enjoy it and it's well worth a watch.
Sep 20, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Cassandro examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Roger Ross Williams 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 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Cassandro took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cassandro shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Between My Mother's Legs, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Cassandro offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Eugenie and Charlotte explore similar territory, Cassandro 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: September 14, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 47m
Where to Watch
