Film Review: Cassandro

It’s hard work being a luchador. What’s that? A wrestler.

Imagine what it’s like being a gay luchador in Mexico. No easy task, but then neither is life, right? 

“Cassandro” tells the story of a skinny blond kid named Saúl (played by Gael García Bernal), who sees lucha and decides he wants to do that too. His dad is less than excited at the prospect, but mom Yocasta (played by Perla De La Rosa) is very supportive. 

A female luchadora named Sabrina (who fights under the name Lady Anarquía) sees Cassandro practicing one day and offers to train him. Many practice rounds later, she thinks he’s good enough and thinks he ought to fight as an “exótico." I’m guessing she figured out that he’s gay.

The short form of the rest of the story is that he succeeds as a luchadora, though does have to endure a lot of jeering from audiences at the getups he wears (flashy and some downright, shall I say it, feminine).

The point of the story is that you should pursue your dream, no matter what anyone says.

Gael García Bernal is excellent as the determined Cassandro, who doesn’t take no for an answer, but does learn to endure occasional failure.

Roberta Colindrez is convincing as Cassandro’s teacher, though I must admit it’s difficult for me to imagine women as luchadoras. I guess I’m just old fashioned.

Perla De La Rosa is a gem as Cassandro’s mother, supportive (and proud of her son) to the end.  

Raúl Castillo convinces as Cassandra’s boyfriend Gerardo. And Joaquín Cosio is fine as the shady wrestling promoter Lorenzo.

Director Roger Ross Williams keeps everything moving at a fast pace, and the soundtracks (“Seis Pistoleros”) adds to the emotional level.

I never thought I’d watch, much less write about wrestling, but I’m always up for something new, strange or startling. “Cassandro” qualifies on all counts.