A captivating biographical drama titled “Cassandro” arrived on the American film scene in 2023. Roger Ross Williams made his narrative directing debut with this movie; he wrote the screenplay with David Teague. Gael Garca Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaqun Coso, Ral Castillo, El Hijo del Santo, and the famed Bad Bunny are among the talented actors who make up the ensemble cast of the movie.
On January 20, 2023, the movie made its debut in front of a large audience during the Sundance Film Festival. “Cassandro” will have a limited theatrical run starting on September 15, 2023, and will then be available for streaming on Prime Video starting on September 22, 2023, according to a release date set by Amazon Studios.
Read About: A Million Miles Away
Plot of the Movie
During the dawn of the 1980s, Saúl Armendáriz, a passionate gay wrestler, resided in El Paso, Texas. From there, he would frequently make journeys across the border to Ciudad Juárez in Mexico, immersing himself in the thrilling world of lucha libre wrestling. Known in the ring as “El Topo”, his wrestling persona underwent a transformative change after encountering a seasoned trainer named Sabrina. She introduced him to the vibrant world of ‘exóticos’ – a lucha libre category where wrestlers embrace flamboyant and often gender-nonconforming personas. With Sabrina’s guidance, Saúl reinvented himself, adopting the captivating and soon-to-be-iconic identity of Cassandro, leading him down a path of newfound fame and recognition in the wrestling domain.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Gael García Bernal | Saúl Armendáriz |
| Roberta Colindrez | Sabrina |
| Perla De La Rosa | Yocasta |
| Raúl Castillo | Gerardo |
| Joaquín Cosio | Lorenzo |
| Gigantico | Yavor Vesselinov |
| Yavor Vesselinov | Pete |
| Leonardo Alonso | El Mysteriosa |
| Carmen Ledesma | Rosie |
| Javier Escobar | Masked Massacre |
| Lorenzo Constantini | Cousin Thiago |
| Jorge Andrés Zerecero | Young Saúl |
| El Hijo del Santo | El Hijo del Santo |
| Robert Salas | Eduardo |
| Bad Bunny | Felipe (as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) |
| Ronald Gonzales-Trujillo | Young Eduardo |
| Sofia Felix | Young Yocasta |
| Eduardo Cayetano | Diablo |
Release Date of Cassandro
The movie “Cassandro” made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2023. Following that, Amazon Studios presented an exclusive rollout of the film on September 15, 2023. Just a week later, on September 22, 2023, the film became available to stream on Prime Video.
Behind the Scene
“Cassandro” is not just another film released in 2023; it’s a testament to the intricate weaving of storytelling, culture, and real-life heroes. The story unfolds around Saúl Armendáriz, a wrestler from the 1980s who metamorphoses from ‘El Topo’ to the charismatic ‘Cassandro’ under the mentorship of his trainer, Sabrina.
The director’s chair was graced by Roger Ross Williams, marking his inaugural foray into narrative filmmaking. Interestingly, Williams’ relationship with Cassandro’s tale wasn’t new. Before this dramatic biopic, he delved into the wrestler’s life through his 2016 documentary short, “The Man Without a Mask.” Bringing this story to the big screen, however, was a more elaborate task. Teaming up with David Teague, Williams embarked on a screenplay journey that spanned several years, ensuring they captured the essence of Cassandro’s life.
Gael García Bernal, known for his depth and versatility, was roped in early by July 2020 to breathe life into Saúl Armendáriz’s character. As the months rolled on, the film’s casting tapestry grew richer with Roberta Colindrez stepping into the shoes of Sabrina, and global music sensation Bad Bunny donning the role of Felipe. By June 2021, Amazon Studios clinched the deal to bring this compelling story to audiences worldwide.
A peek into the film’s visual and auditory design reveals a meticulous commitment to the craft. Matias Penachino’s cinematography paints a vivid backdrop, while editors Yibran Asuad, Affonso Gonçalves, and Sabine Hoffman stitch together moments to create a seamless narrative flow. Marcelo Zarvos, with his musical prowess, ensures the soundtrack resonates with the story’s heartbeats.
The movie’s bilingual narrative, intertwining English and Spanish, mirrors the cultural crossroads Cassandro navigated in his life, bridging the vibrant worlds of the U.S. and Mexico. After its acclaimed debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the anticipation grew. Thanks to Amazon Studios, movie aficionados can experience this tale in theaters and later, from the comfort of their homes on Prime Video. The journey of “Cassandro” from conception to screen is as captivating behind the scenes as it is on screen.
Summary
In 2023, the movie “Cassandro” brings to life the story of Saúl Armendáriz, a trailblazing gay wrestler from El Paso, Texas, during the 1980s. Originally known in the ring as ‘El Topo’, a transformative encounter with his guide, Sabrina, leads him to assume the ‘exótico’ identity of Cassandro, elevating his stature in the lucha libre wrestling scene. Directed by Roger Ross Williams, the film spotlights Gael García Bernal in the central character, surrounded by a commendable cast. Its premiere was at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
FAQs
What is “Cassandro” about?
“Cassandro” is a biographical drama depicting the life of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay wrestler from the 1980s who transitions from being known as ‘El Topo’ to the more flamboyant ‘exótico’ wrestler, Cassandro, under the guidance of his trainer, Sabrina.
Who directed “Cassandro”?
The film was directed by Roger Ross Williams.
Who stars in the movie?
The film’s main cast includes Gael García Bernal as Saúl Armendáriz/Cassandro, Roberta Colindrez as Sabrina, and other notable actors such as Perla De La Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, Raúl Castillo, El Hijo del Santo, and Bad Bunny.
When was the movie released?
“Cassandro” had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2023. It had a limited release by Amazon Studios on September 15, 2023, and began streaming on Prime Video on September 22, 2023.
Is the movie based on a true story?
Yes, “Cassandro” is based on the real-life story of Saúl Armendáriz, a prominent figure in the world of lucha libre wrestling.
Has the director worked on any other projects related to this story?
Yes, Roger Ross Williams directed a 2016 documentary short titled “The Man Without a Mask,” which also explored Cassandro’s story.
In which languages is the movie available?
The movie is bilingual, available in both English and Spanish.
What’s the runtime of the film?
The movie runs for a total of 107 minutes.
Where can I watch “Cassandro”?
After its theatrical release, “Cassandro” is available for streaming on Prime Video starting September 22, 2023.
Who are the production companies behind the movie?
The film was produced by Escape Artists and Panorama Global and distributed by Amazon Studios.
Disclaimer: This post contains personal interpretations and opinions. It’s advisable to watch “Cassandro” for a comprehensive experience. If you have any queries please contact us.
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