Lucha Mexico

An insightful and wildly entertaining look at the wrestlers who ply their trade south of the border.

The film's most worthy detour is into the history and personal significance of masks.

if nothing else, Lucha Mexico can be appreciated for its honest depiction of a cultural outlet that gives its public, young and old, a chance to let off steam and yell until they’re hoarse at these uniquely Mexican archetypes.

There’s just enough history about lucha libre to make you curious to learn more.

Suffice to say, masks are a big deal in the world of Mexican professional wrestling, known colloquially as lucha libre. Why are they such a big deal? Even after watching the movie, it’s hard to explain.

What Hammond and Markiewicz are most gifted at is cinematography. I’d gladly watch this film’s entire B-roll again just to bask in the gorgeous Mexican landscapes and vivid snapshots of the cities, outdoor markets and parking lots where various matches occur.

Lucha Mexico often plays less like a character study than like a simple promotional effort, with repetitive platitudes.