The film
In Mexico, the fight between good and evil has been waged every week for decades, thrilling generations of fans with the spectacle of Lucha Libre. Real-life superheroes and villains, these masked wrestlers put their lives on the line night after night to entertain the legions of fans. Gaining remarkable access to all the major Lucha promotions, Alex Hammond and Ian Markiewicz offer an entertaining, no holds barred look at some of the sport's top performers, featuring the "1000% Guapo" Shocker, Luchador heir Blue Demon Jr, the tragic hardcore wrestler El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo, and extreme American bodybuilder Jon "Strongman" Andersen. Lucha Mexico goes behind the mask, on a journey into the heart of Mexico.
BACKGROUND
In the center of sprawling Mexico City, hidden amongst auto repair shops, mom and pop taco stands and shuttered night clubs, lies the historic Arena Mexico. For most of the past century this unassuming venue has been the weekly home of Lucha Libre, a place where masked Luchadores entertain thousands of fans with displays of athleticism and acrobatics, and where some of the most exciting wrestling shows in the world are held. These tireless performers have always been at the direct service of the people, putting their lives on the line every night in epic battles between good and evil, presented with an extraordinary level of style and grace only found in Mexico.
Shot over the course of four years with full access to Mexico’s biggest Lucha Libre promotions, LUCHA MEXICO is an intimate look at the lives and work of modern Luchadores. Filmmakers Alex Hammond & Ian Markiewicz capture their colorful world through modern verite techniques, giving viewers an exciting cinematic look at the triumphs and struggles of a cast of fan-favorites. As the country fights back against crime, corruption and economic crisis, the innocent catharsis of Lucha Libre is more sought after than ever. LUCHA MEXICO steps into the ring, pulls back the iconic mask, and reveals a powerful look into the beating heart of Mexico.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
In Mexico — a country recently plagued by overwhelming violence and poverty — the catharsis provided by Lucha Libre’s simple stories of Good vs. Evil is more important than ever. Equally important is the need for the rest of the world, especially the U.S., to better understand this complex nation. If soccer is the international sport of choice, it could be said that wrestling is the international entertainment; it has been a binding force of many disparate cultures over the years.
A contemporary social event that brings people of all classes together under one roof, Lucha Libre provides escapist fantasy that consistently grounds the amusement in an immediate funhouse reflection of reality. The inner-workings of Lucha, however, truly reveal what it takes to get by in modern Mexico. As Mexicans face difficult times, many turn to the sport that has been present all their lives, rooting for the rudos who take matters into their own hands, and cheering for the honorable triumphs of tecnicos.
In experiencing the fun, excitement, and hard work of Lucha Libre, it is possible to begin creating a deeper insight into Mexican pop-culture. What begins as a story of working luchadores and their adored form of melodrama ultimately leaves us with a better understanding of Mexico itself.