In Mexico the fans have never left the side of professional wrestling as it is a staple of the Mexican people. Every week fans from all over the country travel far and wide to witness masked grapples battle it out in the fight between good and evil. Good being the Technicos and Evil being the Rudos. Carlos Avila’s film Tales of Masked Men: A Journey through Lucha Libre educates the viewer on the history of Lucha Libre in Mexico and profiles three of its stars.
The first being the legendary El Santo, who is one of the godfathers of Lucha Libre, The vertically challenged superstars known as the mini’s, and Lucha Libre veteran Solar who still travels the world to ply his craft and prove that he is one of the best.
The film is as visually pleasing to the eyes as it is just as vibrant as the wrestlers themselves. This documentary catches the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the Lucha Libre scene, while giving a history lesson to those interested in the culture of “Free Fight.” (The English translation of Lucha Libre) This documentary proves that professional wrestling is an art form and that its spectators are a culture within itself. No matter the differences in the fans attending the event, these fans from all types of social classes and backgrounds can come together and enjoy this body slamming spectacle.
Lucha Libre’s early beginnings are explained in further detail by Avila and interviews many different sociological experts and historians. The rise of Lucha Libre was due in part to the revolution in Mexico during the 1930s and a search for a form of entertainment to get minds off the negative. As a spectator for Lucha Libre you are able to live through these larger than life characters and go on their epic journey to victory with them. From then on, it grew and the phenomenon took Mexico by storm, creating a tradition that has more eyes on it then Soccer.
If you are a fan of professional wrestling, Mexican history, or just want to immerse yourself in the Lucha Libre culture, this documentary is for you. This historical account of the Lucha Libre experience is an interesting journey.
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