MIL MASCARAS (1969) ***

 

A group of world leaders raise a young boy to be an undefeatable champion of justice.  When he grows to be a man, he dons a Lucha Libre mask and becomes Mil Mascaras.  Working from intel provided to him by his mysterious benefactors, Mil sets out to smash a crime syndicate bent on world domination. 

Unlike El Santo, who never really had much of a backstory in his movies, Mil Mascaras devotes nearly an entire reel to his origin story.  If you can stomach the ill-fitting stock footage left over from WWII, the scene where the baby Mil is discovered in the bombed-out wreckage of a dilapidated building is quite effective.  I also liked the training montage of Mil growing into adulthood as he learns to sharpen not only his physical attributes, but his mind as well.  (There’s even a brief shot of him working in a mad scientist lab!)

Speaking of getting physical, Mil is a lot of fun to watch in his wrestling scenes.  He is quick on his feet, does a handful of flashy moves, and has a commanding presence in and out of the ring.  The film is likewise fast-paced and contains a number of action sequences and fight scenes to keep you entertained.

Another way this picture is a little different than say, the works of El Santo is the music.  In most Lucha Libre movies, the music sequences are akin to easy listening and/or traditional folk music.  Mil Mascaras features wall-to-wall rock n’ roll.  The scenes set in a rock n’ roll club where a bunch of teenagers twist the night away have a lot of energy, and the big musical number (sung by a girl who looks like Twiggy) will get your toes tapping.  The musical score, though repetitive, is catchy too, and gives the assorted fight scenes an added flair. 

In short, this is another top-notch Mexican wrestling movie.  Based on the evidence here (as well as the El Santo films I’ve seen in which Mil had supporting roles), I’m going to have to add the Mil Mascaras series to my ever-growing pile of must-see Mexican wrestling franchises.  In these troubled times, the genre has offered me a lot of comfort and strength.  I often ask myself why I am so drawn to them.  I think I know the answer now.  It’s because the Luchadores of Mexican Cinema harken back to a simpler time.  They stand for truth, justice, and the Mexican way.  Plus, unlike a lot of people in this country, they know how to wear a damn mask.