Mexico 86 Review: There are so many movies and shows being released every week that something really interesting is needed to get noticed. Mexico 86 accomplished just that. I’m not the only one to be drawn in by a fact-based narrative, a solid-looking trailer, and a Diego Luna I’m sure many of you recognise from Andor, but what kept me engaged was the film’s surprisingly sharp focus on one of football’s biggest shows’ politics. This is not a sports drama at all; it’s an altogether different kind of movie directed by Gabriel Ripstein.
If you’re looking for a rush of action and trophies, you won’t find it here. Instead, Mexico 86 focuses its efforts on lobbying, influence and corruption and the relentless pursuit of an ambition that most people deemed impossible. What emerges, in the end, is an elegant and amusing political thriller, one that shows how big events in sport can be influenced long before they even hit the pitch.
The lead is Diego Luna and he carries the story with great confidence. The film is helmed by Gabriel Ripstein, whose style isn’t just about sporting success, but about revealing the systems that enable that success.
I was most fascinated by the middle of the story. The subject of the story isn’t really Mexico 86, it’s not a football match or a trophy or a famous player, but rather the idea of being the best. Rather, it surveys the incredible process that led Mexico to successfully host the 1986 FIFA World Cup. One man who knew what he wanted to achieve was a man who knew that in the days when many people thought it was impossible, Mexico could do something that it had never done before—hold the tournament for a second time. People around him don’t take him seriously, don’t listen to him, and don’t believe him. But after a while, he gets enough momentum to get a shot. He is effectively challenged with the words, “Go ahead, if you think it’s possible, prove it.” The movie then turns into a high-stakes game of persuasion, influence, strategy and survival.
I always loved reading about people who try to do something really extraordinary. A plot of discovery and ascent to power, either financial or political or otherwise is always fascinating to me. That definitely includes Mexico 86. It demonstrates the importance of working in action rather than just ideals. With them come resistance, political deal making, moral compromising, and personal sacrifice.
One of the best things that you can say about this movie is that it isn’t afraid to show you the behind-the-scenes action. It’s not about celebrating the World Cup, but it’s about the process of winning the World Cup. The script plunges into the arena of lobbying, negotiations, political maneuvering, corruption charges, and global power games. I was surprised that the film really shows these mechanisms openly. It offers a perspective on events that questions uncomfortable issues of who benefits from the decisions made at the top levels in the world.
I was impressed by the realism of the film, which seemed almost like a documentary. It is a feature length work, but because its content is so dramatic, it can come across as a detailed investigative report on historical events. The storytelling seldom pursues a trodden path of entertaining stunts. Rather, it focuses on what it takes to make ambition a reality. In short, the lesson is that if anyone sets his sights on a goal of gigantic magnitude, there are obstacles in the way. Achievement calls for perseverance, flexibility and occasionally the courage to tread on shady ground.
The entire film hinges on Diego Luna’s performance. He endows the protagonist with charisma, determination as well as vulnerabilities in equal measure. I was still engrossed in his case even if he made bad choices because I knew that he was doing something that was comprehensible to me. His acting always holds your attention, even in scenes with a lot of talk.
The technical elements are no less praiseworthy. The atmosphere of any 80s film is it’s lifeline and Mexico 86 delivers in style. Cinematography is top-notch, with a believable sense of time and place. Each frame is well crafted to create a sense of enrapturing the political environment of the time. Cinematography is one of the most vital parts of filmmaking to me and this film has never failed me. The production design, visual texture and period details combine to make an extremely authentic experience.
I also liked the film’s satirical and humorous elements. All the jokes and political puns won’t be equally received with all audiences, particularly one that isn’t well-versed in the history, but the quality of writing is still entertaining. The jokes are sometimes bizarre and based on power play rather than humour, giving it a sense of being intelligent and having a purpose.
The only thing I would have to add is that it may leave some viewers with the idea of a sports drama that they’re expecting in disappointment. This isn’t a movie about athletes defying the odds on the pitch. Football is not the goal, but the medium. Actually the real essence is politics, corruption, influence, and people who are behind the scenes in their private lives. It’s a slow-burn film for those who prefer a more action-packed sports action film.
However, for those who like movies about power, intrigues, corruption, and individuals trying to accomplish anything extraordinary in the face of insurmountable odds, I think Mexico 86 is worth a look. It’s smart, stimulating, eye-catching and supported by a great leading role cast. Most of all, it presents an insight into international sport that is seldom seen. The movie is currently streaming on Netflix with Hindi language.
Rating: 3.5/5
