The popularity of professional boxing today pales in comparison to the sport’s heyday in the 1970’s and 80’s. Yes, there’s Canelo Alvarez, but no iconic figures like Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier or Mike Tyson. And in Los Angeles, the hub of Latino idols in that era, aficionados yearn for the days when Mando Ramos, Bobby Chacon, and Ruben Olivares used to pack The Forum in Inglewood and Ramos at least, the Olympic Auditorium. But now, thanks to the Hulu television series La Maquina, folks can take a trip down memory lane and educate those in the current generation who weren’t around to enjoy the experience.
It seems ironic that two famous Mexican actors in their early 40’s, both independently wealthy, would hook up to recreate this scenario of fistic nostalgia. Such is the case, however, for Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, who have known each other since childhood and grew up in their teens as cast members in Mexican “novelas.” Throughout their careers, the two men have worked together on various films, like Y Tu Mama Tambien, Rudo y Cursi and most notably, “Casa de Mi Padre,” a 2011 American comedy that also included Will Ferrell. But in recent years, the pair have partnered in the creation of several independent production and film companies that have taken on many activist causes in Mexico and abroad. It is through their current business, El Corriante del Golfo, where La Maquina was born.
“It’s been a blast working together again,” reflects Garcia Bernal, who plays the role of Esteban “La Maquina” Osuna, a famous but aging boxer in the series. Luna, who is the boxer’s loyal charismatic manager in the series, definitely agrees.
“It was just fun and everything came natural,” he confirmed.
As the story goes, the two friends apparently came up with the idea for La Maquina while hungover one morning in a Berlin cafe. Through their love of boxing and its often shady past, they came up with a plot and ran with it. The series centers around Osuna, a decorated ring warrior in Mexico who is beaten soundly in his last bout and is contemplating retirement. But as he struggles with the decision, his longtime handler Andy Lujan (Luna) tries to pull some strings and set up a high stakes rematch.
“For us, boxing is more than just throwing punches and winning,” explains Garcia Bernal about the purpose behind the production. “It’s about what happens when the fight is over. It’s about who stays with you when the glory fades and who abandons you.”
Lujan believes he was able to pull off the event until an underworld figure in Johnny’s past decides to settle up on an old debt. Osuna himself is no angel with many vices, so that’s when the situation becomes a bit murky. For those who have yet to check out this production, I won’t spoil it for you with any further details. However, I must tell you that La Maquina is much more than just mafia-related boxing tale. Eiza Gonzalez, who plays Andy’s wife Irasema, is magnificent in her role, as is the entire supporting cast. That said, Garcia Bernal and Luna mesh perfectly in this drama, with a bit of comedy and real life situations sprinkled in for good measure.
As a young reporter working for a major New York magazine in the 1970’s, I saw first hand the Mexican boxing craze in Los Angeles. The roller coaster ride was incredible, and La Maquina is the first film or series I’ve seen that is amazingly authentic. If you don’t subscribe to Hulu, you can catch the first episode for free, or you also have options on the Disney channel. While the audio is in Spanish, there are English subtitles that are helpful. And guess what? It could improve the bilingual conversations you have with your fiends and neighbors. Just leave out some of the bad words you learn in the dialogue.
