J.C. Chavez
By Cory Peynado, Blockbuster.co.uk

Diego Luna (Y tu mama tambien, Criminal) creates an accurate and moving portrayal of a Mexican hero. Coming from the streets of Sinaloa, northwest Mexico, Chavez rose to become a national icon, winning six world titles during the 1980s and 90s over four different weight classes and becoming one of the most respected and feared fighters in boxing history.

Director Diego Luna has already proved himself to be a great actor, in films such as Y Tu Mama Tambien, and its seems he’s picked up enough skills and talent on his trails to be able to get his hands dirty and try his hand at crafting a highly entertaining Documentary.

Though brief, clocking in at under eighty minutes, it gives you a good feel for Julio Antonio Chavez. Interviews with his friends and family provide a glimpse at his childhood; clips of coaches, boxing promoters (including Don King) and even celebrity appearances ranging from Steve Wynn to Mike Tyson give you a sense of his astounding professional career.

With a record of over 100 wins and only six losses, he was a national hero. Luna clearly admired him. What stands out is the closing titles, in which the director reveals how dedicated Chavez is to his children as he passes on his beloved pastime on to the next generation.

This is one of the better documentaries I have seen recently. Luna has infused the film with a lot of style including good use of music and imagery. He has proved himself to be a talented director; I look forward to seeing more of what he has to offer if he takes on a narrative film.

It’s hard to square this off against other documentaries, as we don’t really look at these in the same way. I guess you can judge a documentary on good a job its done in providing you with information on the related subject and this certainly qualifies in this department.

With interviews from Mike Tyson, Don King, and Oscar De La Hoya as well as behind the scenes footage and boxing action from some of his most celebrated fights, this is a definitive account of a true boxing great.

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