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Add FightsATW on GoogleWhile attending the San Diego International Film Festival, I had the pleasure of screening Campeon Gabacho (Gringo Champion), starring Juan Daniel Garcia Trevino, Ruben Blades, Eddie Marsan, and Rosario Dawson. Directed by Jonas Cuaron, the film runs 1h 48m.
The story comes from the 2017 debut novel by then-nineteen-year-old Aura Xilonen titled “Campeon Gabacho.” The film follows Liborio (played by Juan Daniel Garcia Trevino), an undocumented Mexican immigrant who crosses the border and makes his way to New York in search of a better life. Unfortunately, reality hits him harder than a left hook, and what was once a positive dream quickly becomes a hard road to follow.
The film opens with a strange yet comedic relationship between a bookstore owner, Chief (played by Eddie Marsan; Ray Donovan, Hancock), who serves as an adult figure for Liborio. Things quickly turn when Liborio helps Aireen (played by Leslie Grace) against a few local thugs who were harassing her, and a video captured by independent reporter Doble-U (played by Rosario Dawson) goes viral, leading Liborio down the path of becoming a fighter.
Although training to become a fighter is only part of the story, the film’s overall message is powerful because he fights not only for himself but for immigrants worldwide who are treated unfairly. It’s a topic that has been all over the news, especially recently, and seeing it play out on film, especially for a young adult audience, makes it an important message for them to receive.
Scenes throughout the film tug at the heartstrings, especially the relationship Liborio builds with a little girl from the shelter who is permanently disabled. Her performance made you want to invest in their friendship instantly.
Aside from the overarching message, there is a love story. Liborio, who helps Aireen early in the film, ends up returning the favor by helping him avoid sleeping in the park and giving him a temporary place to stay, but more importantly, a love interest. Their relationship grows from there, and the connection the two actors make in this film is undeniable. Jonas Cuaron does an excellent job of capturing their connection and using air and the sky to almost detach them from reality. Amid the chaos of his life, Liborio leaves room in his heart for love, even though he has no idea what that looks like.
While the indie film hits in many places, it misses the mark in a few. Campeon Gabacho was filmed in Mexico City, Mexico, and despite the expectation to match New York’s scenery and energy, it still didn’t feel like New York. The film emphasizes Mexican gang culture in parts that aren’t really seen in New York, and those scenes would have been more appropriately set in Los Angeles for more authenticity.
The film also made minimal callbacks to Liborio’s origin story and how he arrived in New York. There were glimpses, but not enough to put it together without doing research on the film beforehand.
Lastly, Rosario Dawson’s character was understandable but felt forced. I was unsure whether she was flirting with Liborio, trying to be a mother figure, or acting as a big sister. If there are any future edits before its North American theatrical release in early 2027, I’d revisit the scenes involving her character.
Aside from minor criticisms, it’s an enjoyable film that takes you on an emotional roller coaster, ending with an inspiring message and a victory in the ring. When 2027 rolls around and Campeon Gabacho (Gringo Champion) hits theaters, give it a shot. You’ll find it time well spent.
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