Watch El Americano

El Americano is a 2016 animated film directed by Ricardo Arnaiz, Mike Kunkel, and Raul Garcia. The film tells the story of a young bird named Cuco who dreams of being a great artist like his father, a famous luchador (Mexican wrestler). But one day, his father gets injured in a wrestling match and Cuco goes on a journey to America to seek help from his father's hero, a famous former luchador named El Americano.

The film begins with a charming animation of Cuco as a toddler, playfully drawing in his father's studio. From the very beginning, it's obvious that Cuco has a natural talent for art and creativity. However, Cuco's ambitions are met with opposition from his father, who wants him to follow in his footsteps as a luchador. In the first act, we see how Cuco's love for art and his father's love of lucha clash.

The second act of the movie sees Cuco visiting America to find El Americano, whom his father idolizes. The journey is not an easy one, with obstacles such as run-ins with border patrol agents and a gang of street cats on the way to El Americano's wrestling school.

Apart from the overall narrative, what really stands out in El Americano is the attention to detail in the animation. The film takes place in Mexico and America, and the art style reflects that. With vibrant colors that showcase Mexico's culture and a more modern approach for the American scenes, Cuco's journey is very visually engaging.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy. The score, composed by Leoncio Lara and Rene Garcia, incorporates traditional Mariachi music with contemporary pop music in a mash-up that is both refreshing and entertaining.

Another aspect of El Americano that's hard to ignore is the social commentary. Throughout the film, Cuco faces adversity based on his origins and is judged for his size and lack of muscular strength. These themes are handled gracefully and are explored in a way that doesn't detract from the overall fun atmosphere of the movie.

Despite its lighthearted nature, the movie also tackles serious subjects. Cuco's journey through America is an eye-opening experience that sheds light on the harsh realities of working-class Americans. The film addresses issues like poverty, violence, and immigration with nuance, making it accessible to kids while also being accessible to adults.

Overall, El Americano is a gem of a film. Its charming animation style, uplifting story, engaging characters, and meaningful social commentary make it stand out in the crowded market of animated movies. It's a must-watch for anyone looking for an entertaining, enjoyable, and well-crafted animated film.

El Americano is a 2015 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.