Rather than fame or money, it's family that motivates the three stars of this documentary, Michelito, Joel and Andrea. Michelito's father was a successful matador until a gorging ended his professional career, and left him only doing local fights. Michelito wants to bring honour back to the family and be everything his father couldn't be. He seems to be succeeding; at 10 years old he has one of the most promising young careers in Mexico. However, he seems very aware of this success and comes across so arrogant that you almost wish for him to fail (or maybe I'm just bitter!)
Equally unsympathetic is Andrea. Her father left her family for another woman in the States, so she wants to become a famous bullfighter to show him what he's missing. While I do feel sorry for her family situation, I couldn't help thinking there are a million ways Andrea could try to be famous and wanting to be a bullfighter is just stupid when every time she sees a bull she screams and runs away, then cries about her cowardice.
The real star for me was Joel. With no one who really cares about him, Joel finds affection from his bullfighting coach Ismael. Bullfighting for him isn't about fame or glory, it's about strengthening the bond with the one person who cares for him. The moment when Ismael leaves to find success in Spain and Joel has to go to a fight alone for the first time is just heartbreaking.
While some viewers may refuse to watch the programme for the scenes of animal cruelty (and it does get very nasty, I warn you), the human dramas are really involving - a very interesting watch.
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