Starting off with a question. Don’t you feel that the title itself is an oxymoron, more like an Ironic Title, “Cry Macho”? In our society, we have been spoon-fed with this misconception that “Boys are Brave, they can’t cry,” “Crying is the Jewelry of a Girl.” Something like this, I was also told by my grandmother, but my mother solely disagreed.
Now coming back to the question, why is it so Men who are bold, aggressive, tall, handsome are regarded as Macho, and they are constantly reminded that Crying doesn’t make you manly. Everything else apart, let’s now dig into our Movie “Cry Macho.” You may all share your views regarding the question in the comments section below.
Based on a 1975 Novel, “Cry Macho,” whose author is N. Richard Nash, the American neo-western newly formed drama “Cry Macho” was initially released on 17th September 2021. Directed and Produced by Clint Eastwood, the movie is adapted by Nick Schenk. It has an IMDB rating of 6.3/10 and has received 53% of Rotten Tomatoes. The movie stars Clint Eastwood and Dwight Yoakam in the lead roles. Other recurring stars are Eduardo Minett, Natalia Traven, Fernanda Urrejola, Horacio Garcia Rojas, Alexandra Ruddy, Ana Rey, and Paul Lincoln Alayo.
Just like the way in “My Heroes were Cowboys,” Robin Wiltshire had an attachment and love towards horses and the Western culture, similarly in “Cry Macho,” the protagonist had a deep bonding with horses; he loved to train with them. However, the only difference is Robin had the attachment when he was just 10 years old, but our Rodeo Star Mike Milo got this fascination when his career came to an end because of his back injury.
When Mike lost his job in 1979, he was hired by Howard Polk, who was Mike’s former administrator. Howard and Mike both toured to Mexico to retrieve Howard’s son Rafael “Rafo” Polk and her wife, Leta. By that time, Rafo had become a criminal by engaging himself in different illegal and lethal activities such as cockfighting and has a rooster named “Macho.”
Let’s See How it Came to End
“Cry Macho” has shed light on a sensitive topic that revolves around the words “Masculinity” “Macho.” During a conversation between Mike and Rafo, Mike spoke a few words to Rafo, which was mind-boggling. He said, “Macho means strong.” Now here’s the thing: Strong doesn’t mean that a man would resort to violence to lighten the burden, and Women resist the violence to escort a man. A Very crucial thing that wasn’t prevalent in the late 1960s or 1970s or even in the 1980s.
Well, to be specific, the ending is both happy and sad. Now, this is an oxymoron. The Last Scene starts with Rafo unexpectedly finding why his father Howards wants to talk to him in his farmhouse. He discovers that Howards used Rafo as a means to make Leta accompany and work with him. Rafo feels like a Pawn. Howards wants to have the clout and leverage when it’s time to secure money.
Rafo still thinks continuing the quest will be the right thing as Mr. Polk still has the farmhouse, horses, and everything he needs. Mike was returning when Rafo handed over the Rooster named “Macho” to him, hoping that the rooster would secure the voyage of Mike and Marta. Oh, I forgot, Marta is the newly found love interest.
The Climax was both Unhappy and Happy, Fortunate because Mike and Rafael both got out of their damn problems and were back to normalcy. Unfortunately, because Rafael still felt that if Mike had been his father, he would have been no less than the happiest child in this world.
