Monzon

"Monzon" is a captivating Argentinian crime drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The unflinching series delves into the tumultuous life of Carlos Monzon, one of Argentina’s most celebrated yet controversial figures. Monzon earned worldwide acclaim for his exceptional skills as a boxer that led to a successful career highlighted by an impressive seven-year spate as the Middleweight Champion. However, his prominence in the boxing world was significantly overshadowed by his violent behavior off the ring, culminating in a murder conviction that marked a tragic fall from grace.

The series intriguingly blends fact with fiction, using a nonlinear narrative to tell the intense story of this complex personality. Across 13 gripping episodes, viewers journey through the highs and lows of Monzon's whirlwind life, from his humble beginnings in the rural province of Santa Fe to the peak of his boxing career and the onset of his notorious criminal activities. The truth of Monzon's life unfurls through flashbacks from his murder trial, with each episode revealing another layer of the troubled athlete's personal and professional trials.

"Monzon" is a deep character study that paints a vivid picture of the boxing hero’s personality both in the professional arena and his private life. Argentine actor Jorge Román excellently portrays the older Carlos Monzon, capturing the charisma, volatility, and intense masculinity that defined the real-life character. Palme d'Or nominee Mauricio Paniagua portrays the young Monzon and beautifully captures the boxer's steely determination, unyielding ambition, and the harrowing journey from his impoverish upbringing to boxing fame.

Beyond the central narrative of Monzon’s life, the series also documents significant cultural and historical events of the second half of the 20th century, offering viewers an intriguing insight into the socio-political climate of Argentina during that period. Despite being set against the backdrop of Monzon's rise and fall, the show also shines a light on important and timeless issues such as gender-based violence, class struggles, and the extent to which society tends to idolize public figures, often overlooking their personal shortcomings in the process.

In its exploration of these themes, "Monzon" also draws attention to the boxer's relationships with the women in his life. These portrayals are far from flattering, heavily featuring Monzon's recurring violent tendencies. It is important to note that the series does not shy away from these darker aspects of his life. Rather, it forces viewers to confront them head-on, providing a comprehensive picture of the boxing champion's life that is as layered as it is shocking.

The production value of "Monzon" is top-notch and remains consistent throughout the series. The cinematography elegantly captures the grittiness and glamour of the boxing world, while the script is masterfully written to keep audiences engaged and invested in the unfolding events.

Moreover, the series incorporates real footage from Monzon’s well-documented boxing matches. The editing is seamless and enhances the narrative's authentic feel. It also serves to remind the viewer of the duality that Monzon exhibited – the boxing genius on the ring and the abusive, controlling character off it.

“Monzon” is not a series that seeks to glorify its titular character. Instead, it presents a dark, unfiltered portrayal of a monumental figure in the sporting world, whose life was marked by as much tragedy as triumph. It is this stark honesty that sets it apart from typical sports dramas, making it a must-watch series for those interested in a realistic exploration of a flawed hero and the times and culture that shaped him.

Consequently, “Monzon” stands out as a symbol of Argentina’s struggle with the dichotomy between hero worship and the dark reality beneath it. The series is heavy, charged with the power of a left cross punch, and like Monzon's turbulent life, it’s hard to look away.