Cry Macho

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 17, 2021

Genre
Drama, Western

Cast & Crew

• Clint Eastwood as Mike Milo
• Eduardo Minett as Rafo
• Natalia Traven as Marta
• Dwight Yoakam as Howard Polk
• Horacio Garcia Rojas as Aurelio
• Fernanda Urrejola as Leta

Director
Clint Eastwood

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Unforgiven (1992)
• Million Dollar Baby (2004)
• Gran Torino (2008)
• American Sniper (2014)
• The Mule (2018)

Producer

• Clint Eastwood
• Albert S. Ruddy
• Tim Moore
• Jessica Meier

Writer

• Nick Schenk
• N. Richard Nash (based on his novel)

Budget
Estimated at $33 million

Production Company

• Malpaso Productions
• Warner Bros. Pictures

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild violence
• Thematic elements
• Language

Movie Story
“Cry Macho” is a reflective drama that follows the story of Mike Milo (Clint Eastwood), a washed-up former rodeo star and horse breeder who has long since passed his prime. Living a quiet and solitary life in Texas, Mike is unexpectedly approached by his former boss, Howard Polk (Dwight Yoakam), who asks him to travel to Mexico to retrieve his estranged son, Rafo (Eduardo Minett). Howard claims that Rafo is living in dangerous conditions with his mother, Leta (Fernanda Urrejola), and needs to be brought back to the United States.

Reluctantly, Mike agrees to the task, despite his initial reservations about the mission and his own declining health. When he finds Rafo in Mexico City, the boy is living a troubled life, involved in small-time crime and street fighting. Rafo, who is skeptical of his father’s intentions, eventually agrees to go with Mike, seeing it as a chance to escape his current life.

As the unlikely pair embark on their journey back to Texas, they form a bond that transcends their differences. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including the dangers of the Mexican desert, local authorities, and Rafo’s need for a father figure. Mike, in turn, finds a renewed sense of purpose in caring for the boy, and the journey becomes as much about healing as it is about survival.

“Cry Macho” is a contemplative film that explores themes of redemption, masculinity, and the search for meaning in the twilight years of life. Eastwood’s portrayal of Mike Milo is understated yet powerful, capturing the essence of a man coming to terms with his past while trying to do one last thing right. The film’s pace is deliberate, allowing the characters and their relationships to develop naturally, culminating in a story that is both touching and introspective.

Special Effects
“Cry Macho” is a film that relies more on character-driven storytelling and scenic cinematography than on special effects. The natural landscapes of the American Southwest and Mexico are beautifully captured, serving as both a backdrop and a metaphor for the characters’ emotional journey. The film’s simplicity in terms of effects allows the focus to remain squarely on the performances and the narrative.

Box Office Performance
“Cry Macho” was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, a strategy influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The film had a modest box office performance, grossing around $15 million worldwide. While not a commercial hit, it was appreciated by audiences for its emotional depth and Clint Eastwood’s enduring screen presence, although some critics felt the story lacked the impact of Eastwood’s earlier works.

Filming Locations

• Belen, New Mexico, USA
• Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Notable Quotes

• “This macho thing is overrated.” – Mike Milo
• “You gave me a second chance, and now I’m giving one to you.” – Rafo

Behind-the-Scenes
“Cry Macho” marks Clint Eastwood’s return to the director’s chair and his continued role as a leading man, despite being in his 90s. The film is based on the 1975 novel by N. Richard Nash, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The project had been in development for several decades, with various actors and directors attached over the years, but it was Eastwood who finally brought it to the screen, infusing the story with his characteristic themes of redemption and self-reflection.

Awards

• None, though Clint Eastwood’s performance was noted for its poignancy and subtlety.

Final Verdict
“Cry Macho” is a heartfelt and meditative drama that reflects on themes of aging, redemption, and the value of human connection. Clint Eastwood delivers a nuanced performance, bringing a lifetime of experience to the role of Mike Milo. While the film may not be a high-octane thriller, it offers a poignant story that resonates with viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives and the exploration of life’s quieter moments.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10