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The new documentary Chávez directed by actor Diego Luna, which premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, is outstanding as it captures the adoration of Mexico’s best boxer Julio César Chávez.

In his directorial debut, Luna exquisitely and thoroughly chronicles the life of Chávez from his humble beginnings in his hometown of Culiacan, Mexico, and through the rise of his stardom.

Luna examines Chávez’ life by interviewing several key people including Chávez’ mother who reflected on her son’s early training sessions, in which he hid his passion for boxing, and his son Julio César Chávez Jr. who is becoming a boxing star himself.

Chávez’ talent for the sport was quickly seen by townsfolk, local promoters and consequently got him a (low-paying) contract with one of the most recognized boxing promoters of all time. Don King, whom took Chávez to the next realm of boxing glory, is also featured in the documentary discussing Chávez at the height of his career and also talks about his much publicized financial inquires ― which many said King was to blame ― all the while holding a Mexican flag during his interview.

Boxing superstars Oscar de la Hoya and Mike Tyson also talk about Chávez’ unconventional form of fighting which garnered him 108 wins, 87 wins by knockouts and only 6 losses.

The documentary accurately portrays the public’s fasciations with the charismatic boxer by including Chavez’ humoristic personality throughout the film, his larger-than-life stardom in Mexico and the U.S., and delves into Chavez’ relationship with Mexico’s former president Carlos Salinas de Gortari.

The former president was also interviewed for this documentary, mainly to express his high regard for Chavez, even displaying a pair of autographed boxing gloves that were given to him by Chávez. However, the documentary also looks at how Chávez’ close ties with Salinas de Gortari spiraled into political propaganda that ultimately brought forth financial repercussions for Chávez.

Luna also affectionately encapsulates Chávez’ present years by highlighting the father and son relationship with candid moments in which Chavez senior preps Chávez Jr. before a fight.

The story’s highs and lows are exceptionally emphasized with the film’s score, which includes Cuban-style percussions, horns, traditional Mexican songs and ranchera songs dedicated to the boxing champ.

The beauty of Chávez is that it’s not just a movie for boxing aficionados. It’s also a story about a life that resonates with faith ― faith in family, in identity and roots.