Blood and Sand

Juan Gallardo and his cousin Carmen travel to a bullfighting competition to pursue popularity. They begin learning the craft in the arena and quickly show potential. A fatal moment occurs when the bull charges Juan and a friend sacrifices his life to save him.

Juan meets Doña Sol, a wealthy landowner's daughter, who offers him an opportunity to join her company as a hired hand. The prospect promises a path beyond his current reach. This encounter pushes Juan toward a different future beyond the arena.

A security guard directs Juan to Nacional, a bullfighting trainer who will mold his skills. Although Doña Sol tempts him with a different path, Juan opts to train seriously rather than chase superstardom. He begins focused work under Nacional.

Garabato joins Juan at a national bullfighting competition, where Juan's performance in his first national league appearance earns him attention and popularity. The crowd responds to his skill and presence in the arena. This marks a turning point in his rising fame.

Juan marries Carmen, a union that further elevates his status among fans and peers. The marriage solidifies his ties to Carmen while fueling the public's fascination with his life in and out of the arena.

Juan develops a crush on Doña Sol and asks her to marry him, hoping to align his career with her wealth and influence. Doña Sol rejects the proposal, leaving Juan to wrestle with personal conflict. The love triangle begins to strain existing relationships.

Carmen confronts Doña Sol about Juan, and Doña Sol reveals where Juan is hiding.

Juan heads to a midnight bar to drink and escape the mounting pressures. The next day, Nacional advises him to focus on the upcoming competition, not distractions.

In a fit of anger after the advice, Juan lashes out and assaults Nacional. Nacional leaves in anger, effectively ending his role as Juan's trainer.

Juan and Doña Sol go to a popular city hotel where Pepe Serrano attempts to woo Doña Sol. Juan punches Serrano and insults Doña Sol, who leaves with Serrano.

Later, a drunken Juan visits his manager Don Jose's office accompanied by two prostitutes. Nacional admonishes him, and Juan ends up assaulting Nacional, causing the trainer to abandon his work with Juan.

Juan phones Carmen to apologize for his behavior, but she rejects him, deepening the rift between them. The relationship strain foreshadows further tragedy.

During the bullfight, Juan fails to control the bull, and his supporters, including Carmen and his mother, pray for him. Nacional signals Carmen's presence in the stands, raising the stakes of the moment.

Juan brazenly pays tribute to Carmen by delivering a remarkable performance, but the bull gorges him near the finale, and he dies from trauma and blood loss. Carmen and Nacional hurry to the hospital, where they weep over his death.

In the wake of Juan's death, Serrano defeats the bull and wins the competition. The crowd processes the tragedy as Serrano's victory contrasts with the fallen star's fate.