Spain's infamous Torrero Manuel Rodríguez Sánchez -known as "Manolete"- is the focus for this biopic directed by Menno Meyjes.
Manolete rose to prominence in the 1940's and fought in Spain as well as Mexico. Manolete's contributions to bullfighting include: '...standing very still while passing the bull close to his body and, rather than giving the passes separately, he was able to remain in one spot and link four or five consecutive passes together into compact series.' [1]
Unfortunately the script is pallid and the characters somewhat forgettable, otherwise the film is visually rather impressive. Details particularly worth noting: Penelope Cruz has a gold tooth; Adrien Brody, a little black Daschund.
[1] Wikipedia article on Manolete