Nacho Libre

In the sun-drenched Mexican outskirts, the Santa Paula orphanage bustles with the daily routines of its residents, young boys and girls left vulnerable after being abandoned by their families. Amidst the narrow corridors and cramped living spaces, Ignacio, a humble cook with a scrappy spirit, struggles to make ends meet. His duties at the monastery often go unnoticed, and what little resources the institution might have are hardly enough to provide for the basic needs of its charges. This is the situation for Nacho Libre, a 2006 film directed by Jared and Jerusha Hess. Ignacio's day-to-day existence in no way reflects the significance he believes he would bring to the people he cares about the most. Although he genuinely wants the best for the kids and tries valiantly to create a makeshift home filled with wholesome homemade meals, financial strain starts to tell on him – his usually genuine efforts end up tasting like warmed-up scraps most nights. Conversely, the usually kind-hearted food server at the monastery does encounter a sense of help and appreciation from an audience almost certain to him except the orphans. It is here, as Ignacio tends to the needs of the household, a well-known local Luchador named Ramses, nicknamed "The Greatest," comes into Ignacio's attention. Influenced by Ramses and what seems to be a life that, at least, is celebrated by the orphans, Ignacio is enticed to do the same. Ignacio aspires to be recognized by the audience in the same manner Ramses receives the adoration of the crowd after donning a colorful mask as Luchador. Under the guidance of the one and only Ramses, Ignacio emerges as Nacho Libre – this not-so-established Luchador. Nacho Libre takes a considerable leap from a struggling cook, into the limelight where he's treated with grand fanfare by all who attend the Mexican wrestling matches. Ignacio becomes increasingly proficient as an Luchador, blending an ingenious idea of acrobatics infused with local customs in his performances, taking something new, spectacular, and fun and combining it into something all at once Mexican, and uniquely Ignocio: Nacho Libre. Wrestling, like a perfect craft mastered after so much perseverance, swiftly turns into Nacho's love and means of escape. It gives him a purpose that finally makes Ignacio satisfied about himself for the first time as not merely a monk cook but a legendary. More importantly, he gets cherished by the or the fans at a Mexican Luchador match every time the bell rings to signal the start of another fun performance. His sudden rise in fame reaches the attention of various beautiful women living in the Monastery that Ignacio so fondly connects to – but none so in particular as the enchanting Sister Encarnación. The nuns at the monastery show a considerable attachment to their charitable causes, in particular to Sister Encarnación who's an exquisite, perfect amalgamation of spirituality, humor, and profound beauty. Her adoration for Nacho inspires the possibility that a romance will unfold for Ignacio. This enticing opportunity might give him a broader chance of becoming a part of something she has grown up with truly, as well as for loving someone unlike many – profoundly, both – but to truly know her true character, all readers of this unique story need to find out much more.