By JOHN CARTER JR.
Tiger Media Network
Loosely based on the life of Mexican Luchador and Friar, Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez or Fray Tormenta, Nacho Libre was released June 16, 2006, and was directed by Jared Hess. The film stars Jack Black, Hector Jimenez, Ana de la Reguera, Silver King, Moises Arias and Darius Rose.
The film centers around the titular orphan friar Ignacio as he takes on the role of Nacho the Lucha Libre fighter to better feed the children of the orphanage he calls home and to impress the newly welcomed Sister Encarnación. Throughout the film we see Ignacio overcome the obstacles of the world of Lucha libre while also upholding the duties of his priestly order. Throughout this comedy action adventure, Nacho will make allies and enemies alike as he attempts to gain respect and glory.
What do you get when you mix Napoleon Dynamite, Wes Anderson vibes, comedic Catholicism and Mexicano Luchador culture? A heartfelt comedic adventure that is colorful, fun and is an all-around underdog story with a protagonist anyone could root for. Nacho is not simply a joke or comedic character but a rather sympathetic hero, one you root for to succeed. He isn’t too complex and he might be a little weird, but I can’t help but root for this lovable weirdo with a heart of gold. The film’s characters are all fun to watch, but what really sells is the pairing between Nacho and his newly found best friend and Lucha Libre partner, Esqueleto. The comedic chemistry between Esqueleto and Nacho is conveyed through their look, their fight scenes and their misadventures. The ectomorph chip thief is hilarious in his delivery of iconic Nacho Libre lines including but not limited to:
“I hate all the orphans in the WHOLE WORLD!”
Or
“I don’t believe in God; I believe in science.”
The film is filled to the brim with warm colors that give the viewer a warm feeling of comedy or heart, but in moments of strife represents the heat of the sun. The colors, as mentioned before, are reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s color palettes along with the cinematography of the film. If you were to tell me this film was an early Wes Anderson, I would have believed you as when watching Bottle Rocket it reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite. Nacho Libre is more than simply a warm color palette and cinematography coincidentally like another famed director, it also has an iconic score and soundtrack — with the track “Religious Man” being the standout theme of Nacho. The most iconic part of the song that gets me nostalgic is the opening flute solo, which sometimes I catch myself listening to.
Multiple scenes in this film have the characters use elote for various comedic effects. These scenes are among my favorites, whether it be Esqueleto simply eating it, using the corm as a weapon or the iconic “Get that corn outta my face!” line Nacho delivers. Moreover, the fight scenes in this film are hilarious and also serious to Nacho — from the beginning fights where they are starting to make money all the way to Nacho’s final fight with “The Best” Ramses. The action however doesn’t just take place in the ring as it is the physical comedy in the training montage and Nacho’s shenanigans as a friar that pull together Nacho’s “double life” for lack of better words. He is the same goofy guy regardless of if he is in the ring or serving the “lord’s chips.”
In conclusion, Nacho Libre is an iconic heartwarming comedic adventure about Luchadores, love and friendship. It serves its themes through an array of physical and verbal comedy. The film’s focus on Nacho and his apprehensive chip thief turned supportive bestie makes for excellent comedic opportunities that the director capitalizes on. The colors, cinematography and score all pull the film together in a way that makes for a movie you won’t easily be able to forget. Finally, the film teaches us whoever you are — whether you are a Luchdore with all the fame and glory or a cook at an orphanage living the simple life — you can still be unabashedly yourself.
John Carter Jr. is a member of Tiger Media Network with a love for movies and music.