Is Nacho Libre Based on a True Story? Plot and Ending Explained
by Swetha P
Updated May 06, 2023
Who is Nacho Libre?
Nacho Libre is a 2006 sports comedy-drama film that follows the story of Ignacio, a Catholic friar and wrestling enthusiast, who works at an orphanage in Mexico. To support the children under his care, Ignacio secretly dons a mask and becomes a luchador, a Mexican professional wrestler. The movie is loosely based on the life of Fray Tormenta, a real-life Catholic priest who supported his orphanage by wrestling under the guise of a luchador for over two decades.
The film was directed by Jared Hess and written by Jared and Jerusha Hess and Mike White. Produced by Black, White, David Klawans, and Julia Pistor, "Nacho Libre" was released on June 16, 2006, by Paramount Pictures. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, it earned $99.3 million at the worldwide box office, exceeding its $35 million production budget.
Is Nacho Libre Based on a True Story?
Is Nacho Libre Real Story? The plot of the film "Nacho Libre" draws inspiration from the life of a Mexican Catholic priest, Rev. Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez, also known as Fray Tormenta or "Friar Storm". Fray Tormenta had a 23-year-long career as a masked luchador, a professional wrestler, to raise funds for the orphanage he ran in Mexico.
The film loosely follows this real-life story, portraying Jack Black's character, Ignacio, as a friar who moonlights as a luchador to support the children under his care. Despite the differences in the characters' backgrounds and circumstances, the film's storyline captures the essence of Fray Tormenta's devotion to his cause and his love for the sport of lucha libre. The portrayal of Fray Tormenta in "Nacho Libre" brought greater visibility to his remarkable life story and his contributions to the welfare of orphaned children.
Nacho Libre Plot
Nacho Libre is a 2006 sports comedy-drama film about a cook named Ignacio who works at an orphanage in Oaxaca and dreams of becoming a luchador to earn money for the orphans. Wrestling is strictly forbidden by the monastery, but Ignacio disregards the rules and convinces a street thief named Steven to join him as a tag team partner.
They compete in local matches, but are unable to achieve victory despite their popularity with the crowd. Ignacio seeks advice from champion luchador Ramses but is rebuffed. Ignacio's secret is revealed during mass when his robe catches fire, exposing his wrestling costume. He decides to fight in a battle royale for the right to take on Ramses for a cash prize, which he will use to buy a bus for the orphans.
Despite being banished from the monastery, Ignacio manages to win the crowd's support and defeats Ramses with a diving technique, becoming a professional wrestler and buying a bus for the orphans. He takes them and Sister Encarnación on a field trip to Monte Alban and earns Encarnación's favor.
Nacho Libre Ending Explained
Ignacio's secret passion for wrestling is revealed to the entire monastery when his robe accidentally catches fire during mass, exposing his luchador costume. Faced with the truth, Ignacio decides to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler, despite the monastery's strict rules forbidding it. He declares that he will fight in a battle royale to earn the right to challenge the champion luchador, Ramses, for a cash prize that he plans to use to buy a bus for the orphans he cares deeply for.
Despite coming in second place in the battle royale, Ignacio's perseverance and passion for wrestling earned him the respect and support of the crowd. However, his victory is almost taken away by Ramses, who resorts to cheating to try and win the match. Ignacio's determination is reignited when he sees Sister Encarnación and the orphans enter the arena, inspiring him to defeat Ramses with a daring diving move.
With his newfound success as a professional wrestler, Ignacio is able to purchase a bus for the orphanage and take the orphans and Sister Encarnación on a field trip to the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán. During the trip, Ignacio and Sister Encarnación's mutual feelings for each other become more apparent, and he awkwardly acknowledges her signs of encouragement.
Ignacio's journey highlights the importance of pursuing one's dreams and the power of determination in the face of adversity. It also showcases the value of community and the impact that one person's actions can have on the lives of many.
Nacho Libre Cast
Jack Black
Ignacio
Troy Gentile
Young Ignacio
Hector Jimenez
Steven
Silver King
Ramses
Carla Jimenez
Candida
Richard Montoya
Guillermo
Enrique Munoz
Senor Ramon
Moises Arias
Juan Pablo
Donald Chambers
Silencio
Darius Rose
Chancho
Peter Stormare
Emperor
Diego Eduardo Gomez
Chuy
Human Tornado
El Snowflake
Cast
Character
Is Nacho Libre Based on a True Story - FAQs
It's a comedy film about a Mexican friar who becomes a professional wrestler to support the orphans in his monastery.
Jack Black plays the lead role of Ignacio/Nacho.
Ignacio becomes a wrestler to win money for the orphans in his monastery.
Yes, Ignacio eventually earns enough money to buy a bus for the orphans and takes them on a field trip.
Yes, by the end of the movie, Ignacio and Sister Encarnación have a romantic connection.