Watch El Chata

El Chata (The Sparring Partner) is a fascinating and gritty drama set in Puerto Rico. This movie tells the story of a young aspiring boxer named Manuel 'El Chata' (Alexon Duprey) who lives in a poor community in the outskirts of San Juan. Manuel has been honing his skills in the ring for years and dreams of becoming a boxing champion. His best friend is Chelo (Mariana Monclova), a young woman who runs a gym and serves as his sparring partner.

The film begins with Manuel's birthday as he turns 21. His mother prepares a small party for him, and all of his family members have gathered together to celebrate. Manuel's father, a former boxer, shows up and gifts him a pair of gloves. But, his father isn't happy about Manuel's dream of becoming a boxer because he wants him to focus on his education and get a 'real' job. His mother also disapproves because she doesn't want to see her son getting hurt in the ring.

Manuel is undeterred by his family's resistance and continues to train hard with Chelo. Even though they are just sparring partners, their relationship begins to grow beyond the ring. Chelo is supportive of Manuel's dreams and pushes him to become a better boxer. Meanwhile, Manuel is trying to juggle his boxing dreams and some family issues. His family's financial situation is dire, and he has to take on extra jobs to help them out. He even considers joining a dangerous criminal gang to make ends meet.

As Manuel continues to hone his boxing skills, he tries to overcome his personal struggles. However, his journey to fame and success is filled with obstacles. The path to becoming a professional boxer is tough, and he faces more challenges than he could have imagined. It's a challenging road, but Manuel refuses to give up. He continues to train with Chelo, who becomes his beacon of hope and inspiration.

Throughout the film, the protagonists must navigate a variety of issues, from family conflicts to societal barriers. The film sheds light on issues that affect Puerto Rico's young people, such as crime, poverty, and the lack of job opportunities. It paints a realistic picture of the struggles that people who are trying to pursue their dreams in such an environment face.

The directing and acting in El Chata are top-notch. Alexon Duprey delivers a powerful performance as Manuel, perfectly conveying the character's emotional conflict. He's not only great in the boxing scenes but also in the emotional moments that are inherent in any coming-of-age story. Mariana Monclova is equally praiseworthy in her role as Chelo. Her character's strength and grit make her a worthy companion who can match Manuel's determination with her own.

The cinematography in El Chata is one of the film's standout features. The camera work captures the rawness and intensity of the boxing scenes, making the film exciting to watch. It's very immersive, and you feel like you're in the ring with Manuel, his sweat flying off at every punch.

In conclusion, El Chata is a compelling drama that showcases the struggles that young people face as they try to pursue their dreams in an environment filled with adversity. The story pairs seamlessly with the film's outstanding cinematography, great acting performances, and a well-established setting that amplifies the story's authenticity. This movie is a must-see for anyone seeking an emotional and relatable story of one person's journey towards self-discovery and realization.

El Chata is a 2020 international movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.