Meet Jazelle Martinez, a fourteen year old burgeoning boxer who dreams of winning the New England Golden Gloves tournament. Jazelle’s pursuit is set against a backdrop of uncertainty, family illness and a city on the cusp of self implosion. With elements of pathos and self-discovery, The Sweet Science is ultimately a collective journey of a boxer, a family and a community.
Boxing is in Jazelle’s blood – her father and trainer, Jose, is a former boxer. Boxing illustrates Jazelle’s discipline and drive; she trains 5-6 days a week, maintains excellent grades and volunteers to help with younger students. She and her father crusade to reopen recreational and youth centers in their town of Lawrence, Massachusetts, knowing very well the opportunities such places afford. In doing so they just may open the eyes of city officials to the city’s rapid urban decay.