Fight Like A Girl review

I'm not sure if there is someone less qualified to judge a film about combat sports than me. The idea of watching two people pummel one another for my entertainment feels exploitative and barbaric. Its not that I hold anything against the fighters but rather a system that rewards violent competition and in turn speaks to some highly uncomfortable truths about our society. I'm not getting on this soapbox in a pointless attempt to convince anyone of the inherent cruelty in combat sports but to point out how remarkable Jill Morely's film FIGHT LIKE A GIRL is, to illustrate that even a prejudging prick like me was forced to give into this truly powerful movie.

Going into this film I had extraordinarily low expectations based on the films premise. A woman training for the Golden Gloves in New York city didn't really pique my interest, but this film is far more than a sports documentary. Its a film about over coming adversity and standing tall when every cell in your body tells you to slouch.

The film uses Morley's training as its spine but it quickly becomes a film about what drove these women into the ring. We are introduced to several women at different levels of skill and experience but one thing is consistent, they all found confidence and pride in boxing, a sense of self-worth and assurance that was robbed from them.

While this film focuses on women anyone who has battled personal demons or is currently struggling with the lot life has handed them should find inspiration in this film. Victims of violence finding strength in a brutal sport like boxing might at first seem counter-intuitive but upon further reflection it makes perfect sense. These women can walk down any street with full faith in their ability to defend themselves.

This film gave caused me to reevaluate a sport that always left me with a sour taste. I have a deeper understanding and new found respect for the athletes that beat the snot out of one another for our entertainment. I'm not planning on watching the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight this weekend but I'll have an idea what everyone in the office is talking about on Monday morning.

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL won the best documentary feature at this years Artemis Women in Action Film Festival. You can rent the film below for only $4.99.

Yekra Player
Yekra is a revolutionary new distribution network for feature films.
Fight Like A Girl

Follow Jill Morley as she delves inside the world of female boxers to meet the women who are passionate about fighting hard. Real emotional histories and traumas bubble up, fleshing out a compelling story about women overcoming adversity.