girlfight

Director: Karyn Kusama

Girlfight (2000)
Starring: Michelle Rodriguez, Jaime Tirelli
Director: Karyn Kusama

Synopsis: Independent sports drama about a feisty Brooklyn teen taking up boxing against her father's wishes, only to fall in love with one of her male opponents. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Dramatic Film at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival.

Runtime: 110 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Genres: Drama, Indie, Sports

Quotes from the Class Discussion Forum:

"I found this film extremely satisfying, well acted, shot and written, but I have some doubts about the satisfaction that I feel. I liked seeing Diana beat Adrian, take down her father, beat the other girls in the physical fitness test, but I think that a girl, or any person for that matter, should command respect regardless of her physical strength. This movie leaves me asking: are physical strength and ability the only means to power and respect?"

-tauba

"Kusama's depiction of Diana's use of violence is ambiguous. One the one hand, she presents Diana as crazed and out of control and emotionally assaulting her brother. On the other hand, we never see Diana regret her outburst, and the scene seems to take her father-problem out of the picture. "

-emilycar

"I appreciate that Diana is able to defend herself, I think parts of the film (ie, when she beats up her father), send a strong message about violence against women. I also believe that if women want to box with men, then they should. Women should have that choice if they want it. "

-jenherb