Karyn Kusama's Girlfight: Love and Punches
by Marcy
Dermansky
There's been a lot of talk about Girlfight. Karyn Kusama's debut was
the talk of this year's Sundance Film Festival, winner of both the Grand Jury
Prize for best film and best director. The New York Times likened screen
newcomer Michelle Rodriguez to a female Marlon Brando. There's already talk
about an Oscar nomination for the young actress. The independently produced
film was picked up by Sony Pictures Classics and released to theaters round
the country. Lots of talk.
Girlfight is a boxing movie--a boxing movie about a woman. Diana Guzman (Michelle Rodriguez), a young woman from projects in Brooklyn, filled with rage, steps into a gym and her world slowly changes. She learns to box, she conquers her anger and transforms raw power into smooth footwork and combination punches; she struggles along the way, faces the disapproval of her father and the men in the gym, but in the end, wins the climactic fight. She even gets to fall in love for good measure. Love stories are common enough, but watching Diana Guzman grow both stronger and more vulnerable simultaneously is a wonder to watch.
There are few surprises in Girlfight. The story is engaging. Diana's first kiss is charming. The supporting roles are convincingly played. Santiago Douglas is handsome and sweet as the felterweight boxer confused by his emotions for Diana. Jaime Tirellis is equally convincing as the first indifferent trainer whose commitment to Diana's training grows as he recognizes her talent. But the revelation is newcomer Michelle Rodriguez. The young Latino actress won the role at an open casting call. Director Karyn Kusama told reporters at Sundance that she asked casting directors to find her a female Marlon Brando and that is precisely what she got. Rodriguez is in every scene of Girlfight and she truly makes this film. It's impossible to get bored. You just watch her face.
Girlfight is rated R. Running time: 90 minutes.
Written and directed by Karyn Kusama.
Starring Michelle Rodriguez (Diana), Jaime Tirelli (Hector), Paul Calderon (Sandro), Santiago Douglas (Adrian) and Ray Santiago (Tiny).picture courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Related Links:
Sony Picture Classic's Official Site
Interview with Michelle Rodriguez
