Girlfight (2000)

88% of critics liked it
(92 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(10,944 ratings)

Karyn Kusama makes her debut with this sensitive, subtly told coming-of-age story about boxing and love. Diana (Michelle Rodriguez) is a tough though painfully honest girl living in Brooklyn. Surly, frustrated, and directionless, Diana seems to have a ticket on the express train to expulsion; she… More Karyn Kusama makes her debut with this sensitive, subtly told coming-of-age story about boxing and love. Diana (Michelle Rodriguez) is a tough though painfully honest girl living in Brooklyn. Surly, frustrated, and directionless, Diana seems to have a ticket on the express train to expulsion; she repeatedly finds herself in detention and schoolyard fights. At home, her weak though abusive single father Sandro (Paul Calderon) clearly favorites her bookish brother Tiny (Ray Santiago) over her. While running an errand for her father, Diana finds herself in one of New York's more renowned boxing gyms, and she instantly connects to the same. Though traditionally a thoroughly male pastime in Latino culture, Diana perseveres and gains self-worth thanks to the help of gruff Panamanian trainer Hector (Jaime Tirelli). Soon Hector assumes the role of Diana's father from her deadbeat biological progenitor. As Diana gains physical strength and agility in the ring, she finds herself drawn to the dashing boxer Adrian (Santiago Douglas), who is supposedly involved with someone else. Slowly though, the two give into their mutual attraction and fall completely in love. Fate intervenes when the two lovers are scheduled to fight one another in the ring, forcing each to choose boxing or love. Executive-produced by none other than John Sayles, this film received rave reviews at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Karyn Kusama
Written By: Karyn Kusama
Genres: Sports & Fitness, Drama

In Theaters: Sep 29, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Mar 27, 2001
Studio: Screen Gems

Critic Reviews

Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
It gives its fine actors room to breathe and behave -- and in Michelle Rodriguez's case, glow.
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
For once, the advance buzz has been amply justified, thanks to an extraordinarily charismatic film debut by a non-professional named Michelle Rodriguez.
Matt Wolf, Associated Press
For all the violence on view, Kusama's script insists on a real, wholly unsentimental tenderness.
Louis B. Parks, Houston Chronicle
It's obvious Kusama knew what she wanted and was in control, because all the key roles and scenes are played with a uniform tone and conviction.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
While it wonderfully confounds our narrative expectations as a coming-of-age story and a romantic drama, it works on another level as a great sporting experience.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
The script is pure Rocky but the style is Girlz n' the Hood, and the two don't ever mesh.
James Mottram, Film4
A bit of a lightweight.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
It's a refreshingly straightforward and honest attempt, flying in the face of the rest of the product out there, which is either manipulating and dumb or tricky and arty.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Kusama's direction is imaginative, her attention to detail makes for credibility and clarity with regard to the dilemmas faced by her determined young heroine, and Rodriguez is quite astonishing in the lead role.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
It's sensitive, it avoids sentimentalism, and it wins our cheers by giving us believable characters that we care about.
Jeanne Aufmuth, Palo Alto Weekly
A moving performance by newcomer Michelle Rodriguez showcases this moody Sundance showstopper about a Brooklyn teen who battles an age-old gender barrier.
Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review
The strength of this Romeo and gym-rat story is Rodriguez's performance. She is a vivid powder keg of repressed and resurrected dreams and desires.
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
Like a smart boxer, Girlfight knows when to be light on its feet and when to hit hard.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
A low-key, naturalistic coming-of-age drama.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
First-time writer-director Karyn Kusama makes it seem believable (the big question is, how come someone with this much talent isn't getting more opportunities in Hollywood?).
Ian Waldron-Mantgani, UK Critic
One of the best films of the year.

Read all 16 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

The acting in this was decent, and the characters were somewhat believable. I don't think the idea of her being a boxer was taken far enough, however. The fights seemed unrealistic. Not bad..not great..
Lesley N

Michelle Rodriguez first film. Good to see a girl throw a punch every now and again.
Anthony V

Michelle Rodriguez gives a star-making performance in her very first film, where characters and believable situations lead to real human drama. Tight script and direction from Kusama add up to a gripping film that sucks you in. Indie film at its best.
Remi L

I think this was just an excuse for Michelle Rodriguez to show how bad-ass she is. Mission accomplished =p
Leo L

Great film! Love it!