Glove Story

MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ'S K.O. PERFORMANCE IN GIRLFIGHT

about a woman's Karyn ascension Kusama's in debut, the gritty, Girlfight, male-dominated is a gripping world coming-of-age of amateur drama boxing. Newcomer Michelle Rodriguez delivers a brilliant performance as the film's protagonist, Diana, a tempestuous Brooklyn high-school student who finds her true passion in life at the local boxing gym. Against her oppressive father's wishes, Diana directs her anger toward the heavy bag and eventually becomes a premier fighter in a gender-blind featherweight division. Along the way, and with the help of her trainer, Hector (Jaime Tirelli), and fellow boxer Adrian (Santiago Douglas), the wayward teen learns not only how to properly beat the bejesus out of opponents but also the meaning of control, discipline, and respect.

While the boxing matches, which are choreographed to perfection, are sure to incite Raging Bull-like palpitations, the true strength of the film (which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival) lies in Kusama's ability to convey a poignant story about a teenage girl discovering herself, without relying on the well-worn tropes of other urban tales. Kusama's cause helped greatly by the stunning natural ability of Rodriguez, who was plucked from obscurity at an open casting call, as well as a superb supporting cast. This film may not inspire legions of pugilistic teenage girls to step into the ring, but it breathes new life into the classic boxing-film adage that no odds are too great to overcome. (Rating: ★★★)

KRISTA SMITH