Girlfight Criterion Blu-ray Review
Michelle Rodriguez is the reason to watch “Girlfight.”
In 200’s “Girlfight,” the story centers on Diana Guzman- a tough and frustrated teen girl who gets in trouble at school and harbors pain from the loss of her mother. She lives with her little brother Tiny and her dismissive, unsupportive jerk of a father Sandro. Sandro pays for Tiny to receive boxing lessons even though Tiny shows little interest in the sport. Diana, however, wants to train as a boxer despite it being a male dominated gym. A trainer (Hector) decides to take a chance on Diana where she eventually ends up excelling. Amid her training, Diana begins to fall for a male boxer who trains at the same gym (Adrian) although their relationship becomes complicated to say the least.
Writer/director Karn Kusama’s indie feature-film debut may be a little rough around the edges, but this combination boxing/sports drama and coming-of-age romance shines in and out of the ring as it explores themes of adversity, gender roles, and the human spirit. Whenever Michelle Rodrguez is on screen, the movie feels alive as the now veteran actress burst onto the movie scene with this very movie. She gives a fiery yet vulnerable performance and it still ranks among her best acting work (if not her best).
Where “Girlfight” comes up a little short is with the story (which also happens to run about 10 minutes too long). Ultimately, there are more than a few sports movie cliches to be found here, but it’s the romance and climactic fight between Adrian and Diana that feels shoehorned in. Yes, this is a coming-of-age movie so the romantic subplot feels appropriate, but it undercuts Diana’s empowering journey. Having Diana face Adrian is also rather ridiculous and forced and frankly would likely never happen in the sports world.
Outside of Rodriguez, the cast features several notable performances from Ray Santiago (who later went on to star in the horror-comedy favorite “Ash Vs. Evil Dead”), Jaime Tirelli (as the wise trainer Hector), and Santiago Douglas as Adrian. Keep your eyes peeled for a cameo by John Sayles too.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The 4K digital restoration does a fine job in keeping the raw and grainy film looking as it did when it was shot while also providing a sharper new transfer.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This is a satisfactory 5.1 track through and through.
Extras:
* Trailer
* A 2001 commentary by Karyn Kusama.
* “Karyn Kusama”- Part interview/part documentary in which Kusama talks about her inspirations, film school, “Girlfight,” and more in this 25 minute bonus feature.
* A booklet featuring an essay by author Carmen Maria Machado.
* “Theodore Shapiro And Plummy Tucker”- The composer and editor talk about working with Kusama and “Girlfight.”
* “Storyboarding Girlfight”- Kusama provides commentary over the original storyboards which are contrasted to the finished product.
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