When you want to discredit a person, what will you do? Obviously, you will show only the bad things the person does. But you'll never show WHY the person acts this way.
Being a rhythmic gymnastics fan, I remember almost all the top gymnasts' leotards, music pieces, exercises, and scores. I'm immersed in the subject. When I started watching this film, I supposed it would be about Rita's struggle with drops which didn't allow her to win. But what did I see? That's ridiculous, guys! That's so unfair!
There are many talented gymnasts in Russia. But only two of them, according to FIG Technical Regulations, have the right to participate in the finals of FIG major tournaments and the Olympic Games. That's the key point. After the most titled gymnast Evgeniya Kanaeva finished her career in 2012, Irina Viner proclaimed Rita Mamun as Russia's number one gymnast 'cause Viner thought Rita would exactly win the next Olympics. But Rita's instability allowed Yana Kudryavtseva take the lead.
In 2015, Yana was the unconditional number one of Russian team. Rita was unconditional number two. Viner had other brilliant gymnast as Averins twins and Selezneva but she loved Soldatova, another gymnast as her own child. (Soldatova's ribbon version that she performed in the WCH 2018 qualifications is one of the best ever in my opinion). And the film director was not honest not showing Soldatova as a supporting actor in this film. She was just a face in the background.
In qualification at the 2015 World Championships in Stuttgart Rita dropped her ball. Soldatova had problems with ribbon. And as according FIG Technical Regulations three best gymnast scores get into account Rita beats Soldatova and came into AA-final (Rita perfomed four exircizes, Soldatova three 'cause Yana Kudryavtseva was replays by Soldatova with the Hoop. Viner originally didn't plan to give Soldatova any chance to came into AA-final).
Events that could appear in the film:
- In the all-around final, Rita drops her ribbon and loses the title to injured Yana showing once again that she's not a fighter.
- Grand Prix Moscow 2016. Yana is after surgery and does not compete. Rita drops her hoop, club, and ribbon. She does not win an all-around medal while Soldatova takes 1st place.
- Grand Prix Thiais. Rita drops her ribbon. She wins the title just because, stupid Soldatova club loss is out of bounds.
- Pesaro World Cup. Rita drops, Yana wins. Yana withdraws from the apparatus finals. Rita drops her ball and ribbon, and Ganna Riztdinova from Ukraine gets the gold medals.
- Rita drops and Soldatova wins Russian National all-around (Yana doesn't compete).
- Guadalajara World Cup. Rita drops her club and ball.
- Minsk World Cup. Rita drops her ribbon. Soldatova was very bad. That's was the reason why Irina decides that Rita, not Soldatova, goes to the Euros which take place in Holon, Israel, where Rita drops and Yana wins. Nothing's unusual.
- Kazan World Cup. Rita drops her hoop.
I expected to see at least Stuttgart, Moscow and Holon drops. But only one of them (hoop in Moscow) is shown in the film. OK, let's believe that an ex-gymnast (the film director) didn't get that it all was about the battle for the 2nd quota between Rita and Soldatova. But why doesn't she show us the losses? Are they not the obvious reason for Viner's dissatisfaction? By the beginning of the Rio Olympics, not only Viner but fans around the world were so tired of Rita's drops. We all wanted Rita to do her best.
Historically, many Polish people dislike Russians. And I've got the impression that the director's aim was not to show a TRUE story but to tarnish Viner's reputation.
Being a native Russian speaker, I must tell that no translation can is able to convey the excat meaning of the Russian words. Especially those which Viner says in Holon, Israel, a few minutes after Rita's dropped her hoop (Rita's in her ball leotard and Katsiaryna Halkina's clubs music is playing ). I truly believe that a Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences knows better what to say and choose every time the right words. Being a huge Irina's fan I must tell that I personally think that irina is the the wisest person in the entire World and maybe in the Solar System. She never makes mistakes. That's why she gave the 2nd quota to Rita not Soldatova. 'Cause Soldatova is unworthy to represent Russia in Olympics Games.
And for those who know nothing about rhythmic gymnastics, I want to say. Don't fall for Marta Prus' trick. Viner and Zaripova do love Rita! And it's not about evil - it is all about LOVE. So, read the Rules, guys. Watch the competitions. Love gymnastics. And don't forget that Rita is a black swan and Irina is as wise as you can't even imagine!
