O Fogo Interior

It's always refreshing to see great character driven films. Something driven by the characters and dialogue, rather than the stakes, or a "gut punch" moment where tragedy strikes, or a plot device that can make it feel forced. This film is driven by the characters and dialogue, and it feels very natural. It's also refreshing for a film, especially a sports film, to have its focal point be mental strength rather than physical. It does happen, but not as often as you'd like.

The two leads gave great performances, and I believed everything they said. Just a great job all around.

The film was shot very well, and added to the ambiance and pageantry of everything.

This film will make you feel some things towards certain kinds of parents, and especially towards the inequality that's existed between women's and men's sports; especially the athletes. I'm not sure how at that point in our society, it was still that bad. I'm also not sure how it still hasn't gotten better than it is. It shines a great spotlight on this very important issue. You'll walk out wondering how someone could achieve something like she did, and not get the Michael Phelps treatment, and especially, the Serena/Venus Williams treatment.

You don't have to like boxing to enjoy this film, or even sports. It's just a great watch, character driven, and will have you rooting for her in every aspect.

Bravo to the entire team that made this film.