When looking at a particular film, there are certain values to look for - certain virtues that can make or break the spirit of a movie.
The acting, for example, can lift a film above all of its hurdles, despite how horrible or great the story is. The directing can shine, the production can seem worthy and even the camera work can yield a little applause when it comes to deserving rewards.
For first time writer/director Karyn Kusama’s new independent film, “Girlfight,” these virtues prove to be its strong points.
Set in the projects of Brooklyn, the amazingly original story follows a troubled young girl, Diana Guzman, as she struggles to find her niche in the world.
For Diana, played by Michelle Rodriguez, it turns out to be hard work. She more or less embodies the meaning of the word “delinquent” and is looked upon as being exactly that by everyone, including her teachers.
Troubles with friends and others at school rock her life during the only time she is actually away from home and her underestimating father. Simply put, Diana is a very angry girl, and doesn’t know how to handle it.
She needs to find something with meaning, and that is exactly what she does when she is asked to run an errand for her father to a small, dank gym in Brooklyn. There Diana sees exactly what she needs in her life - the sweaty, proud world of boxing.
Shortly after that, Diana begins training with the coach who had been working with her little brother, Tiny, played by Ray Santiago. Coach Hector, played by Jaime Tirelli (“A Simple Wish,” “The Preacher’s Wife”), makes her relish every second of the work.
He puts her through everything she needs to make her a fighter. He is constantly testing her strength, endurance and speed, as well as her inner power. Diana’s confidence and self-assurance keeps rebuilding.
Not long after, she is ready to fight.
Diana starts off battling both males and females in the ring and, after a while, finds a fellow boxer, played by Santiago Douglas, to share herself with.
As for the virtues that represent strong points in this film, there are many.
First of all, the acting, and the directing for that matter, are totally outstanding. Rodriguez gives a powerful performance and ends up showing up the rest of the cast, even though their performances are great as well.
Kusama as a director and writer shows promise, and that was reinforced at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival where she won the Best Directing Award and shared the Grand Jury Prize.
As for the virtue of photography, it was excellent. The production team wanted the film to look like it was from an older time but still keep the story set in the present.
This film really does pack a punch, if not an entire combination of them. However, one value does hinder its gracefulness and that is lack of innovation.
The film could have been much better if it would have just tried to be a little different. However, the way the story was told and shown is more or less a reminder of how most other independent movies have been.
Rating: Three reels out of five
