Fight Like A Girl

Jill Morley’s documentary Fight Like A Girl  is a courageous and well-done  exploration of women boxers and the demons they face, which get them into the game.

Already past the age limit to participate in the Golden Gloves when she started her career in the ring, Morley had to get 10 years knocked off her birth certificate.  That was the easy part.  However, it meant she would always be fighting younger and more experienced fighters.  But,  to Jill, not going for it would have been even tougher.

Morley didn’t want her story to stand alone,  so she included those of three other brave women: Champion Maureen, the Gladiator, Shea, who was responsible for coaching Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby and fought her way back to the Championship after suffering through a debilitating depression; Susan Merlucci, who worked her way up to winning the Golden Gloves; and Kimberly Tomes, an Asian woman, whose fight against discrimination prepared her for the ring. 

My only issue with the film, and it’s a small one, is that, because Ms. Morley spends so much time behind the camera, the other women’s stories tend to make them more sympathetic to us viewers. 

Yet, we know whose voice is in control and is allowing all the secrets to emerge.

And, kudos also go to Gary Lee, Jill’s husband for the grace and understanding he expresses throughout her efforts of self-exploration.

Hopefully, this film will get a theatrical run.  However, whether it does or you have to get it through Netflix, it is well worth watching, especially if you have or are a daughter.

I give Fight Like A Girl  a 4 out of 5.