Rag Doll

The film takes you on a path where you think you have an understanding of where it's going only to take you on a completely different path. You must see the film until the very end to completely understand it and it's worth every minute. It's heart pounding in more than one way.

Though it his film is obviously not a Bigger budget fight film, it was still well done for the budget that it did have. The way this film was edited allowed it to bypass the Big budget feel, without compromising its Production value all that much. Shannon Murray was great as the lead, with a solid supporting cast.

Three aspects of the character and nature of the film were pretty consistent throughout. A couple of fairly well known, I think, actors anchored throughout. Most of the acting just felt raw, if a bit plastic faced, at times. That's first and foremost. Second, the practice, sparring, etc, passable enough, I thought. While I do not follow MMA or that culture that closely, I've seen enough of it, passable. It was less about that, itself, as it was portraying the lead character as the "rag doll" through and through, and in that, they definitely succeeded. Which brings me to the overall arch of the film; somewhat predictable, from the nospect to the prospect to the outspect to the respect, if you will. Speaking of course of the struggling lead character and her character development, such as it was, throughout the film. Again, bearing in mind, a bit plastic faced on its surface at times. There was one notable twist at the end that really endeared me to her as a character and I wanted the best for her into the last and final round of her bout. But I will not spoil that here. Worth the watch for that development.

Excellent fighting drama. Emotional, observational. I liked it much more than I expected. Great cast, well done screenplay a few cliches, but satisfying and convincing. Promising filmmakers.

I spend a lot of time looking for good movies to tell people about. Since I found this movie during it's amazing run through the festival circuit, I have not stopped talking about how good this movie is. Finding a story that works to tell a real story about people who are more than just paper thin stereotypes is hard enough, but then making you root for them not just during the movie, but wondering what they are doing when you as a view leaves them.

The director seems to have a keen ability to make things feel real. The cast is very talented as both actors and fighters.

I feel like I discovered a huge secret before anyone else. I can not wait to see what this group does next.

And - watch this movie. It is amazing and very much worth your time.