Rag Doll

Seeing the poster and trailer I had my own idea of what I would be getting into, but wow was I wrong. This film is way more than just an action/drama. It's a beautiful story with genuine characters that each had their own real life issues that they were dealing with. Kudos to the cast, directing and casting director. It's one I'll definitely watch twice.

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.

This pulled all of my heart strings. I'm a huge MMA fan and was excited to see the film. The filmmakers captured the headspace of a fighter and the blurred lines that they walk in their lives. The lead, Nora, has quite the path that is heart wrenching but the characters in her life add so much flavor to her story - good and bad. Watch this film!!

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.

Love the harsh, disquieting style of this film. Not only is it a festival favorite, but it deals with a lot of very powerful subjects all in a nice, tidy but rough around the edges piece.

While it is a 'Fight Film,' there is a lot more going on than one would think. I don't want to reveal any of the great plot points but I will say this, 'Watch this movie!' Nora, played by Shannon Murray is a master study in dealing with the harsh realities of life. How she does it is told in a brilliant and loving fashion by Director Bailey Kobe.

If you're in the mood for a great film, take a look...