First Match

A young female wrestler attempts to navigate her place on her all-male high school wrestling team in this film. The film tackles the topic of overcoming fundamental adolescent issues without embarrassment or ridicule. The film highlights the friction her gender has caused in her relationship with her father. He loves his daughter and is supportive of her dreams, but there is some apparent hesitation.

Does he think his daughter should be in a different sport (more acceptable for girls), or is he resentful that she is a girl? It is interesting and open-ended. It feels like the main character may be an only child or the only girl in her family, and she feels like she has to work hard to get her father’s approval. I am curious about her mother’s whereabouts because it would explain why there is a strain in their relationship.

A powerful and notable scene was her decision to walk back into the gym instead of running after her father when he left. To me, it felt like she knew she could not make him stay, but she can be confident that he was warming up to her decisions.

Other Films to Watch:

Dia de Los Muertos

This is an animated film about a little girl’s journey into the beyond, to experience the magic of Dia de Los Muertos.

Owl and Mouse

This is an animated film about an unlikely bond that forms between an owl and mouse during a rainstorm.

So You’ve Grown Attached

This was a very creative film about an imaginary friend who must come to terms with the loss of his aging originator. I thought the film was terrific. I liked how the imaginary friend chose to evolve to meet his originator’s needs rather than merely retire. Luckily, he soon learns that it is better to let her go.