Battle of the Sexes (2017) [Movie Review]


Dir: Jonathan Dayton
Starring: Emma Stone, Steve Carell
Dur: 2 hrs
Genre: Sports - Biography
PG: Lesbian scenes, few expletives
Rating: 7/10

The film is loosely based on the epic 1973 clash between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) dubbed the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ that shook the sporting world and America. The fact that it is based on a true story adds that extra punch to an already great film. I don’t promise you’ll love it but if you’re a tennis fan or just a sports fan you definitely would! The script is simple yet powerful. The story doesn’t have too many embellishments which is pretty good since it allows more space for the actual story to come through. The film is quite inspiring especially since its primary theme is equality between the sexes. The title says it all but the catch is how things pan out. Emma and Steve deliver sterling performances.
 
Looking back I wonder how things might really have back in 1973 when the real Bobby Riggs, the self-professed male chauvinist, intended to take a dump on women by proving that they didn’t deserve better wages just cause they were weaker. Some of the dialogues and scenes are really strong. The message is loud and clear but the channel gets a little muddled along the way. Billie leads the women lib ‘fight song’ when she seeks to redeem women’s dignity from all those in power who felt that women were ‘lesser beings’.

Even if you’re not a sports or tennis fan, I sincerely encourage you to watch this film. The themes it deals with are strong and relevant (maybe not in the same way), even though they are over 50 years old. Many of you may perhaps relate to the issue of equality while others may be deterred by the other issues brought out during the film. An overall good film; I thoroughly enjoyed it. A rare film that I would watch again!

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