Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Dangal (2016)
Empowering story of two girls seriously kicking ass."Dangal," a 2016 film, weaves together the spellbinding narrative of Mahavir Singh Phogat, an Indian wrestler who, against the backdrop of a deeply conservative rural town, leads his daughters to wrestling success. This is a town that presents significant societal pressures and challenges, particularly in the sphere of a sport traditionally dominated by men.
"Dangal" narrates this powerful story of female empowerment, unfolding one electrifying wrestling scene at a time. This tale of determination and defiance in the face of gender disparity is not just a sports movie, it's a testament to the spirit of women everywhere.
About midway through the film, sympathies start to align with the two daughters, who find themselves subjected to their father's rigorous training regimen. This, in a patriarchal culture where daughters are expected to abide by their fathers' commands without question. The daughters, however, begin to subtly resist the harsh training, a sign of their growing spirit.
A noticeable shift occurs when the daughters attend a wedding. The bride confides in them that the daughters father, the wrestler Mahavir, clearly loves them. The bride, being ushered into marriage at a tender age, expresses her feeling of being seen as a burden to be hastily married off by her father, rather than a person deserving respect. This contrast paints Mahavir's brutal wrestling training in a new light, suggesting that he sees his daughters as individuals worthy of respect and dignity.
Like many historical narratives, a portion of "Dangal" has been fictionalized for dramatic impact. The film masterfully escalates the tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The inclusion of a couple of songs, a nod to traditional Bollywood filmmaking, fits seamlessly into the plot.
"Dangal" stands as one of the finest Indian films for western audiences. Its brilliance lies not in its roots in Indian culture but in its universal themes of perseverance, familial love, and the breaking of societal norms. Its appeal transcends borders and cultures, proving that a great story well told resonates with everyone, regardless of their cultural background.
- You are not a fan of sports dramas.
- You are uncomfortable with scenes of strict discipline and training.
- You do not enjoy movies based on true stories.
- You don't appreciate stories centered around female empowerment.
- Children under 12 may need parental guidance due to intense training scenes and thematic material.
- You expect a typical Bollywood movie with heavily choreographed dance sequences, this film is more about real-life struggles.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Dangal?"I mean, it's a movie about wrestling, but nobody gets hit with a chair or thrown off a cage! Isn't that supposed to be wrestling?
And then there's the dad, right? He's like, "I'm gonna make my daughters into wrestlers." I can't even get my kids to pick up their toys, and this guy's got them winning championships!
And the dieting, did you see that? They're eating like boiled chicken and vegetables. Where's the pizza, the popcorn, the hot dogs? It's like they've never been to a sports event!
Chak De! India (2007):
Directed by Shimit Amin, this movie shares a similar theme to Dangal. It tells the story of a former hockey player who trains the Indian women's national hockey team to become World Cup winners. The element of a strong-willed mentor guiding an underdog team to success draws parallels with Dangal. The film is excellent in its character development and portrayal of female empowerment in sports.
Lagaan (2001):Ashutosh Gowariker's epic sports drama depicts the resilience and courage of rural India during the British era. While it revolves around cricket, the essence of teamwork and triumph in the face of adversity aligns with Dangal's spirit. Plus, Aamir Khan's performance in the lead role is just as impressive.
Mary Kom (2014):If the women's empowerment and sports aspects of Dangal captivated you, Mary Kom is a must-watch. This film, directed by Omung Kumar, tells the real-life story of a world-champion boxer, played convincingly by Priyanka Chopra. The film, like Dangal, celebrates grit, determination, and resilience.
Saala Khadoos (2016):This sports drama film, directed by Sudha Kongara, revolves around boxing and shares the mentor-mentee dynamic present in Dangal. It features a rugged, restrained coach who brings out the best in a feisty fisherwoman with ambitions of winning the World Boxing Championship.
Guru (2007):Mani Ratnam's Guru is a film that combines elements of ambition, struggle, and success. Guru charts the story of a man named Gurukant Desai, played by Abhishek Bachchan, who rises from humble origins to become a corporate tycoon. While it doesn't involve sports, the theme of striving for success mirrors Dangal.
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