Against The Ropes

Details

Inspired by the true story of the rise of Jackie Kallen, the most successful female boxing promoter in the history of the sport, Against The Ropes stars Meg Ryan (In the Cut, Kate & Leopald, When Harry Met Sally) as the promoter intent on making her way in the male-orientated world of professional boxing.

Ryan's depiction of the uncompromising and strong-willed Jewish woman who rises from sports secretary to promoting some of the top prize fighters in boxing, crackles with intensity and self-belief, portraying Kallen as an edgy and ultimately very alluring woman. The film focuses on the relationship between Kallen and her protégé Luther Shaw (Omar Epps). The cultural conflict that initially draws these two very different people together allows a fascinating relationship to form, as both fighter and promoter begin to become intoxicated by the lure of fame and fortune at the expense of their own fears and flaws

A story of redemption, the film explores the intense emotional bond that forms between people when they become reliant on each other. Against the Ropes explores the various tensions that exist in the world of American sport with a powerful sensitivity: the concept of a white woman managing a black man in a white man's world presents an engaging insight into the limits men and women are confined to in the arena of contemporary sport.

One of the freshest and most insightful films about boxing in recent history, Against the Ropes is a tough, taut exploration of professional sport and the extent people are willing to go to achieve their goals despite the social handicaps forced upon them. Against The Ropes is available to own on DVD and VHS from Paramount Home Entertainment from 2nd August 2004.