QUEEN OF THE RING

A film chronicling the life and career of pioneer, female wrestler Mildred Burke (Emily Bett Rickards). Burke paved the way not only for female wrestlers but female athletes as a whole during the 1930's-1950's, during a time which women were found fulfilling more domesticating activities. Rickards is great all around. Physically the work she put in shows onscreen as she's in great shape and absolutely beautiful too. She's strong, empowering, confident in herself and her abilities, and a smart business woman. I've been a wrestling fan every since I can remember but I'll show my ignorance as I'd never heard of Burke before so this entire story was new to me. Surprisingly, this film was able to attract quite a cast of actors and wrestlers such as Martin Kove, Josh Lucas, Walton Goggins, Deborah Ann Woll, Jim Cornette, Toni Storm, and Kamille. It's a feel good story that plays like most sports film about an underdog overcoming the odds but it's not preachy or heavy-handed either. It doesn't insult the audience while still dealing with topics on race and sex. A solid film! 6/10