Speaking of Michelle Rodriguez, she made her debut in another inspirational sports drama, Karyn Kausama’s 2000 film Girlfight. She plays Diana Guzman, who lives with her father and little brother in low-income apartments in New York. When Guzman’s dad forces her little brother to start boxing, she makes a deal with him: she’ll take his boxing classes so he can focus on school and the things he loves without her dad finding out. The problem is, women fighters have never been featured in the amateur boxing league. Guzman struggles to get into the league while tackling her father’s abusive behavior. The only boy who agrees to fight her becomes her new love interest, and we are thrust into an unrequited love story between Guzman, her training partner, and her love for boxing. Guzman’s boldness and tenacity are contagious. Don’t be surprised if you buy a pair of gloves and a boxing gym membership after watching this movie.
Where to stream: Prime Video
