Dans les cordes (2007)
Directed by Magaly Richard-Serrano

Film Review

In a film that marks her directorial debut, Magaly Richard-Serrano draws heavily on her own personal experiences. That she is familiar with the world of boxing (she was a junior boxing champion) is apparent in the film's trenchant realism, which is on a par with that of better known films about the sport, such as Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull (1980).

Dans les cordes is not only concerned with boxing - had it done so, that would undoubtedly have limited its appeal.  It also paints an uncompromising portrait of its social milieu, in particular the disintegration of a family unit, in a way that echoes the work of the great social realist filmmakers Mike Leigh and Ken Loach.

It has to be said that this is not a comfortable film to watch - the aggressive, even bestial, nature of the subject is reflected in the frenetic style of cinematography and editing, which does get in the way of the narrative and weakens the film's impact.  However, the characters are well drawn and well acted, the story is told with some flair and originality, and overall this it is an effective first film from a promising new director.

Film Synopsis

In a socially deprived region of France, Josesph successfully runs a boxing club.  Both his daughter Angie and his niece Sandra, now teenagers, have shared his love of boxing since they were children.  With Joseph's training, they have become very proficient at the sport and expect to do well in the national boxing competition they have entered.  Of the two, Sandra is the most confident and she has little difficulty winning the championship.  Less certain of her ability, Angie suffers a humiliating defeat.  Sandra's victory poisons the two girls' relationship and they quickly become the bitterest of enemies.  But Joseph has his own problems to worry about.  His marriage is starting to fall apart...