Kick Like a Girl

Kick Like a Girl is a compelling, thought-provoking, and heartwarming HBO documentary from 2008 that redefines societal norms and expectations of gender roles in sports. It is a heartening underdog tale, providing an intimate look at the world of youth soccer. This sports documentary, directed and narrated by two-time Emmy award-winning actress and mother of four, Jenny Mackenzie, provides a glaring and inspiring commentary on the notion of 'playing like a girl.'

The documentary details the one-of-a-kind journey of an undefeated, third-grade, co-ed soccer team, The Mighty Cheetahs, as they transition from competing against other co-ed teams to playing all-male teams. The Mighty Cheetahs, hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, include eight girls and one boy. Under the leadership of their coach and father of one of the team members, it's down to a fierce battle of scoring goals and building confidence.

Kick Like a Girl is more than just the story of the Mighty Cheetahs; it's the universal journey of overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and proving oneself against adversities. The documentary doesn't just aim at the soccer field alone but extends as a metaphor reflecting society’s views about gender roles, pushing boundaries, and empowering young girls on and off field.

The transition is not easy for the young female soccer players. They have to fight against prejudice, preconceived notions, and gender bias that people have ingrained in their minds about girls engaging in sports dominated by boys. Despite the odds stacked against them, they strive to prove that they are equally talented, if not more, and capable of matching up with their male counterparts with determination, grit, and confidence.

Kick Like a Girl beautifully captures the powerful dynamic of competition associated with youth sports, focusing on how girls navigate through their obstacles with an unwavering spirit. The documentary also digs deeper into other angles besides the games, such as the emotional and mental journey the girls have to undertake, their interaction with parents, their coach's role, and how such experiences shape their world views and personal development.

Mackenzie’s vision for this documentary is exceptional and she has done a commendable job in showcasing the determination, teamwork, and camaraderie the girls display. Through their childhood innocence and fierce nature, the film effectively demonstrates how sports can instill discipline, resilience, and self-belief that goes beyond winning games.

The documentary is minimalistic in its execution and shines in its simplicity. The Mighty Cheetahs, with their resilience and tenacity, highlight that opportunities are not bound by gender. The film puts emphasis on the fact that skills and the willingness to compete should not be judged on gendered stereotypes, but encouraged equally.

This compelling narrative is also accompanied by great cinematography, adding to the emotional depth of the story. The soccer games are shot brilliantly with emotions running high, capturing the raw moments of jubilation, disappointment, suspense, and triumph. The documentary also consists of interviews with the players, their parents, and the coach that provide a deeper understanding of what drives these young competitors.

Kick Like a Girl can bring a broad range of emotions to those who watch it. This unique blend of youthful innocence, bravery, determination, and teamwork is a potent combination that can inspire and motivate not just aspiring athletes but people from all walks of life, as it reiterates the age-old adage – winners never quit, and quitters never win.

Also acting as an advocacy piece for women’s equality in sports, Kick Like a Girl succeeds in using sports as a lens to identify, analyze, and challenge the limiting beliefs that society often places on girls. The message is clear and powerful - girls have the ability, strength, and determination to compete with anyone and they should be encouraged to do so.

Kick Like a Girl from HBO is not just a commentary on gender bias in sport, but a genuine and rousing testament to human spirit and perseverance. It is a must-watch, irrespective of one’s affinity towards sports, as the story it tells is universally relatable, and serves as a strong reminder of the infinite potential housed within every individual.