User Reviews

I thought this was going to be an actual movie, but it was hardly nothing more than documentary footage put together with some rigid and wooden acting sequences thrown in between the fight sequences.

The movie starts off trying to sell itself as an epic, starting off with the iconic music that is, and always will be, associated with "Platoon". So directors Jennifer Ferrara and Thomas Weber set out for way more than was delivered.

Story-wise then "Ring Girls" was as simple as story lines come. Five female Muay Thai fighters in Las Vegas must go to Thailand to fight Thai Muay Thai fighters on their home turf.

Almost the entire movie was just footage of actual fights, two for each of the five American women. One fight in Las Vegas to prove themselves to their trainer and mentor Master Toddy, and one fight in Thailand. So if you enjoy women fighting, then you might get some kicks, pardon the pun, out of "Ring Girls". Just take into consideration that punch and kick sounds were added to the fights for effect. But sadly they had about five different sounds to use, which just looped.

Entertainment-wise then I was not impressed, nor actually entertained by this movie, because I was expecting more than just fight scenes.

So I am rating "Ring Girls" a mere three out of ten stars rating.

This is one of those films I stumbled upon, rather than deliberately setting out to watch. Being a life long martial artist myself, I have for many years been disappointed by the lack of real passion in female combat sports. However, Ring Girls was one of those rarities whereby the level of skill and aggression displayed by the participants is clearly evident. The "docufilm" follows five American girls through their preparation to fight in Thailand against opponents who have grown up with the discipline of Muay Thai. The odds don't look good but it's obvious from the start that these girls aren't just playing around.

The film itself was a little contrived, and dare I say "cheesey", at times with Karate Kid moments that made me cringe a little. Fighting leaves on a tree was one particular scene that springs to mind along some of the narration and Master Toddy's motivational talks. However, none of the "cast" being actors, it was obvious that some scenes had been set up to complete the telling of the story.

Actors, NO... Fighters, YES... And the fighting and preparation was the main point of the film. We're not looking at awards for acting ability - this is after all a documentary - but rather the total dedication and commitment of the girls featured. In regards to this, the utmost respect is due. The intensity of the training sessions and fight sequences was greatly enhanced by the editing techniques and although none of the fights are shown in full, the camera work and integrated "matrix style" slow motion contact shots will have you right in amongst the action, feeling every punch, kick and elbow. For this alone I must commend the film makers. Simple, yet very effective.

All in all, well worth a look. It's one of the few occasions I've taken female fighters seriously and with good reason. This is the real deal, with girls at the top of their game.

On a personal note: If Gina Carano would like to come round some time and beat the living daylights out of me then I'd be more than happy to take the punishment. Surely, it's not right to be both stunningly gorgeous and as hard as nails... but I'm glad she is.