Watch Ladies First

Ladies First is a 2017 Indian documentary film that chronicles the life of Deepika Kumari, an Indian archery champion who hails from a small village in the eastern state of Jharkhand. Directed by Uraaz Bahl, the film delves into the struggles and triumphs of Deepika as she sets out to become the best archer in the world. The film begins by introducing us to Deepika's humble beginnings; we see her growing up in poverty and dreaming of a life beyond her village. Despite her family's financial constraints, Deepika's father supports her interest in archery by crafting her first bow and arrow from bamboo sticks. The strength of her natural talent becomes apparent almost immediately, as she begins to win local tournaments and attracts the attention of coaches and talent scouts.

From here, the film follows Deepika on her journey to becoming an Olympic athlete. We see her training under the tutelage of top coaches, competing in national and international tournaments, and overcoming the setbacks that inevitably arise along the way. Along with archival footage of her competitions, the filmmakers include interviews with Deepika and her family, as well as with other archery experts and athletes who offer insights into the challenges faced by Indian athletes.

One of the notable challenges that Deepika faces is the lack of resources and support for athletes in India. As a girl from a poor rural family, Deepika had to fight for access to the equipment and training that other young athletes took for granted. Even as her success on the international stage grew, she faced criticism from some quarters for not conforming to traditional gender roles. However, Deepika refused to be deterred and continued to train hard, drawing inspiration from her family and her own unwavering determination to succeed.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is its striking visuals. Shot against the backdrop of rural Jharkhand, Ladies First captures the natural beauty of the region as well as the grit and determination of its people. The lush green forests and fields are juxtaposed with the stark concrete structures of sports arenas, highlighting the contrast between Deepika's simple rural life and the world of professional athletics.

Throughout the film, we see the impact that Deepika's success has on her family and on her village. Her father, who was initially skeptical of his daughter's ambitions, becomes her biggest supporter and even sets up a small archery academy to train other aspiring athletes. The film also demonstrates the importance of role models, particularly for girls in patriarchal societies; Deepika's success inspires other young girls in her village and beyond to pursue their own dreams.

Overall, Ladies First is a moving and inspiring documentary that celebrates the power of determination, hard work, and belief in oneself. By sharing Deepika's story, the filmmakers have created a powerful tribute to the human spirit and to the potential for greatness that exists in all of us. Whether you're a fan of sports documentaries or simply looking for an uplifting film that will leave you feeling inspired, Ladies First is well worth a watch.

Ladies First is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.