Watch Orthodox Stance

"Orthodox Stance" is a documentary film about the life of Dmitriy Salita, a Russian immigrant to the United States who became a professional boxer. The film follows Salita as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career, a match for the International Boxing Association welterweight title against Amir Khan at London's O2 Arena in 2009.

Salita is from a devoutly religious Jewish family and has always felt a deep connection to his faith. He falls in love with boxing at an early age and sees it as a way to achieve the American Dream. However, as he rises through the ranks of professional boxing, he faces a dilemma: how can he reconcile his violent profession with his religious beliefs?

The film offers a glimpse into the world of professional boxing, showing the grueling training regimen that Salita undergoes as he prepares for his fights. It also delves into the politics of the sport, highlighting the role of promoters and managers in shaping the careers of boxers like Salita.

The film includes interviews with Salita's family, friends, trainers, and fellow boxers. It also features footage of Salita's fights, including his first loss to Gabriel Bracero in 2009, which was a devastating blow to his career.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is Salita's relationship with his faith. He wears a yarmulke and tzitzit in the ring, and his pre-fight rituals include prayer and the recitation of psalms. He also uses his platform as a professional boxer to raise awareness about Jewish causes, such as the need for organ donors in the Jewish community and the rise of anti-Semitism.

While the film is primarily a portrait of Salita, it also touches on broader themes of identity, assimilation, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Salita's story is one of a young man who comes to America with nothing and works his way up through sheer grit and determination. Despite facing numerous obstacles along the way, he never loses sight of his core values and beliefs.

"Orthodox Stance" is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a little-known corner of the sports world. It tells a story of perseverance, faith, and the struggle to reconcile seemingly opposing forces in our lives. Through Salita's journey, we are reminded of the power of passion and the importance of staying true to ourselves, no matter the cost.

Orthodox Stance is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.