Watch The Boxing Girls of Kabul

The Boxing Girls of Kabul is a 2012 documentary film directed by Ariel Nasr that tells the story of a group of Afghan girls who are trying to make their way into the world of boxing. The film centers on the journey of two sisters - Sadaf and Shabnam Rahimi - who are trying to represent their country in the 2012 Olympics. The film starts by introducing us to the girls in their training gym. Here we see them practicing their jabs, hooks, and footwork under the guidance of their coach. The film does an excellent job of capturing the physicality of the sport and the girls' intense focus and dedication to their training.

As the girls' journey unfolds, we see them facing various challenges - from societal norms that dictate what women should and shouldn't do, to the unrest and instability of their war-torn country. We learn how their passion for boxing has often been met with skepticism and criticism from their family and community. In one scene, we see Sadaf's father initially disapproving of her boxing but eventually relenting after seeing how serious she is about it.

The film also delves into the girls' personal lives, showing how they navigate the complexities of being young women in a patriarchal society. We see Shabnam struggling to balance her training with the expectations of her traditional family, while Sadaf deals with the pressure of being a role model for young girls in her community.

One of the most touching aspects of the film is how the girls support and uplift each other. We see them cheering each other on during competitions and offering words of encouragement during difficult times. The friendship and camaraderie between the girls is truly heartwarming and inspiring.

Despite the challenges they face, the girls persevere and embody a fierce determination to succeed. They train relentlessly, pushing each other to new heights of physical and mental strength. The film culminates in the girls' participation in the 2012 Olympics, where they proudly represent their country and showcase their skill and athleticism to the world.

Overall, The Boxing Girls of Kabul is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on the resilience and courage of Afghan women. It offers a unique and intimate look into the lives of the girls and the obstacles they face, while also celebrating their strength and tenacity. The film is an important reminder of the transformative power of sport and the potential it has to bring about positive change in the world.

The Boxing Girls of Kabul is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.