"The Iron Ladies" ("Satree Lek") is just one of those type of comedies that will stick with you once you've seen it for the first time. It is a wonderful underdog story.
The story is about a team of gay, transsexual and ladyboys participating in the 1996 Thai national championship volleyball. They participate against all odds, having everything stacked against them, from a male dominated sport, narrow-minded and sexist players on other teams and even on the volleyball committee.
Despite this being a comedy, there there aren't a lot of scenes that will have you spilling your drink from laughing, but there is, in turn, heaps of situations that will make you smile and feel good. It is indeed a comedy about acceptance and overcoming odds even when stacked against you. And being based on an actual real story just makes it all the more better and has a bigger impact.
The characters in the movie are lovable, funny and very real. And they are so well portrayed by the cast, that you just delve right into the story, the characters and their problems, successes and failures right away.
I remember watching this movie back in the mid-2K's approximately and found it enjoyable back then. And having finally gotten around to purchasing both part 1 and 2 from Amazon in 2013, it was indeed a joyous revisit to the movie, and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to watching part 2.
"The Iron Ladies" is well worth a watch for many reason; be it for the love of Asian cinema, be it for the love and support of gays/lesbians/transgendered everywhere, be it for the love of volleyball, be it for the love of a great movie, be it for the love of great acting, the list just goes on and on.
Thumbs up from this reviewer and a definite 7 out of 10 star rating.
The story is about a team of gay, transsexual and ladyboys participating in the 1996 Thai national championship volleyball. They participate against all odds, having everything stacked against them, from a male dominated sport, narrow-minded and sexist players on other teams and even on the volleyball committee.
Despite this being a comedy, there there aren't a lot of scenes that will have you spilling your drink from laughing, but there is, in turn, heaps of situations that will make you smile and feel good. It is indeed a comedy about acceptance and overcoming odds even when stacked against you. And being based on an actual real story just makes it all the more better and has a bigger impact.
The characters in the movie are lovable, funny and very real. And they are so well portrayed by the cast, that you just delve right into the story, the characters and their problems, successes and failures right away.
I remember watching this movie back in the mid-2K's approximately and found it enjoyable back then. And having finally gotten around to purchasing both part 1 and 2 from Amazon in 2013, it was indeed a joyous revisit to the movie, and I can honestly say that I am looking forward to watching part 2.
"The Iron Ladies" is well worth a watch for many reason; be it for the love of Asian cinema, be it for the love and support of gays/lesbians/transgendered everywhere, be it for the love of volleyball, be it for the love of a great movie, be it for the love of great acting, the list just goes on and on.
Thumbs up from this reviewer and a definite 7 out of 10 star rating.