A Heartfelt Dive Into Women’s Lives Through Soccer

Read Time:3 Minute, 34 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Las Leonas
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Isabel Achaval, Chiara Bondi
Where To Watch: available now; for more information and to order, visit www.icarusfilms.com

RAVING REVIEW: Enter the world of LAS LEONAS, and you’ll see it is like opening a vibrant visual journey that tells a tale much deeper than the surface suggests. This is about far more than soccer; it's a heartfelt journey into the lives of women who've crossed borders and faced adversities, only to find unity and a sense of belonging in the bustling city of Rome. Under the direction of Isabel Achával and Chiara Bondi, they stitch together a narrative that sees soccer as so much more than just a game. It's a lifeline, a source of hope, and a bridge to freedom for these spirited women.

The essence of LAS LEONAS is captured through the stories of its protagonists, hailing from Paraguay, Colombia, and more, finding solace and identity in the beautiful game. Their narratives, marred by trials yet lifted by their love for soccer, paint a picture of resilience and the quest for a place to call home. The film's lens focuses on how these women navigate their new lives, comparing their fierce passion for soccer against the backdrop of their daily struggles in a new world.

LAS LEONAS is its intimate portrayal of these women's lives. The film invites audiences into their world, showing the sheer willpower that drives them to hit the field and compete, no matter the exhaustion from their day jobs. Whether it's pedaling through Rome's cobbled streets or fighting for a future that shines brighter than their past, their stories are a testament to the human spirit's incomparable nature.

While the film scores high on emotional resonance and storytelling, the documentary occasionally sidesteps the more extensive societal conversations it organically opens. Issues like immigration, gender disparities, and the chase for fulfillment beckon for a deeper exploration than the film offers, leaving viewers yearning for a more rounded understanding of these complex themes. There are so many stories that are begging to be told.

Where the shines is its triumphs in illustrating what a competitive team’s transformative power can do for an individual. It elevates the sport from a mere activity to a vessel of hope and change, with the Las Leonas Trophy symbolizing much more than victory. It's a sign of what's possible when a shared love unites women in the face of life's hurdles.

LAS LEONAS does more than just narrate a story; it inspires and sheds light on the joy and liberation soccer brings into these women's lives, transforming the story into a stage where dreams are chased and caught. This film celebrates resilience, showcasing how shared passions can knit a diverse group into a tightly woven community. LAS LEONAS is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories are not triumphs but the journey toward them, making it a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of sport to unite and uplift.

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[photo courtesy of ICARUS FILMS, DISTRIB FILMS]

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