A Tale of Grit and Grace

Read Time:4 Minute, 5 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Below the Belt (Blu-ray)
–

Genre: Drama, Action, Comedy, Sports
Year Released: 1980, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Robert Fowler
Writer(s): Rosalyn Drexler, Robert Fowler, Sherry Sonnet
Cast: Regina Baff, John C. Becher, Mildred Burke
Where To Watch: available now here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the gritty world of wrestling, BELOW THE BELT emerged as a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and empowerment. Through the story of Rosa Rubinsky (Regina Baff,) a woman disillusioned with the monotony of daily life, we witness an intense transformation as she finds new inspiration within the wrestling ring. This film does more than just tell a wrestling story; it offers a profound narrative of the trials and victories of a woman navigating a space where she is both a newcomer and a trailblazer.

Baff shines as Rosa, whose life takes a dramatic turn from serving tables to suplexes, all sparked by a defiant confrontation with an unruly diner. This pivotal moment captures the attention of wrestling promoter Bobby Fox, portrayed by John C. Becher, who recognizes Rosa’s untapped potential for the wrestling circuit. Her evolution from a waitress to a wrestling star transcends a simple career change; it’s a complete life overhaul, challenging expectations and discovering untapped personal strength.

Rather than falling into the trappings of typical sports dramas, BELOW THE BELT strips back the facade of wrestling to spotlight the raw reality of this high-stakes world, mainly focusing on the women who dare to face its challenges. Rosa's story is contrasted with the sport's usual glamor, revealing the harsh, often lonely reality of life on the road and the deep bonds formed out of mutual adversity. These relationships, built on a combination of necessity and fleeting moments of triumph, become the film's emotional backbone.

Rosa’s portrayal is compelling because of her relatable vulnerability and understated strength. She is not your typical sports protagonist who is naturally gifted or has over-the-top strength. Instead, her resilience in the face of adversity and her capacity to endure and grow within a challenging industry highlight her true strength. Her character is enriched by interactions with other wrestlers like Thalia (K.C. Townsend,) who reinvents herself to escape a stagnant life, and Verne (Sierra Pecheur,) a long-time wrestler who feels entrapped by her enduring career.

Shirley Stoler's performance as Trish adds a layer of humor and humanity to the film. Her imposing presence and demeanor underscore the defenses these athletes must maintain in and out of the ring. Her relationship with Rosa adds complexity to the film, showcasing the fragile yet resilient connections that develop among these women warriors.

A key aspect of BELOW THE BELT is its honest portrayal of the physical and emotional toll taken on its characters. The film’s decisive climax for Rosa is less about the spectacle of victory and more about a deep, personal trial by fire. Her adversary, Terrible Tommy (Jane O'Brien,) represents a physical challenge in the ring and the personal demons and societal barriers Rosa must conquer to redefine her life and purpose.

BELOW THE BELT distinguishes itself with a portrayal of its characters that respects their complexity and humanity. This film moves beyond simple depictions of physical endurance to weave a more nuanced story about struggle, identity, and transformation.

Ultimately, BELOW THE BELT celebrates the human spirit’s capacity to overcome challenges and find self-empowerment in the most unlikely places. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate personal strength and transformation narratives, delivering a sports drama and a moving story of personal triumph against the odds.

Product Extras :
Audio Commentary by Dave Meltzer, Editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.