Sports documentaries are, when they work, able to stir up something strong within you. The joy of victory and the agony of defeat are always cinematic, so when they can be depicted in a non-fiction format, focused on real competition, there’s strong potential on display. This weekend, a sports doc in Born to Play is seeking to draw some emotions out of you. Luckily, in finding such unique subject matter, the film more than succeeds. It’s hard to watch this flick and not be moved by what’s on display. The women within this doc are so compelling, and their drive to compete at the highest level is one we can all find enjoyment in. It’s a rock-solid effort that you can literally watch today. The movie is, of course, a documentary about a women’s tackle-football league. Specifically, it’s a season spent with the Boston Renegades, a team hoping for redemption. Last year, they were defeated in the championship game after going undefeated, leaving a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. For everyone on the Renegades (and everyone in this league, as well), they’re all doing this for the love of the game. After all, these athletes are unpaid, and actually pay to play, while they work full-time careers, only putting their bodies on the line in their spare time. It’s a rousing tribute to lovers of football, and specifically these women, who are out to prove that the sport truly is for everyone. These are remarkable women, ranging in age from teenagers to middle-aged ladies (19-49 is the age group, I believe), from all kinds of backgrounds. They come together to dedicate their bodies, their money, and their time to pursue their passion for playing football. It’s a dream that’s impossible not to be moved by. Viridiana Lieberman directs. There is a lot to like here. Even if you don’t care about football, the passion with which these women compete is inspirational. If you appreciate the sport, watching it depicted with this love is captivating as well. Like any good documentary, the subject matter doesn’t require you to be familiar with it or to have a predisposed like/dislike of it in order to work. Viridiana Lieberman’s film succeeds on its own merits, introducing you to the figures who populate the Boston Renegades and letting their personalities/plights take over. Lieberman keeps the focus tight and capably brings you into this world, so […]