Ladies First
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Inspiring but cautionary docu about woman archer from India.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ladies First
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Based on 2 parent reviews
Gender inequality
Reality of gender inequality
What's the Story?
LADIES FIRST tells the story of Deepika Kumari, a young woman from India's second-poorest state who grew up to become the top-rated female archer in the world. Aside from the crushing disadvantages of extreme poverty, Deepika overcame a largely sexist culture in which her mother was beaten by her uncle for working outside the home and girls are told they don't belong on the playing field. As a child, Deepika wasn't even allowed to play outside for fear of recrimination from neighbors. Deepika left home at the age of 12 in search of a better life, hoping to ease her parents' burden. The free boarding school she attended had an archery range, and Deepika quickly displayed real talent for the sport. While still a teenager, Deepika found herself thrust into the international spotlight. With mounting pressure to bring home Olympic gold, but with almost no support from the government of India, Deepika had to figure out for herself how to keep going after devastating setbacks, and to find the inner strength and resources she needed to reach her greatest potential.
Is It Any Good?
This short-form documentary about India's best hope for Olympic gold at the Rio games is as inspiring as it is sobering. Ladies First isn't a feel-good story of triumph in the face of overwhelming odds. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of Deepika Kumari's background, or from taking India's leadership to task for the way in which aspiring female athletes are given short shrift. Western viewers may be surprised by the pervasive sexist attitudes that remain in parts of a country that beat the U.S. to a female head of state by over 50 years and counting.
Deepika herself is engaging, relatable, and easy to root for -- a genuine role model for anyone with aspirations in the face of tough odds. Her accomplishments are truly remarkable, and her story is far from over. Families will find a lot to admire about a young woman who shows what it takes to excel and to keep going after disappointments and setbacks, and who's willing to give it everything she's got.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the voices in Ladies First saying that women don't belong on the sports field or at work. Why do you think so many people in Deepika's world think that? How likely would you be to try a sport if that was the accepted attitude where you live?
What makes Deepika a good role model? What are her character strengths?
Who are some of your favorite female athletes? What do you admire about them? How are they like, or different from, Deepika Kumari?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 7, 2017
- On DVD or streaming: March 8, 2018
- Director: Uraaz Bahl
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Run time: 39 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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