Born to Play is a powerful documentary that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the women who play professional football for the Boston Renegades. The film, which premiered in 2020, is directed by Viridiana Lieberman and produced by Ross Dinerstein. The movie follows the athletes as they train for the Women's Football Alliance National Championship, which takes place in Orlando, Florida. We get to know several of the players, including Chanté Bonds, quarterback Allison Cahill, and linebacker Angelica Pascual. We watch as they balance rigorous practices and intense workouts with their full-time jobs and personal lives.
Throughout the film, the players discuss what drew them to football in the first place, and we learn about the struggles that women's football teams face when it comes to funding and recognition. One player notes that when she told people she played football, they assumed she was a cheerleader. Another mentions that she has to pay out of pocket for her own equipment.
Despite these challenges, the women on the Renegades team are dedicated and passionate about the sport. We watch as they work tirelessly to improve their skills and support each other both on and off the field. The film also examines the social dynamics within the team, and we see how the players navigate the challenges of being part of a diverse group of women with different backgrounds and personalities.
In addition to the players, the film also features interviews with coaches, team owners, and supporters of women's football. We learn about the history of the sport and the hurdles that women have faced when trying to play it professionally.
One of the standout aspects of Born to Play is its stunning cinematography. The film features beautiful shots of Boston and the surrounding area, both during practices and games and in quieter moments when the players are reflecting on their lives and careers. The movie also uses slow-motion shots and dramatic music to heighten the tension and excitement of key moments.
Overall, Born to Play is a compelling and moving portrait of the women who play professional football for the Boston Renegades. The movie's focus on the athletes' personal lives and struggles as well as their dedication to the game provides a nuanced and touching look at this often-overlooked corner of the sports world. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just love a good underdog story, this film is definitely worth checking out.
Born to Play is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.