Tatami

 

“Work hard. You are ten times stronger than her.”

Explosive, propulsive and powerful, Tatami is a taught political sports thriller with strong direction, dynamic editing and two incredible central performances that elevate the heavy handed material to deliver truly compelling and emotional results in this inspiring story of triumph over oppression.

Discussion Points:

Israeli director Guy Nattiv and Iranian-French actress Zar Amir Ebrahami have united to tell a pertinent story of an Iranian judoka who is forced to reckon with her oppressive government during a global judo tournament when they forbid her from continuing, due to the risk she may have to face an Israeli athlete. Arienne Mandi is powerful as the confident and driven Leila Hosseini, whose determination to compete despite increasing pressure demonstrates her strength and resolve in the face of immense adversity. Her coach, played by Zar Amir, is equally complex - sympathetic to her athletes drive, but also aware of her own family and the danger they may be placed in if she doesn’t follow her supervisors commands. Shot in stark black-and-white, the judo scenes are truly thrilling, and match the taught pace of the political drama at play off the tatami mat. Whilst it may be at times heavy handed, and its ultimate conclusion is the expected one, it’s nonetheless effective and impactful as a pertinent and relevant depiction of the way global sports and politics intersect, and the athletes who get caught in the international crosshairs. A great sports drama. A great political thriller. A great film.