LeatherBikerGene I just watched this film (albeit dubbed in German!) and I just couldn't turn away! It's like a train wreck, but in a good way. I'd like to see it in English, but even in German it was funny with a few poignant moments and a bit of Bollywood thrown in for good measure. The characters were very believable tho I found the premise a bit obtuse, until I saw in the credits that it was based on a true story..that just blew me away. I wasn't aware that the Thais were SO into volleyball. I'm looking forward to seeing part 2 (so if anyone at arte reads this, please show part 2!). I'm going to do some more internet research about the background and recommend this film to all my friends.

raze-1 This film is not only hysterically funny, it's a true story. You will be cheering these kids on at every turn. I've seen it twice and it holds up and never disappoints! Comedy of course is subjective, but I sat in an audience of New Yorkers the first time I watched this and the laughter was amazing.

GMeleJr From Thailand, this film (winner of two 2001 Berlin Film Festival "Teddy Awards)" is an outrageous high-camp comedy, which despite its eccentricities, is sure to entertain all audiences, and have a strong positive message for everyone. THE IRON LADIES (English title) celebrates the true 1996 triumph of a group of hilarious Thai screaming queens.Through a series of circumstances, the drag queens, join a new (and female) coach and the sole survivor (and only straight player) of a district volleyball squad to form a new team. Representing its district and now competing at the national level, they are clearly face down at odds. In spite of this and their individual "personal issues," they strive for championships and national recognition, creating an Asian phenomenon on the way.The film is very Hollywood-slick, but at the same time, very Asian. It is a unique picture of very unconventional sportsmen battling bigotry on and off the court. IRON LADIES breathes new life into both the screwball comedy and the root-for-the underdog sports movie. Not to be missed.

bad apple It is amazing that this is a true story, as the structure is almost formulaic. I had the opportunity to quiz the director about the '7 Samurai'/'Golden Fleece' resemblance, he claimed that was the side of the story that required the least adjustment.Touching, moving, and funny. Iron ladies, squeezes every laugh out of the material without degrading the subject. The audience is drawn into the story. The film carries no definite style and this assists the progression. Flexibility is the key to it's success; flexibility of camera and performance, large when needed, subtle enough to maintain empathy.Above all else, it's fun to sit in a packed cinema with everyone laughing for the right reasons. I was entertained more than I had hoped.