Little Miss Sumo (2018) Short Movie Review

 

Little Miss Sumo | 2018 | 19m
Genre: Biography/Documentary/Short/Sport | Country: Japan
Director: Matt Kay | Writers: Matt Kay
Cast: Hiyori Kon, Olimpia Robakowska
IMDB: 6.5
My Rate: 7/10

Hiyori challenges the traditional gender roles in sumo wrestling, striving to become a professional athlete.

Warning:

Contains violence.

 

Synopsis:

Hiyori Kon is a female sumo wrestler who has competed since elementary school, winning several titles.  Her strength is undeniable; she can defeat many boys at school. However, women's participation in sumo remains taboo.

Few women continue sumo wrestling after elementary school because it's viewed as a men's sport.  Societal and religious factors contribute to this perception.

Hiyori believes women should be professional sumo wrestlers.  She and her colleagues strive to showcase their dedication, competing internationally, hoping for wider recognition of women's sumo.

 

Review:

"It's time for women's sumo to take action."

This documentary's premise—highlighting women's roles in sumo wrestling, a sport deeply rooted in Japanese culture—is compelling, offering a unique perspective. This idea has significant potential for further exploration.

The story is presented systematically but lacks depth in the background information and character development.  Since the documentary targets a general audience, a brief explanation of sumo wrestling and the reasons for choosing Hiyori as the subject would enhance its informativeness.

Furthermore, the main topic of gender equality needs reinforcement through statements from sumo professionals or prominent figures. Hiyori explains why it's difficult for women to become professional sumo wrestlers, but additional perspectives would strengthen this argument.

The documentary lacks detail on Hiyori's training routine.  This is crucial to show a woman's capacity for rigorous training.

Despite areas for improvement, this short film is engaging, and its premise could form the basis of a compelling feature film.

 

(Aluna)