Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare sports movies that works both as entertainment and as a genuine conversation starter about equity, prejudice, and perseverance. The story of a disgraced coach rebuilding his reputation through coaching the underdog women's national hockey team hits all the inspirational beats without feeling manipulative.

The gender equity angle is fantastic—these girls are portrayed as athletes first, dealing with real obstacles (lack of funding, societal dismissal, internal team conflict) rather than just being inspiration porn. The discrimination themes are mature but handled well, making this perfect for tweens and teens ready for more complex narratives.

The Bollywood factor cuts both ways: production quality is solid and the musical numbers add energy, but the 2+ hour runtime and pacing may test patience for kids raised on Marvel. Still, the sports sequences are genuinely exciting and the ensemble cast means there's someone for everyone to root for.

High ratings across the board (8.1 IMDb, 92% audience score) suggest this isn't just critically acclaimed—people actually enjoy watching it. It's aged reasonably well since 2007, and the themes remain relevant. If your kid is into sports, social justice, or just good underdog stories, this delivers.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-16. Younger kids might struggle with the runtime and heavier themes around discrimination, while older teens will appreciate the nuanced character development and social commentary. Sports-loving kids of any age in this range will likely stay engaged.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Strong themes of teamwork, perseverance, and overcoming prejudice. Models a coach who believes in his team and helps young women from diverse backgrounds work together. Some interpersonal conflict and tension (team drama, discrimination storyline) but ultimately positive and emotionally healthy resolution. Pacing is measured and appropriate for family viewing.

Imaginative

65

Sports underdog narrative is well-executed but follows familiar formula. The cultural context of women's hockey in India and the team dynamics add some freshness, but it's not particularly original in structure. Doesn't invite creative expression or exploration—it's more inspirational than imaginative. The portrayal of diverse regional identities and breaking gender barriers shows some creative storytelling.

Safe

78

Common Sense Media rates it for age 9+. No graphic violence, sex, or nudity. Some thematic elements around discrimination and a backstory involving false accusations against the coach that could be heavy but are handled maturely. Sports intensity and competitive tension present but appropriate. Some mild language likely. The discrimination storyline (coach falsely accused of match-fixing, faces religious prejudice) is serious but not gratuitous or traumatic.

Enriching

88

Exceptional for building empathy around gender equity, teamwork, and overcoming societal prejudice. Strong messages about perseverance, unity across differences (regional, religious), and believing in yourself despite others' doubts. The sports framework teaches about discipline, strategy, and working toward goals. High ratings (8.1 IMDb, 92% RT audience, 89% RT critics) suggest genuinely engaging storytelling. Meaningful takeaways about breaking stereotypes and fighting for your dreams.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely empowering story about girls breaking barriers in sports—shows female athletes as tough, competitive, and complex
Tackles prejudice (gender, religious, regional) head-on without being preachy; kids see characters work through real conflict
High-quality sports sequences that are exciting to watch; you don't need to know hockey to get invested
Strong ensemble cast means lots of different personalities and backgrounds for kids to connect with
Teaches about India's diversity and regional differences in an accessible way through the team dynamics

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What to Watch For

The coach's backstory involves false accusations of betraying his country (match-fixing) and religious prejudice—heavy themes that need context for younger kids
Some intense competitive moments and team conflict; girls argue, face discrimination, deal with self-doubt
It's a 2+ hour Bollywood film with musical numbers—pacing may drag for kids used to faster American movies
Cultural context is Indian but themes are universal; might spark questions about sports culture, gender roles in different countries

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think people didn't take the girls' hockey team seriously at first? Have you ever felt like people underestimated you?"
"The coach had to overcome people judging him for something he didn't do. How do you think that affected him? How did he prove them wrong?"
"The team had players from all over India who didn't get along at first. What helped them become a real team?"
"Do you think girls' sports get treated the same as boys' sports? What did you notice in the movie?"
"If you were coaching a team, what would be your biggest rule or value?"

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