I grew up watching tennis with my grandfather. It was his favorite sport, to play and to follow, and he would happily spend an entire weekend glued to a tournament on TV.
As a result of sitting next to him on the couch all those years, I am super familiar with women's tennis legend Billie Jean King. When I heard actress Emma Stone would star as her in a movie, I couldn't wait to see it.
I didn't make it to Battle of the Sexes while it was in the theater, but I discovered it was available on Amazon during one of my weekend scrolling sessions. Side note: just as we have a term for watching many episodes in a row (binge watching) we should also come up with a term for the hour (or more) it can take to find the next thing you'll watch.
Battle of the Sexes tells the true story of a famous match between Billie Jean King and men's tennis player Bobby Riggs. The story begins when Billie Jean rallies the other members of the women's tennis league to leave the annual tournament circuit because they are being offered a fraction of the prize money the league is offering the men.
Billie Jean's agent, Gladys Heldman, is played by Sarah Silverman, who quickly puts together a new tour - ladies only. As the women travel across the country and draw sizable crowds, former Wimbeldon champion Bobby Riggs (55 years old at the time) challenges Billie Jean to a match, goading her by saying he's positive he can beat any female tennis player. Riggs is played by Steve Carell of The Office.
In advance of the televised match, Riggs proudly promotes chauvinism and encourages other men to do the same. It was incredibly hard to watch.
*SPOILER ALERT!!*
On the day of the match, September 20, 1973, over 30,000 fans packed the seats of the Houston Astrodome to watch this epic head-to-head. Another 90 million people tuned in on television.
Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in three straight sets: 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. When that final match point was served and King won, I wanted to stand up, scream and clap!
Much like when I saw The Post, as I watched this movie I couldn't help but think, "Wow, we still have so far to go." The battle for equal pay is raging on, 35 years later.
In addition to the storyline about the match, there is a sub plot that was pretty powerful. The same year Billie Jean made the courageous choice to spark this revolution in women's tennis, she also discovered something about herself - she likes women.
Though Billie Jean was married at the time (to a man), she falls in love with a woman named Marilyn, played by Andrea Riseborough. When Billie Jean and Marilyn are together, it's as if no one else exists. There's a scene where they're in a super loud club and the way it's shot, you can see and hear that Billie Jean is laser focused on Marilyn and Marilyn alone.
Battles of the Sexes is a movie about both equality and acceptance. If I had a daughter, I'd watch this movie with her.
Tell me, did you see it? Did you feel inspired?
*Images courtesy of Flavorwire, Slate and Vox.
Comments
Haseeb Ali
Thu, 06/11/2020 - 11:32
this is not the fastest way to trick your character, but it adds up over time and remains the the most reliable way to fatten your wallet.
Portuguese
noman khatri
Thu, 06/11/2020 - 11:32
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us. Learn Mandarin Online
noman khatri
Thu, 06/11/2020 - 11:39
They're produced by the very best degree developers who will be distinguished for your polo dress creating. You'll find polo Ron Lauren inside exclusive array which include particular classes for men, women. nama olshop
Qasim Ali
Sat, 06/13/2020 - 04:18
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place. kapitalanlage
Qasim Ali
Sat, 06/13/2020 - 04:43
Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along fabric dye
Haseeb Ali
Sat, 06/13/2020 - 09:32
A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work
halifax garden supplies
noman khatri
Sun, 06/14/2020 - 04:05
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us. SEO Agency
noman khatri
Sun, 06/14/2020 - 04:21
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us. Jasa SEO
noman khatri
Sun, 06/14/2020 - 04:40
I think it could be more general if you get a football sports activity Turner Prize
noman khatri
Sun, 06/14/2020 - 05:04
I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website. Biggest Jackpots
noman khatri
Mon, 06/15/2020 - 23:47
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us. Smith & Wesson Guns for sale
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 06:12
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us. Tips judi online
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 06:30
A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. combat, law enforcement You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work. poker online
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 10:37
This is a splendid website! I"m extremely content with the remarks!. judi poker online
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 10:44
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us. situs judi poker
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 12:11
I read that Post and got it fine and informative. poker site
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 12:18
I want you to thank for your time of this wonderful read!!! I definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog! gambling site
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 12:38
If it's not too much trouble share more like that. top gambling site
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 12:56
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. judi poker terbaik
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 13:10
You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. judi poker terpercaya
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 20:38
Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. judi online terbaik
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 20:49
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. judi online terpercaya
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 20:57
You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. judi online resmi
noman khatri
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 21:04
Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! judi online Indonesi
Faizan Liaquat
Fri, 06/26/2020 - 20:31
Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have. สล็อต
Emma Kirk
Mon, 06/29/2020 - 03:06
Tennis is one of the outclass game which helps you to develop strategy for your opposing player, junk cars for money organised sports event for their employees for both men and women.
Jennet
Sat, 07/25/2020 - 13:59
Apart from, you can seek threesome & swinger partner once you became a member of Bicupid.com. We rank it as #4 swinger dating site because we wish to take your the different swinger lifestyle. http://www.coupleseekingawoman.com/top-7-swinger-dating-sites.html
Jennet
Sun, 07/26/2020 - 03:27
We are excited to have you on our social digital marketplace where freelance talents and buyers connect across the globe and have more work done collaboratively. Let’s get you registered and download our app!
Handy Reparatur Service Kiel
Gutenbergstraße 1a
24118 Kiel
0431 55608482
https://g.page/r/CQFQB_nqZDHIEBA
Rapid Lesch
Mon, 08/03/2020 - 04:17
A second without seeing each other like this life is so lonely The sky was cloudy, blue and blue when I smiled a little One day he knows all the reasons for the pleasures of life The day that predestined relationship brought us together. 1v1 lol fireboy and watergirl
noman khatri
Mon, 08/24/2020 - 04:42
It's really nice and meanful. it's really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing.you have really helped lots of people who visit blog and provide them usefull information. free forex vps
noman khatri
Mon, 10/19/2020 - 03:34
Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks Erste Hilfe Kurs
muhammad ali
Thu, 10/22/2020 - 01:43
I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. amazon back scratcher
muhammad ali
Mon, 11/02/2020 - 01:24
I think I have never seen such blogs ever before that has complete things with all details which I want. So kindly update this ever for us. amazon back scratchers
muhammad ali
Sat, 11/07/2020 - 00:28
Hi buddies, it is great written piece entirely defined, continue the good work constantly. youtube to mp3 convert
muhammad ali
Mon, 11/09/2020 - 12:12
I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven't had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.. Premium Minecraft account
muhammad ali
Tue, 11/17/2020 - 01:38
Well, this got me thinking what other workouts are good for those of us who find ourselves on the road or have limited equipment options. flour sifter near me
muhammad ali
Wed, 11/18/2020 - 01:39
I’m happy I located this blog! From time to time, students want to cognitive the keys of productive literary essays composing. Your first-class knowledge about this good post can become a proper basis for such people. nice one flour shaker
muhammad ali
Wed, 11/25/2020 - 01:21
i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something back and help others such as you helped me. poker online
muhammad ali
Sun, 11/29/2020 - 12:12
The matter you we highlighted above is surely value able for anyone to workout. the concept of your article is very true and It will result in a positive way. online casino
muhammad ali
Tue, 12/01/2020 - 11:26
Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Now my task has become as easy as ABC. gold
muhammad ali
Wed, 12/02/2020 - 21:04
Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Now my task has become as easy as ABC. online casino magyar
muhammad ali
Thu, 12/03/2020 - 02:26
The material and aggregation is excellent and telltale as comfortably. flour sifter near me
muhammad ali
Thu, 12/03/2020 - 05:53
It has fully emerged to crown Singapore's southern shores and undoubtedly placed her on the global map of residential landmarks. I still scored the more points than I ever have in a season for GS. I think you would be hard pressed to find somebody with the same consistency I have had over the years so I am happy with that. CRYPTO EXCHANGE MARKETING SERVICES
muhammad ali
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 01:57
They're produced by the very best degree developers who will be distinguished for your polo dress creating. You'll find polo Ron Lauren inside exclusive array which include particular classes for men, women. best flour sifter
Mansi Singh
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 03:50
Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .yuvaayurvedic.com
muhammad ali
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 05:07
You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. Best E-commerce MLM solution
Nadcab MLM Plan
Thu, 12/10/2020 - 07:03
Smart Contract Development Company Nadcab Technology provides Best Services for Smart Contract Development to ensure smooth trades.
Smart Contract Development Company in Bangalore
muhammad ali
Sat, 12/12/2020 - 01:13
I am truly grateful to the holder of this site page who has shared this brilliant passage at this place backscratchers amazon
muhammad ali
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 00:37
The web site is lovingly serviced and saved as much as date. So it should be, thanks for sharing this with us. back scratcher amazon
muhammad ali
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 11:31
I'm eager to reveal this page. I have to thank you for ones time for this especially awesome read!! I unquestionably extremely enjoyed all aspects of it and I likewise have you spared to fav to take a gander at new data in your site. plastic back scratcher