An intimate, gripping documentary that follows three aspiring young boxers from the tough streets of Brooklyn (two boys and a girl) as they prepare for the 1997 Golden Gloves Tournament. Under the guidance of trainer Harry Keitt -- a philosophical, wizened ex-con who once served as a sparring partner to Muhammad Ali -- the three youths experience and learn lessons of life both inside and beyond the ring. Winner of the Special Jury Award at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.

DVD Features:

Region 1 Encoding
Keep Case
Interactive Menus
5 Minute Epilogue
Scene Access
Filmographies
Production Credits
Trailer
Audio Commentary by Filmmaker

Nanette Burstein: SCREENWRITER/EDITOR\1990S
Brett Morgen: Co-Producer and Co-Director of "On The Ropes" documentary

Nanette Burstein: SCREENWRITER/EDITOR\1990S
Brett Morgen: Co-Producer and Co-Director of "On The Ropes" documentary

Nancy Baker: Documentary Editor

"...Dead-on....Profound social commentary..." -- 4 out of 5 stars
"...[The film] carries its own punch....There isn't one ounce of fat on fighter Manson's midriff, and there isn't one on this movie, either..."
"...Involving and suspenseful....Nanette Burstein and Brett Morgen are the very models of contemporary documentarians: They win the trust of their subjects to the extent that they are the proverbial flies on the wall, eavesdropping on life..."
"...ON THE ROPES is a sports documentary as gripping, in a different way, as HOOP DREAMS..."
"...Wrenching....It recognizes the potentially life-redeeming spiritual component in the stamina, discipline and courage it takes to train for the ring..."
"...[An] excellent documentary....The filmmaker's method, at once disciplined and free-form, is a perfect match for this slice of hard life..."