Pro wrestling documentaries conform to one of three narratives: the first two are character focused; either a career beginning or ending, that promises a bright future, or reveals a dark past; with the third primarily concerned with the representation of wrestling - usually this is a discussion of how "fake" wrestling is supposed to be, juxtaposed against the real injuries sustained whilst in the ring.
Maybe I'm simply too cynical to enjoy people living out their bright futures in front of a camera crew; I know I get no pleasure in watching their nightmares take over, either; and I find the question of how "fake" wrestling is, to be a tired one that doesn't really need to be addressed again.
I don't like wrestling documentaries. That is, I don't like the majority. GAEA Girls [by Kim Longinotto and Jano Williams] is the exception. Although the structure of the narrative is not an unfamiliar one, telling the story of a group of trainee wrestlers, all looking to make a name for themselves, with one girl - Saika Takeuchi - taking up the role of the main character, it is the way in which the story is told, that is important.
For those of you that don't know (shame on you) GAEA was a Japanese wrestling company with an all women roster. The trainees in this documentary are those of Chigusa Nagayo, who's one of the owners of GAEA, as well as a well established wrestler in her own right.
The reason why this is one of my favourite documentaries is for something that I didn't even notice, until someone pointed it out. I didn't notice it because it wasn't there - a voice over. There are interviews with the trainers, with the trainees, with the families, but no voice over and no score from the filmmakers telling you - implicitly - how to feel. Because of this, I've heard a variety of reactions to the movie. Certainly, there are repeat opinions, but there're also minor and major contrasts in them, too. You never really know how someone's going to take to it.
I actually don't want to go any further in describing it, for the simple reason that I'd hate to turn this into some form of commentary. This film is supposed to be stark; it's supposed to have those unsettling, quiet moments.
If you're training to become a wrestler, or are just considering it, watch this film!
GAEA Girls can be found on Youtube, but, if you like it, buy the DVD off Amazon and support some good art.
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