Box!

In a boxing school in Munich boys are preparing for their fight in the ring. One of them is Cem Özdogan, a thirteen-year-old kid, who is a bit smaller than his fellow-boxers. We see how the strict and energetic coach Peter lectures Cem and his friends, how he makes them warm up and exercise with punching bags. The camera follows the exercise-fights from close up. Shot on 16mm the images seem to stem from another era, reminiscent of Robert de Niro in Raging Bull. In spite of Cem's bleached battle haircut, it seems he is not entirely made of the right material. He does his best, but admits he is not so sure if he wants to become a professional boxer: "You have to take a lot. And I want to keep a straight nose." Nevertheless, on the day of the fight Cem steps on it. "It's all about winning," he explains. During all the battle, Peter remains at his side. In the one minute fight-break, Cem momentarily loses focus. He wearily stares into the audience. However, Peter demands total commitment from his pupil: "Look at me when I'm talking to you! Get up, I'm thirsty too!" (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)