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The Rivals is a quiet exploration of perseverance and the inner battles that athletes face. Natalia Ozernikova, a once-promising swimmer, transitions to single kayaking, but her journey is marked by the frustration of consistently finishing second. The film captures her relentless training regime, and there's a raw authenticity to her struggles that feels very relatable. The pacing might be slow for some, but it allows the audience to truly absorb her dedication. The atmosphere is a blend of hope and melancholy, underscored by practical effects that ground the intense competition scenes. While the director is unknown, the performances, especially by the lead, carry the film, making it a noteworthy entry in the late '80s sports drama genre.
Relentless training scenesAtmospheric scoreThemes of perseverance vs. defeat
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