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Battle of the Sexes (12A)

A still from Battle of the Sexes

Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carrell) go head to head in the legendary 1973 match that changed how the world viewed women's tennis.

In the wake of the sexual revolution and women's liberation movements, the 1973 the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs brought gender wars to the tennis court. Billed as the Battle of the Sexes it became the most watched televised sports event of all time.

While the rivalry between the players began to build, so too did the personal battles each player was fighting. King was fiercely fighting for equal pay while she began to question her sexuality, while Riggs was gambling away his legacy and reputation.

Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire, The Full Monty) provides a script that deftly captures the misogyny and homophobia of the day while mining the comic potential from the central rivalry. Directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Drayton (Little Miss Sunshine) are as interested in the players as they are about the match, revealing a true clash of personalities.

 

Tagged with: Cinema New releases

UK/US 2017 Dirs Valerie Faris, Jonathan Drayton 121 min

Access Screening Tue 5 Dec 6.10pm

Please arrive promptly at the advertised start time

Proof of ID may be requested on entry to films, in compliance with BBFC ratings

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Barbican Cinemas 1 & 3