Movies: Strong Wave Of Feminism In “Battle Of The Sexes” On December 6 At Ayala Malls Cinemas

It was a match that entered the history books, changing the game for women and men around the world. The highly publicized, much hyped and hugely entertaining “Battle of the Sexes” was one of the most watched sporting events ever. But its impact extended far beyond tennis and the sporting arena. Taking us back 44 years, starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell, helmed by gifted directors, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris bring the 70s alive with vitality, comedy and poignancy, relating the build-up to the match that was viewed on TV by an unprecedented global audience of 90 million.
 
The year is 1973 and former champion, Bobby Riggs, is all but forgotten. He is determined to get back into the limelight, make some money and make himself relevant again.  He issues a challenge to Billie Jean King (Stone), proudly and controversially proclaiming himself to be a male chauvinistic pig, while insisting that no female tennis player will ever be able to beat him. The 55 year-old tennis player, a hustler and loud showman, (Carell) asserts that women belong in ‘the bedroom and the kitchen.’ The 29 year-old tennis star takes Riggs up on the challenge.

The “Battle of the Sexes” becomes the arena for a greater battle for equal rights and women’s pay. To put the era in perspective, despite massive accomplishments by women, along with the presence of an increasingly influential feminist movement, it is still a man’s world – at least as far as equal rights and prevailing attitudes are concerned. Billie Jean King is fighting for women to receive the same fees that men get in Grand Slam tournaments. The match turns attention to inequality in every area of work and life. Played out in the glare of TV cameras and newspapers around the world, the run-up to the match reaches fever pitch. Women who are incensed by Riggs, rally behind the pioneering King, and at the other end of the spectrum, the battle exacerbates entrenched sexist attitudes. In a clever ploy to capitalize on the controversy, Riggs turns the match into a circus!

Movies: Find Out Who Wins In “Battle Of The Sexes” At Ayala Malls Cinemas On December 6

In the wake of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women’s movement, the 1973 tennis match between women’s world champion Billie Jean King (played by Emma Stone) and ex-men’s-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) was billed as the “Battle of the Sexes” and became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time, reaching 90 million viewers around the world.

As the rivalry between King and Riggs kicked into high gear, off-court each was fighting more personal and complex battles.  The fiercely private King was not only championing for equality, but also struggling to come to terms with her own sexuality, as her friendship with Marilyn Barnett (Andrea Riseborough) developed.  And Riggs, one of the first self-made media-age celebrities, wrestled with his gambling demons, at the expense of his family and wife Priscilla (Elisabeth Shue).  Together, Billie and Bobby served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis court, sparking discussions in bedrooms and boardrooms that continue to reverberate today.

The build up to the match, the spectacle it became and the quest for equality it continues to inspire all come to life in “Battle of the Sexes.”  Husband-and-wife directorial team Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (Academy Award winning Little Miss Sunshine) explore a moment when social change was embodied by two complex people.  Dayton and Faris brought together Oscar® winner Emma Stone, in a physically and emotionally demanding role unlike any she’s yet tackled, with Oscar® nominee Steve Carell at his most complicated as self-made media celebrity Bobby Riggs.

Movies: Tennis’ Greatest Showdown “Battle Of The Sexes” Exclusive At Ayala Malls Cinemas

Emma Stone and Steve Carell star in the exciting and moving new film “Battle of the Sexes,” which is based on true events and revolves around tennis legend Billie Jean King’s historic 1973 match against Bobby Riggs. Oscar winner Emma Stone stars as King; Oscar nominee Steve Carell plays Riggs, the former champion who claimed that no woman would ever defeat him. The electrifying contest was viewed by millions worldwide.

The film, from directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, is heartfelt and infused with humor, relating the personal journeys of both players. It delivers insights into Billie Jean King’s pioneering achievements as well as her challenges, as she was coming to terms with her sexuality, while preparing for the match.

“Women belong in the bedroom and the kitchen,” declared former tennis champion Bobby Riggs, delivering a wildly controversial challenge to Billie Jean King, who dominated tennis in the 70s, with the assertion that no woman, not even the best, would have the strength and skill to defeat him. The outrageous comments from the 55-year-old former champion provoked an immediate backlash. King, 29, decided to accept the challenge and the battle got underway.