Battle of the Sexes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A tennis match happens between a woman who likes women and a man who likes gambling, and some equality stuff happens too.

🍿 Battle of the Sexes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Fight for Equal Pay

In 1973, Billie Jean King, the number one female tennis player, confronts Jack Kramer, head of the Pacific Southwest Open, over the vast disparity in prize money between male and female players. King, along with her manager Gladys Heldman, argues that the women draw equal crowds but receive significantly less pay. Frustrated by Kramer’s refusal to address the inequality, King and Heldman decide to form their own women’s tennis tour.

Bobby Riggs’ Challenge

Meanwhile, Bobby Riggs, a former tennis champion and self-proclaimed ‘male chauvinist pig’, seeks to regain relevance and financial stability. He publicly challenges Billie Jean King to a tennis match, touting it as a battle of the sexes. King initially declines, seeing it as a publicity stunt, but the challenge gains momentum and becomes a national spectacle. Riggs’ antics and provocative statements fuel the media frenzy surrounding the event.

Personal Battles Off the Court

As the match approaches, both King and Riggs face personal challenges. King grapples with her burgeoning sexuality and begins a relationship with her hairdresser, Marilyn Barnett, while still married to her husband, Larry. Riggs struggles with a gambling addiction and his strained relationship with his wife, Priscilla. These off-court battles add layers of complexity to the narrative and highlight the pressures both individuals face.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Billie Jean King (Emma Stone): The fiercely determined world number one tennis player who fights for gender equality and grapples with her sexuality.
• Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell): The ex-tennis champ and serial hustler who challenges Billie Jean King in a highly publicized match billed as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’.
• Marilyn Barnett (Andrea Riseborough): Billie Jean King’s hairdresser and lover, who complicates her personal life while she fights for equality.
• Gladys Heldman (Sarah Silverman): The shrewd and supportive manager of Billie Jean King, who helps her establish a separate women’s tennis tour.
• Jack Kramer (Bill Pullman): The sexist head of the Association of Tennis Professionals, who refuses to give women equal pay and becomes a symbol of the gender inequality King fights against.
• Larry King (Austin Stowell): Billie Jean’s supportive husband who navigates the challenges of her career and personal life.
• Priscilla Riggs (Elisabeth Shue): Bobby Riggs’ wife, who deals with his gambling addiction and public antics.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Billie Jean King: “I’m not saying women are better. I’ve never said that. I’m saying we deserve some respect.” – Billie Jean emphasizes the need for equality and respect for women in tennis during a press conference.
• Bobby Riggs: “I love women… in the kitchen and the bedroom.” – Bobby’s chauvinistic remark embodies the prevailing sexist attitudes of the time, which he used to promote the match.
• Gladys Heldman: “We have to make ourselves impossible to ignore.” – Gladys, Billie Jean’s manager, rallies the women to fight for equal pay and recognition in tennis.
• Billie Jean King: “Pressure is a privilege.” – Billie Jean acknowledges the weight of expectations on her shoulders, transforming it into a source of motivation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,638,526
• Worldwide Gross: $18,598,607

💥 Battle of the Sexes Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Battle of the Sexes’! Emma Stone was fantastic as Billie Jean King, and I was totally invested in her fight for equality. Seeing her navigate her personal life alongside her career struggles felt so real and compelling. The tennis match itself was exhilarating, and the ending, with Billie Jean embracing her victory, gave me chills. Definitely a movie I’ll recommend to everyone!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of sports movies”
  • “Those interested in historical dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stories about women’s rights and LGBTQ+ themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes relating to gender inequality”
  • “Brief depiction of an extramarital affair”
  • “Implied sexuality”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Emma Stone and Steve Carell deliver knockout performances in this crowd-pleasing, fact-based sports film. ‘Battle of the Sexes’ is a winner, capturing the zeitgeist of 1973 and resonating powerfully today with its themes of equality and self-discovery.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A smartly written and beautifully acted film, ‘Battle of the Sexes’ transcends its sports movie trappings to offer a relevant commentary on gender politics and personal identity. Stone and Carell are perfectly cast, bringing depth and nuance to their iconic roles.
• RogerEbert.com: “‘Battle of the Sexes’ is more than just a sports movie; it’s a character study and a snapshot of a cultural moment. Stone shines as King, and Carell brings a surprising humanity to Riggs. The film’s message of equality is as timely as ever.

Audience Reactions

Emma Stone’s performance as Billie Jean King was phenomenal and inspiring.: Viewers loved the film’s focus on both the tennis match and the personal lives of Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Steve Carell’s portrayal of Bobby Riggs was both hilarious and surprisingly sympathetic.: Many viewers appreciated that the movie didn’t paint Bobby Riggs as a one-dimensional villain.

Overall Consensus: ‘Battle of the Sexes’ is a well-acted and entertaining film that successfully blends sports drama with important social commentary. Emma Stone and Steve Carell deliver excellent performances, making this a must-see for fans of both actors and anyone interested in the fight for gender equality.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Emma Stone trained extensively to convincingly portray Billie Jean King’s tennis skills, working with a professional coach for months before filming.”
• “The filmmakers meticulously recreated the 1970s setting, paying close attention to details in fashion, music, and set design to immerse the audience in the era.”
• “Several real-life figures involved in the ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ including Billie Jean King herself, were consulted during the production to ensure accuracy and authenticity.”

🖥️ How to Watch Battle of the Sexes?

Battle of the Sexes is available to rent or buy on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable providers. For physical media, the DVD and Blu-ray versions are widely available online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Battle of the Sexes, you might like these similar films:

• Hidden Figures (2016): Both films highlight the struggles and triumphs of women fighting for recognition and equality in male-dominated fields.
• Pride (2014): Features a true story of a marginalized group fighting for their rights with a similar uplifting and feel-good tone.
• When Billie Beat Bobby (2001): The TV movie retells the event with Holly Hunter and Ron Silver.
• I, Tonya (2017): Another biographical sports drama with a focus on a female athlete’s struggle against societal and personal challenges.

🛒 Battle of the Sexes Related Products

• Battle of the Sexes [Blu-ray]: Own the movie that tells the true story of Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs’ historic match. Includes bonus features like deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes interviews.
• Billie Jean King: A Champion’s Mind: Get this inspiring autobiography to understand the mindset of the tennis icon. Great for aspiring athletes and anyone looking to reach their full potential.
• Women’s Rights Movement Poster Set: A collection of posters celebrating iconic moments and figures in the women’s rights movement. Great for decorating a study room or office.
• Vintage Tennis Racket Display: Own a piece of tennis history with a vintage wooden tennis racket, reminiscent of the era depicted in the film. A perfect collector’s item or decorative piece.

🎧 Soundtrack

Battle of the Sexes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rocket Man” – performed by Elton John
• “Crimson and Clover” – performed by Tommy James and The Shondells
• “Movie House Theme” – performed by Nicholas Britell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Naomi Osaka Reviews Tennis Scenes, from ‘Bridesmaids’ to ‘Battle of the Sexes’ | Vanity Fair

Ever wondered how realistic the tennis scenes in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ really are? Naomi Osaka breaks down the tennis action and it’s actually pretty interesting to hear what a pro thinks!

Behind the Sketch: Battle of the Sexes – SNL

Want to see how SNL hilariously parodied ‘Battle of the Sexes’? This behind-the-scenes video is super short, but gives you a good look at how they came up with the sketch. You might just find it funnier than the actual sketch!

ASMR in Movies & TV (Part 1)

Did you know ‘Battle of the Sexes’ has a scene that might trigger ASMR? This video points it out and it’s interesting to see how movies can create these sensory experiences. It’s oddly relaxing, too!

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