Tom Joad here - checking in with one of the best documentaries I've seen in a long time. SHADOW BOXERS is absolutely inspiring and you owe it to yourself to see it if you are lucky enough to be a resident of the New York City area. This powerhouse is coming to Los Angeles in June, so Moriarty get ready!!!

I love a good documentary, but I'm always on the hunt for a great one. Today I found one in SHADOW BOXERS. A 72-minute glimpse into the world of female boxing - a glimpse that proves to be as enlightening as it is riveting. Director/writer/editor Katya Bankowsky has done a stunning job crafting this entertaining and motivational look at the sport, which begins with an overview of boxers, training and competing throughout New York City, circa 1995.

We're introduced to a variety of women, each boxing for a different reason. Be it out of anger, the need to compete, out of fear, for the sense of empowerment, or to overcome obstacles in life through their ring experience - each of them are personally motivated. Especially fiery Jill Matthews, who after winning the Golden Gloves championship responds to a reporter, "Why do I want to be part of history? You figure it out!" proves to be as witty as she is tough. Ultimately, Jill believes that it is all about payback. "Even though I've just won [the Golden Gloves title] in boxing - all the work I've ever done in everything else in life seems to be [justified]. Now I have my payback." An unattained gymnast who felt unfulfilled; Jill channeled her energy into boxing - although not without sacrifice. Not having seen her husband since she started her training, Jill hopes he still wants to be married to her.

Flyweight champion and paralegal, Anne Vitiello faces sacrifice of a different type: health. Suffering from a posterior vitreous detachment, Anne has hampered peripheral vision that could lead to complete vision loss. Anne believes it's a case of mind over matter, when, "Any [woman] can get in the ring, throw a right-cross and feel great - and not have to think about it." But this bloodsport can take its toll.

In addition to the physical wear and tear synonymous with the sport, all of the women involved are also repeatedly subjected to round after round of reality in the male dominated sport. Trainers don't want to train women, promoters don't want to promote women, husbands assume their wives are having affairs with their trainers, gym owners don't want women training in their facilities - the ridiculous list continues… But everything began to change when top promoter (and Don King rival) Bob Arum signed Lucia Rijker.

Katya focuses the last half of her documentary on her main subject, Lucia Rijker - who is, without question, the most impressive and formidable female boxer yet. Combining style and intelligence with intensity and punch, Lucia emerges as a superstar that you won't believe you haven't heard more about. Katya wisely uses Lucia's dialogue as a running commentary and Lucia has no trouble articulating great, memorable lines - in her second language of English. "Boxing forces me to go places I wouldn't normally go… it's too scary to go there. Your opponent can be something in life you're afraid of… if you can conquer it in the ring, you can conquer it in life."

Lucia was into karate at age twelve and kickboxing at fourteen - before setting her sights on the world title. Here is where Bankowsky's film feels historic. In a time-capsule-like way, she has captured each of Lucia's fights on the way to the WIBF World Title. Every fight has a different feel, the soundtrack thumps to the rhythm of Zoel as cinematographers Tony Wolberg and Anthony Hardwick contrast the vibrant colors of the real world with stark black, white & grays of film - creating a very kinetic and engaging take on ring life. You feel like you're there and you feel the victories that unfold onscreen. This film will definitely find it's audience - and the audience will immortalize it.

Lucia is very conscious of her profession and the risks she takes in tow, "I keep a picture of me as a baby next to a portrait of a fighter who died in the ring because I want to stay aware of what I got myself into. It doesn't take away the beauty of the game, but it's the other side of the medal - it's the price you pay. I hope I get out in time." Rijker was offered a role in THE MATRIX but had a conflict in fighting schedules - I only hope that Andy and Larry Wachowski are able to work her into the second and third films. Just wait - once you see her in action - you won't be able to wait to see her MATRIX-ed out.

Lucia gushes charisma, she slowly and consistently gains the respect and admiration of those around her. She convinces the likes of Golden Gloves champion, George Walton, world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, as well as the legend himself, Oscar de la Hoya - who said, "Lucia Rijker is going to be a long-reigning world champion in women's boxing." She sees her mission extending far beyond the bounds of the boxing ring. She serves as the basis for perfect female athleticism with her energy, strength, precision & her power. She excels while training at Stan Hoffman's Training Camp for Boxers - as the only woman among eight men. She is gifted at what she does and proves to be incredibly inspiring - a true role model. "Because you can get hit, because you can get hurt, because you can get knocked down, it's like real life. In every fight, I learn something about myself and that wisdom I can pass on to a new generation."

Tom Joad signing off...