On The Ropes is a compelling six-episode Australian television drama series that tells the story of aspiring Iraqi-Australian boxer Amirah Al-Amir (Nicole Chamoun) as she tries to make her way in the male-dominated world of boxing. The series is a riveting blend of drama, action, and suspense that will captivate viewers from start to finish.
Set in the western suburbs of Sydney, the series revolves around the trials and tribulations of Amirah, whose passion for boxing is fueled by a desire to honor her father's legacy. As a young girl, Amirah's father encouraged her to box, and she quickly became hooked on the sport. Now she's a skilled fighter with a fierce determination to succeed, but she's facing obstacles that threaten to derail her dreams at every turn.
One of the biggest obstacles Amirah faces is the prejudice and discrimination that comes with being a woman in a predominantly male sport. Despite her talent, many people doubt her ability to compete, and she must constantly fight to prove herself. This prejudice is exemplified by the character of Sami (Igal Naor), a former boxer and now owner of the gym where Amirah trains, who dismisses her as a novelty act and a poor investment.
Another significant hurdle is the tension between Amirah's ambition and her family's traditional values. They are a devout Muslim family, and they struggle to reconcile their faith with their daughter's unconventional career choice. Her mother and sister are particularly resistant, and the scenes in which they clash over Amirah's decision to pursue boxing are particularly poignant.
Despite these obstacles, Amirah is determined to succeed, and the series follows her journey as she trains, fights, and navigates the complex world of professional boxing. Along the way, Amirah must confront a variety of personal and professional challenges, including romance, betrayal, and rivalries with other boxers.
One of the standout performances in the series comes from Keisha Castle-Hughes, who plays Lourdes, a fellow boxer and Amirah's nemesis. Castle-Hughes brings a fierce intensity to the role, and her scenes with Chamoun crackle with tension and emotion.
Overall, On The Ropes is a gripping and thought-provoking series that explores themes of gender, race, religion, and cultural identity. The characters are richly drawn and the performances are uniformly excellent, making this a must-see for fans of quality drama. With its sharp writing, powerful acting, and high-stakes action, On The Ropes is one of the best Australian dramas of the past few years.
On The Ropes is a series that ran for 14 seasons (10 episodes) between February 25, 2019 and on YouTube
