In Karyn Kusamas remarkable 2000 Sundance award-winning debut film, Diana (Michelle Rodriguez) initially comes across as a typical product of the ghettos. Her real opponents include her abusive father, memories of him driving her mother to the grave, and her own indolence and apathy toward her future. Boxing saves her, turning the aimless rebel into an assured athlete; her physical transformation is accompanied by personal growth. Its a winning if formulaic story, but Kusama keeps it fresh enough from going into Rocky territory. (R) SOYON IM
June 25-29, 7 & 9:45 p.m., 2008
