Shot on 16mm, "Small, Slow but Steady" has a texture that lends life and nostalgia to the tape, and fills Keiko's long training sequences with meaning.

STORY
We dive into the daily actions of Keiko, a recently turned professional boxer who works as a maid in a hotel to pay her bills.
Keiko has already won 2 of her fights, but suddenly she begins to feel exhausted, not only physically but emotionally and mentally, and this added to external events such as her trainer's illness and the closure of the boxing club mean that Keiko cannot bear more. We realize the great weight that our resilient Keiko has carried alone all this time while we see fights without an audience and people afraid to make physical contact in the streets.
In addition, the film makes an important social comment as well, since like all boxing classics it is shocking to see our champion leave the ring after enduring tremendous punches in the face and go to make a rich man's bed in a 5-star hotel, as well as worrying about not being able to afford a new gym far from home, etc.

ACTING AND SOUNDTRACK

Kishii Yukino and Miura Tomokazu have exceptional chemistry that will make you want to break down in tears many times, especially in a beautiful sequence in front of a mirror.
The protagonist has one of the most beautifully expressive faces I have ever seen, and I think that contributes enormously to telling this story where the only soundtrack is the sound of the streets outside, the sound of punches with boxing gloves. and a faint tune hummed by Keiko's brother.

OVERALL
In short, "Small, Slow but Steady" is a must-see film that beautifully portrays the inner journey of a woman isolated (sonically and emotionally) from the rest. And it is also a reflection on the psychological weight of social distancing, the value of hard work carried out every day and the importance of deep respect even for the rival.