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5.5/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Battling Sisters remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, let’s talk about Battling Sisters. If you're into dusty old reels, particularly those that tried to imagine a 'future' from way back when, this one's definitely worth digging up. It's a proper treat for film historians or anyone who gets a kick out of seeing society's mirror flipped on its head. But if you’re hoping for, like, anything resembling modern storytelling or pacing, then yeah, you'll probably want to give it a pass. It really isn't for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine.
The whole premise is just wild for its time. Imagine the year 1980 – a futuristic warzone! – and it's the women, dressed in these surprisingly cool, almost military-ish outfits, who are out there fighting. They’re commanding, they’re strategizing, they’re very much in charge. Meanwhile, the men? Oh, the men are back home, worrying and, wait for it, knitting. Yes, knitting. It's such a brilliant, simple inversion, and it makes you just stop and think about what early filmmakers thought was so important to comment on.
There's this one moment, I think it's Wallace Lupino, just completely lost with a ball of yarn and needles. His face is priceless. It's this tiny, understated detail but it sells the whole gender swap so perfectly. You can almost feel the movie winking at you.
Betty Boyd, as one of the lead 'battling sisters,' carries herself with this really strong, almost determined air. She’s not just playing dress-up; you get the sense she’s actually meant to be a capable leader. It's really something to see, especially knowing when this was made.
The film isn't trying to be a deep sociological study, mind you. It's more of a playful jab, a 'what if' scenario that plays out in its own charming, slightly clunky way. The action scenes, bless their hearts, are what you'd expect from the era: a bit chaotic, sometimes a little hard to follow, but you get the gist. It’s the idea that pulls you in, not the spectacle.
What really got me was how committed it was to its own bit. Like, they didn't just hint at the men staying home; they actually show them fussing over domestic duties. There's a scene where a group of men gather, all looking forlorn, maybe sharing tips on purling. It’s genuinely funny, and not in a way I think the filmmakers entirely intended, but it works.
And the costumes for the women! They're not just 'women in men's clothes.' They’re styled, they’re distinct. It’s like someone actually thought about what a future female soldier might look like, through the lens of early 20th-century fashion. A little stiff, perhaps, but undeniably striking. It gives the film a visual flair that sticks with you.
Pacing-wise, well, it’s an old film. There are stretches where things move slower than molasses, then suddenly a flurry of activity. You gotta adjust your brain for it. It's not the kind of movie you put on while multitasking. You really need to just sit with it, let it wash over you, and appreciate it for what it is: a very specific piece of film history that dared to dream of a different 1980.
I found myself wondering about the casting of Lupino Lane and Wallace Lupino. Brothers, I think? Their presence, especially Wallace’s bewildered homemaker, adds a nice touch of known comedic talent to an already unusual premise. It’s like they just naturally understood the absurdity of it all. They really understood the assignment, even if the assignment was wild.
So, yeah, it’s not a masterpiece in the traditional sense. It's a curiosity, a fascinating relic. But it’s got heart, and a wonderfully bizarre concept executed with genuine conviction. Give it a watch if you're ever feeling adventurous and want to see how cinema once dreamed of a world where the sisters were, indeed, battling. You might just find yourself smiling at a man trying to knit a sock while the fate of the world hangs in the balance. It’s just great.
IMDb 7.2
1928
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