Full Out

Full Out is a power-packed, inspirational sports drama based on the fascinating true story of Ariana Berlin, a young gymnast. The 2015 movie, directed by Sean Cisterna, features a talent stacked cast including Ana Golja in the lead role, accompanied by Jennifer Beals and Sarah Fisher.

Ana Golja delivers an emotionally charged performance as Ariana Berlin, an aspiring 14-year-old gymnast whose dreams hang in the balance after a catastrophic car accident. Prior to this unfortunate incident, Ariana is portrayed as a hugely ambitious teenager devoted to gymnastics with the dream of earning a scholarship to UCLA, one of the top gymnastics programs in the country. The sudden, dramatic twist in her journey happens when a near-fatal car accident puts her in a coma, leaving her with extensive injuries that threaten to end her athletic career forever.

The movie further delves into Ariana's life-post accident, capturing her struggles with her new reality. It's at this point that Jennifer Beals' character, Coach Val, enters the storyline. Beals who is known for her role in television series "The L Word," convincingly portrays Valerie Kondos Field, the well-regarded UCLA gymnastics coach. Coach Val becomes a pivotal character in Ariana's recuperation journey, encouraging her while also providing her with the necessary tough love.

Meanwhile, Sarah Fisher, eminent for her breakout role in the TV series "Degrassi: The Next Generation," can be seen as Ariana's best friend, Isla. Fisher’s character is Ariana's pillar of emotional support during her time of adversity, epitomizing the significance of friendship in overcoming life's challenges. The interplay between Ariana and Isla showcases a touching, genuine friendship that viewers can unequivocally relate to.

Accompanying the sports drama and personal relationships, Full Out also highlights dance, specifically hip-hop, which plays a pivotal role in Ariana's recovery journey. After her accident, when Ariana is attempting to regain physical strength and agility, she stumbles upon breakdancing. It provides not only a method to regain lost fitness, but it also becomes a therapeutical outlet for her frustrations. In the film, this aspect is beautifully fused with gymnastics, adding a unique flavor to the conventional sports drama.

Full Out successfully captures the multi-layered narrative of Ariana's physical and emotional rehabilitation. The director Sean Cisterna beautifully renders Ariana’s journey from intense despair to her inexorable return to gymnastics. However, the movie doesn’t just stick to a conventional tale of victory in the face of adversity; it further unveils the importance of personal growth, determination, and the power of familial and mentorship support in this process.

Besides the gripping storyline, the movie's cinematography also deserves recognition: it seamlessly transitions between gymnastics sequences, dance routines, and emotional dialogues, thereby keeping the viewers engaged. High-energy gymnastic sequences coupled with vivacious break dance routines add a sense of authenticity and invoke viewers' interests.

Additionally, film's soundtrack features a mix of adrenaline-pumping music tracks deeply interconnected with the rhythm and dynamism of gymnastics and breakdancing, effectively enhancing the movie's overall appeal.

In conclusion, Full Out is a compelling sports drama with a fresh perspective, combining gymnastics and breakdancing into a inspiring narrative. Ana Golja's impressive performance as Ariana Berlin anchors the movie, while Jennifer Beals and Sarah Fisher add a depth of character that enhances the poignant tale. This is more than a sports movie; it’s a heartening tale of resilience, friendship, determination, and personal growth, leaving viewers with a profoundly inspiring message. With its dynamic storytelling and stellar performances, Full Out is an incredible tribute to Ariana Berlin's awe-inspiring life-story.