No Tears On The Field: Movie Review

Director Lisa Burd turns her lens on the national sport in this amiable albeit slightly undercooked documentary that showcases the heartland and delivers a masterclass in not only grassroots sport, but also homeland philosophy.

Ostensibly looking at a group of female rugby players from Southern and Clifton Rugby Clubs over a season as it unfolds in Taranaki, this genial piece takes a dive into the worlds of women players and their motivations for getting on the field in the first place.

But unlike most sports documentaries, which purposefully become underdog stories, this one follows a clutch of young hopefuls who charge onto the field for a variety of reasons and from a variety of backgrounds.

From one mother of three who was charmed into the game at the prospect of a free creche at the ground to the player who nearly lost her arms in a farm accident when she was younger, each has their own motivation for joining.

And while it’s fair to say that No Tears On The Field doesn’t exactly reveal any new insights into what it takes to play the game, the lack of parity for female rugby players in a male-dominated game, what it does do is shine the spotlight on the very heart and ethos of the sport in a field that’s become dominated by corporate players and big-time deals.

But what’s equally more moving about No Tears On The Field is the exploration of familial relationships. Whether it’s a father motivating and supporting a daughter in her rugby career or remembering a lost mother and being inspired by her, the film explores – and makes a solid case – for the sanctity of the heartland bond. (Time spent with players Kate Thomson, Maddison Davison, Mereana Anderson and Phoenix Fraser is well-utilised, and despite them being part of the backbone, each of them feels fully developed and human throughout.)

It’s here that Burd’s film is more effective, moving away from the usual cliches of life on the field and the competitive nature of sport in general. It’s here that the movie shines the light on the seldom hidden but often overlooked reality of rural life – that it’s the connections and community that invest in people and their dreams – and who celebrate their successes when they come.

But if you're looking for a deep insightful piece, this is not it, as it feels like a Country Calendar episode writ large, no matter how well-intentioned it is.