Review of Pumping Iron II: The Women (1985) by Kate C — 15 Mar 2009

This is a fascinating documentary. It addresses at the time of women competing in body building competitions towards a more slim body rather than the bulky muscles that the sport had become known for and follows two competitors. Rachel McLish - the slim, feminine, socially acceptable one who tries to stick to her defined gender role within a sport which historically challenges that... and Bev Francis - the bulky, masculine one.

Another interesting thing to note is the difference between this one and the first Pumping Iron. Particularly, how this one resembles softcore porn. Its as if the producers felt they had to overcompensate to make this movie more feminine and sexy so that it would appeal to a male viewership. As a result all of the women involved become objectified whether or not they are feminine enough.