Boxing movie with heart and soul!

Rating: 10/10 (16 March 2006)

Fantastic boxing movie, the period feel is convincing and having read the autobiography of James Bradock by Michael DeLisa, the picture fulfills all expectations. Russell Crowe does a great job of portraying the down at heel boxer who wants to provide for his family but is rendered impotent by the recession and lack of work. Rene Zelweger provides a convincing and grounded portrayal of the pugilists wife with a sensitivity only dreamt of in the Rocky movie concept.
The best ring scene for me is during Bradocks second comeback bout when he takes a phenomenal punch from Art Lasky and looks doomed to fall. The camera hits slow motion with flashbacks of Bradock reeling whilst thinking about his wife and children. He then regains his composure and smiles bloodily at Lasky (who drops his gloves in amazement) before going on to dramatically win the bout. Wonderful heart searching stuff,even for none boxing fans. Recommended!