Heart of a Champion

Rating: 10/10 (12 June 2005)

Director Ron Howard's "Cinderella Man" was not what I was expecting. It is a touching love story, and a story of great character. It is the best movie of the year so far. Yes, is not just a movie about boxing. It is Ron Howard's best movie-- so moving and inspiring. Russell Crowe as Depression Era Heavyweight contender, James J. Braddock, is so powerful, compassionate, and inspiring. Though sometimes it takes a little to reconcile, Crowe's screen persona from his media celebrity, I think Crowe truly distinguishes himself as the movies' most powerful actor with almost limitless range. He is awesome in "Cinderella Man", and he may win another Oscar.
I was familiar with Jim Braddock in the context of Heavyweight Champion Max Baer (played in the movie by Craig Bierko). Jim Braddock would become Heavyweight Champion by upsetting the arrogant Max Baer. I had read accounts for the accuracy in "Cinderella Man" depicting Baer as a smug, arrogant, partier. Baer even took pride in the fact that he killed 2 boxers in the ring. As excellently played by Bierko, Baer is basically a big bully, who thinks he can have his way, because he is stronger than everyone. But ultimately he is short on heart, and void of any character.
Jim Braddock (Crowe) went down a different path, the fate of the Great Depression, and thus, his transformation was entirely distinct. In 1925 Jim was a number one Light Heavyweight contender managed by Joe Gould (the amazing Paul Giamatti). Jim had a lovely home with his wife Mae (Renee Zellweger), and their 3 children: Jay (Connor Price), Howard (Patrick Louis), and Rosie (scene stealer Ariel Waller). Jim and Mae were so in love, and it is clear from the beginning that their relationship is a source of strength and courage. During the Depression the Braddocks are reduced to poverty, living in a run down apartment. Jim works at the docks, and takes fights for chump change. A series of events causes Jim to leave boxing, and the proud Jim vows to keep his family together. This is where the screenplay by Cliff Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsmith (based on the story by Hollingsworth) transcends to a moving tale of love and family. There is a heart-wrenching scene where Jim (Crowe) asks for money from his former promoters so he can pay for the electricity for his family, saying to Joe Gould, "I'm sorry..." Through luck and accident Jim gets another shot back in boxing due to Joe. This time it is different. Jim eventually gets a shot at the World Title held by Max Baer. Even one the fighters Jim beats this time around says, "He's not the same guy." During a press conference prior to the Title Fight, when asked what was different this time around, Jim says he fights for "milk"-- recalling a scene with his daughter Rosie. Ron Howard along with his writers Hollingsworth and Goldsmith are such compelling and moving storytellers. An amazingly strong and understated Renee Zellweger as Mae is terrified for her husband Jim who is fighting a giant who may literally kill her husband before the fight tells Jim, "You are the champion of my heart." That stopped me in my tracks. "Cinderella Man" is all heart, and is a movie that truly inspires us all. It is an amazing movie about character and ultimately the inherent greatness in us all.
This is Russell Crowe's best performance to date. His power is tempered with great compassion and such a delicate tenderness. Renee Zellweger is a rock. Her performance is dead on for authenticity, and her understated strength is a joy to watch. Paul Giamatti is such a talented actor. He brings a lightness and humanity to "Cinderella Man". Director Howard direction is so natural and the performances of his actors are truly awesome. "Cinderella Man" may be the best movie of the year. It is a great movie about greatness. Now this is something we can all celebrate.