As of late November, the Best Picture of the Year

Rating: 10/10 (30 November 2005)

Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger & Paul Giamatti all give Oscar caliber performances in this film based on the true story of Jim Braddock. Crowe's performance is his best since "The Insider". Zellweger's Mae is loving and warm and the chemistry between she and Crowe is palpable on screen. Giamatti should get (& hopefully receive) a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Braddock's agent, who bends over backwards to help his fighter support his family through the Depression. I did find some of the boxing scenes to be a bit brutal, but I think it was because I quickly became emotionally invested in all the characters in this film. Other than that, this is a beautifully filmed, wonderfully directed, honest and heart-wrenching movie that has Best Film written all over it!