Powerful, Inspirational Story!

Rating: 10/10 (15 February 2013)

Ron Howard's Cinderella Man is certainly a true Hollywood Cinderella story. This film has the distinction of being one of the better boxing movies ever made. I think it's better than such classics like Rocky, Raging Bull, and The Fighter. I think what makes this story so powerful and motivating is the setting. This takes place during the Great Depression where nearly everyone was affected one way or the other.
This film is based on the true story of Jim Braddock. Braddock is a former boxer whose family has fallen on hard times. When he gets an opportunity to earn money as part of a one-game comeback, he has no idea how special this comeback will be.
The acting is really good. Russell Crowe puts up another fine performance as Braddock. Renee Zellweger is really good as Braddock's wife who cares deeply for her husband. Paul Giamatti is especially good as Braddock's manager.
Overall, this is a film that looks to provide some meaningful inspiration. This is a film not really about boxing, but how a struggling family persevered with little or no money. All the boxing scenes were executed well and I have never felt tense watching a on-screen boxing match as I did with the final battle in this movie. It was probably the best boxing match I have yet seen. Ron Howard has added another great character story to his filmography. I rate this film 10/10.