Very good boxing drama

Rating: 7/10 (26 June 2005)

When I first went to see this film, all that I knew about it was that it starred Russell Crowe and it was based around the life of a boxer. Of course, it ended up being much more complicated than that.
Russell Crowe is James Braddock, a boxer rising up from the bottom in 1930's New York City, during the peak of the Great Depression. After several fights (including one in which he breaks his hand and loses his boxing license), Braddock attempts to get financial assistance and he and his wife are in danger of having to send their children away due to the fact that they may not be able to support them in such a difficult time. However, Braddock is offered (even after his loss-of-license) yet a chance for one more fight for $250... he not only wins the fight and the money, but he is propelled back into the dramatic world of boxing (not to mention the betting/gambling based upon its fights) and media spotlight. He eventually rises to the top and finally becomes the prime opponent for the current world heavyweight boxing champion, Max Baer. Renee Zellweger does an excellent job as playing the reluctant wife-of-a-celebrity and caring mother of several starving children.
Overall, this film was great. It was much better than my other favorite boxing film, "Undisputed", and it was, to put it simply, a masterpiece that made you feel as though you were on the frontline of the boxing matches and gambling scene of the 1930's. While it could get boring at times and was somewhat long, this was still a great film that I recommend with pleasure to all. Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments...